The Mighty Red

Erdrich said the following in an interview: “[The Red River] floods and I wonder about the relationship of it’s everything. It’s sometimes our adversary and sometimes life giving. It’s a different relationship, isn’t it, when you live at the border of something that can be terrible and wonderful at the same time.” In what ways did Erdrich expand on this idea in the book?

Did you laugh or cry at any point while reading The Mighty Red? If so, what passages made you do so?

Some themes in the book are trauma, grief, and forgiveness. What are your thoughts on how the author explores these themes in the novel?

Discuss how unhappiness, safety, and freedom impact the characters. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Adapted from: bookclubfriends.com/discussi on/the-mighty-red-bylouise-erdrich/ AND marmaladeandmustardseed. com by Louise Erdrich

What roles do farming, soil health, and ecology play in the novel?

Kismet and Crystal have a warm, loving relationship despite Crystal being so opposed to Crystal’s marriage. There is conflict and love in the same relationship. Does this feel like a realistic portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship?

How do race, class, gender, and religion play roles in this novel?

Which characters did you find the most compelling? Why?

What do you make of Crystal and Martin’s relationship?

The Mighty Red is set in the aftermath of the 2008 financial collapse. How does the book incorporate this setting into its plot? Did it feel realistic to you?

Did anything from this book affect your own world-view about living near the Red River?

If you could ask Louise Erdrich anything about this book, what would it be?

Do you have any thoughts on the book that you haven’t yet shared?