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Louise Erdrich is, without a doubt, a beloved writer. The Minnesota Native American author has won nearly every literary award out there — including 

” — and her stories captivate, haunt and delight millions of devoted readers.

She can accept the praise. But the title beloved? She’s not into it.

That’s just one of the many stories that unspooled over the course of Erdrich’s conversation Tuesday night on stage with MPR News host Kerri Miller for Talking Volumes. 

Talking Volumes: Louise Erdrich on ‘The Mighty Red’

Talking Volumes: Louise Erdrich

In front of a sold-out crowd, Erdrich talked about how growing up in the Red River Valley — where her new novel, “

,” is set — shaped her, why writing villains is a particular kind of torture and how the relatable and generous relationship between Crystal and Kismet in “The Mighty Red” was influenced by her own experience raising four daughters. 

And oh yes. Why she squirms at “beloved.”

It’s a funny, surprising, candid and warm conversation, the third in the 2024 Talking Volumes season. Powwow singer 

There’s one Talking Volumes event left: Another Minnesota author, Kate DiCamillo, will join Miller on Oct. 29 for the finale of the 25th anniversary season. Tickets are available 

Host

Author

We could not celebrate 25 years of Talking Volumes without legendary Minnesota author Louise Erdrich. Her just-published new novel, “The Mighty Red,” is set in the Red River Valley where she grew up.

Talking Volumes: Louise Erdrich on ‘The Mighty Red’

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