Great Minnesota Writers and Their Best Books
Must-read Novels by Fitzgerald, Hassler, Enger, and Erdrich
May 13, 2009
Minnesota is a state rich in literary talent. While there are numerous accomplished writers and excellent books to choose from, the following are suggestions of four of the best Minnesota writers and novels representative of their talents.
The Classic: F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald, born in St. Paul, Minnesota, is the writer of The Great Gatsby, an American classic. Published in 1925, it remains widely read because it has so much to offer. Mystery, a sweeping "roaring 20s" setting, and a tragic tale of lost love make Gatsby a timeless example of excellent fiction. Likewise, many of the novel's themes, such as the struggle to attain the American Dream, are still relevant to today's readers.
The novel is told through the perspective of the narrator, Nick, who gets caught up in the extravagant life of his charismatic neighbor Jay Gatsby, a man of great intrigue. Gatsby has his secrets, but it soon becomes clear that they have something to do with a beautiful married woman, Daisy Buchanan, who Gatsby is in love with.
The (Somewhat) Forgotten Gem: Jon Hassler's Staggerford
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jon Hassler is the author of the novel Staggerford, published in 1974. While Staggerford has lost some popularity since then, it deserves to be revisited. Taking place over the course of one week in the life of a small-town high school teacher, this novel highlights the complexities of everyday people and their relationships. If the compelling characters aren't reason enough to read this book, the unforgettable ending certainly is.
The protagonist of the novel is Miles, a young but somewhat dull high school teacher whose life turns upside-down when an intelligent, troubled female student forms an infatuation with him. As if that weren’t enough for Miles to handle, he has the politics and issues of the high school where he teaches and the small town he lives in to contend with.
The Miraculous Adventure: Leif Enger's Peace Like a River
Peace Like a River is about belief and hope. Published in 2001, and the first novel by Minnesota resident Leif Enger, this book became a bestseller. It is difficult to say which element of the book is strongest; it could be the gorgeous prose, the amazing quest-like journey of the plot, or, most likely, the amount of heart at the core of the characters and the novel itself.
Reuben Land, the child narrator of the book, tells the story of how he, his father, and his spunky little sister, Swede, set out to find their outlaw brother, Davy. Their task is not easy; Reuben has asthma, they are low on money, and it is the dead of winter. Luckily, though, Reuben believes his father is capable of working miracles.
The Family Saga: Louise Erdrich's The Master Butchers Singing Club
Louise Erdrich, who lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a critically acclaimed and bestselling author. While her award winning novel Love Medicine tends to be her most well-know book, The Master Butchers Singing Club is just as worthy of recognition. It is a love story, a mystery, and a tale of family and true friendship. Erdrich's characteristically poetic prose, mixture of tragedy and humor, and complexly real characters create a mesmerizing novel.
The plot follows Fidelis Waldvogel, a German immigrant, in his search for prosperity in America after World War I. He ends up in the fictional town of Argus, North Dakota, where his life intertwines with that of Delphine Watzka, a traveling circus performer and daughter of the town drunk. The plot has some out-of-the-ordinary elements, but the novel still has a very real focus on personal struggles and family that readers can identify with.
These four novels are extremely unique, but they are all written by talented writers with Minnesota ties.
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