Erdrich’s use of multiple narrators in Four Souls weaves an intricate but coherent story. My only difficulty with this achievement was how Nanapush had an in depth knowledge of Fleur’s activity when he hardly seemed to speak to her. I found myself emotionally invested in three out of the four narrators, but I was always aware of an uncomfortable boundary between myself and Fleur. I cannot recall a single passage focusing of Fleur that took place in the first person, yet we have that for all the remaining narrators. This would not have been so bad if Fleur had not come across as the central figure of the story. I got the sense the Erdrich had built this character up so much that any real level of intimacy would have spoiled that careful illusion.
At the same time, I believe that Fleur was a complex and evolving character. She is a mother, an independent spirit following an uncertain path of revenge, and person with multiple names that speak of a larger story beyond her existence. I am disappointed that I cannot get Fleur’s own perspective on her complexity and evolution. Four Souls did me a service by taking me through unfamiliar territory, and I intend to continue this particular journey by looking at least one of Erdrich’s other works before I head to other lands.
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