What readers think of A Council of Dolls, plus links to write your own review.

I liked this book so much that I couldn’t decide whether to read it slowly and make it last longer, or to read it quickly and think about it more deeply after I read it!

The first three sections of the novel are told in the voices of three young, related Lakota girls, with the final fourth section in the voice of the first girl, now as an adult. Each girl receives a very special doll, who becomes like a guardian spirit, helping each child to get through some very difficult and traumatizing experiences. In the last section, we learn more about the missions of the dolls. Throughout the book, the author, herself a Native American, weaves imagery and dreams into the reality of the characters’ daily lives. We see the vast differences in the world view between Whites and Indians.

The book highlights the tragedy of efforts by the American government to separate Native American children from their families and tribes to educate them at boarding schools. While some sources say this was done to help the Indians assimilate and prosper in White Society, the actual experiences of the children were terrible and abusive. They tried to hold onto their knowledge of their languages, traditions, and ancestors despite the efforts by the schools to strip all those memories away from them.

This book also highlights the importance of good historical fictional writing. Most of us have read or seen news reports of the mistreatment of American Indians, from the early colonies into the late 20th century and beyond. The impact on our emotions is so much greater when the information is presented as stories happening to characters with whom we care about and understand.

This is an important work of fiction which deserves a wide audience to help us realize that each ethnic group in our country should be respected and cherished.

The wisdom and council of dolls was centerstage when I met ninety-five year old, Marie. For three years I lived next door. She was all about dolls. Painstakingly, she handstitched doll clothes including Elizabethan costume, roaring twenties and downhome styles. Each beautifully attired doll was lovingly placed with a hand picked child. Marie felt dolls were better companions than people. From this vantage point, I opened my copy of "A Council of Dolls" by Native American author Mona Susan Power. I have no doubt that a doll can have spirit and help its keeper to be "strong and determined, committed."

Mama wanted to fight against injustice. She told daughter, Sissy about "indoctrination" at Indian boarding schools and why home schooling was best. Mama taught herself to read before attending school. As a result, a nun locked her in a dark closet "with the devil". Perhaps that was why Mama didn't want to be touched. Sissy's companion was a Thumbelina doll she received as a Christmas present in 1969. She named her doll and confidant, Ethel. Sissy and Ethel frequently hid under the bed when Mama exhibited fits of anger. Dad explained "we've had forces working to get rid of our culture and beliefs, our way of living, for many generations now." Sissy would try to remember every Dakhota or Lakhota word her parents used.

Lily was born in her ancestral lands in 1925. Lily and her sister Blanche were sent to boarding school at a very young age. At age ten, it was noticed that Lily's reading comprehension was well beyond her age. She was awarded a second hand Shirley Temple doll she named Mae. "I don't hear Mae's voice anymore. She stopped talking to me as soon as she heard I was giving her away"...and placing her in the arms of a dying girl. Mae's voice returned to minister to Lily when Lily was sent to the punishment box at school.

Cora, born in 1888, was bound with doll Winona in her cradleboard. Winona had been handed down for generations. At age twelve, Cora was sent to Carlisle Indian School, Winona in her arms. "...nearly everyone was clutching something from home...most of us dressed in traditional garb...everything we'd worn...was taken away, loaded into baskets...we were cut-hairs, against our will...our clothes and treasured items..." set aflame in a metal drum. A small black stone was all that was left of Winona....what was left of her heart. The smooth stone always seemed to flutter and vibrate allowing Cora to feel her doll's spirit and listen to her whisper words of wisdom and encouragement.

Three generations, three dolls telling a story of the devastation unleashed by Indian boarding schools and the power of dolls to reflect the spirit, courage and determination of the children trying to keep their ancestral heritage alive. Highly recommended.

Thank you BookBrowse and Mariner Books for the print ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Just finished reading this book and really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the way the author was able to connect these "dolls" . The book is in the most simple terms a family history. This book will make you angry, will make you sad, will make you laugh and through all of this, will give you hope. I normally read historical non-fiction books. I love history. This book is a work of fiction, however through historical documents, testimonials and personal stories that I have read, the abuses that were perpetrated on the Native Americans are not/were not fiction. They did occur. This book is a reminder of the injustices that have occurred in this country, while at the same time will be a reminder that people do and can survive and will become stronger than they ever thought possible. I highly recommend this book.

Dolls have been an integral part of many childhoods. They can be sources of comfort, a companion, someone to cuddle up with a night and an avid listener when problems need to be discussed.

This intricately detailed novel talks about the roles dolls played in 4 Native American women’s lives. For each woman the dolls served all those roles admirably. There’s an interconnectedness in the stories as one doll bridged the gaps between generations.

I enjoyed learning about Native American customs and practices and enjoyed the book. I think the non Native American reader would benefit from a glossary of unfamiliar terms but that’s a small point

I am always interested in books about Native Americans, in the past or present. This four-part novel moves around in time and relates the lives of 4 generations of Dakota women. The first three chapters move backward in time, which was slightly confusing. However, each chapter helps elucidate the childhood development of a woman and explains some of her behavior as an adult. The unique approach in this novel of using the dolls that belonged to these women as a conduit of emotions is unusual and made me wonder about the mental coping mechanisms of children who experience trauma. The implied potential for action of these dolls wandered into fantasy and in one instance was disturbing. The last chapter about the most current woman portrayed an educated woman successful in today's culture. Her progress in coming to grips with her Native American heritage ended the book on a hopeful note.

"A Council of Dolls" presents an incredible and captivating study of the existence of women in three eras, which are majorly linked to the appearance of their beloved dolls.

Following the existence of Sissy, Lily and Cora, their encounters during different periods and the basic associations they share with their various dolls are described. The dolls being possessed by spirits and wanting to interact with young women is a supernatural and mysterious part of the story, which makes it really engrossing.

The novel gradually builds on the inexplicable evidence witnessed by Cora and Lily as they are forced to attend Indian live-in schools. Power's engaging writing leads readers to strong points, allowing them to feel the characters' battles.

The book's central importance lies in its pious interpretation, which at times makes it feel more suited to a middle grade or empowered adult group. While the novel contains different expressive passages which touch the heart.

The last part of the book is where Sissy, at this point Jesse, attempts to challenge her past and the pasts of her predecessors. Sadly this partial exchange misses the target, seems unrealistic and doesn't make any sense. As the story progresses to its decision, it will usually wander and pause, long enough to obscure the impact of what might have been an even more extraordinary achievement.

The remarkable and startling piece of "A Council of Dolls" lies in its wonderful fixing rule around dolls to depict the undisputed setting of women. Counting dolls as a major theme is a strange setting, which sets the book apart from the usual obvious stories. Mona Susan Power transforms the existence of the three-times women of Dakhota and Lakhota unimaginably by the presence of their beloved dolls, becoming an immense and captivating connection between their toys.

Dolls become more than toys; They become channels for family information, power, and influence, creating an important close relationship between the characters and their past.

Power's engaging composition also stands out as a surprising piece of the book, his engaging entries wonderfully portraying the characters' encounters. The portrayal of the Indian remote schools in particular provides solid scope for the readers to feel the discomforts of the characters and the hardships they face.

Sissy's transformation into Jesse and her undertaking to understand the action of her predecessors' experiences add significance and diverse nature to the story.

In light of everything, the clever piece of A Collection of Dolls lies in the erratic and surprising interpretation of history portrayed through the dolls, the complex relationship between the characters and their toys, and the interesting construction, which moves readers forward. different periods. Take away, priceless view. Mona Suzanne Power's wonderful illustration approach, mixing the obvious parts with a sprinkling of speculation, makes for an essential and stimulating sorting experience.

Mona Susan Power does an excellent job of depicting intergenerational trauma and a certain level of healing- through time, doll "consciousness" and three related Native American women's stories. The use of the dolls as support and wisdom-keepers was clever and well-done; for me, it was easily believable. I did have a little trouble at points keeping the characters and their relationships straight but it didn't stop me from ultimately being glad I read this book. I especially appreciated the very end offered by the dolls (no spoiler here!).

This book was very interesting to me because it encompassed Native American culture, relationships, history and mysticism. It was a slow read simply because I wanted to absorb all the information. I loved how the generational relationships connected. It was a thought provoking and sometimes sad read, but it makes me want to learn more of the Native American and their struggle.