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

'A Council of Dolls', written by Mona Susan Power, is a fully composed story that takes readers on an epic journey through the time period, culture and the continuing spirit of three generations of Yanktonai Dakota women. In this energetically demanding novel, Power weaves together the incredible narratives of Sissy, Lillian, and Cora women whose lives are shaped and shaped by the dolls they hold dear.

Through meticulous details and engaging passages, IMPACT takes us to the brutally authentic elements of Indian live-in schools, revealing an insight into the courageous strength of a close-knit class in the face of disaster.

Sissy—a woman born in 1961, struggles with a complicated relationship with her mother, characterized by reports of opportunity and importance. Another Christmas gift, the doll Ethel, turns into a source of comfort and cheer, speaking tenderly to Sissy even in her saddest hours.

Fans brought Lillian's story to a world in 1925 amid a period of brutal change. While maintaining a positive attitude towards her sister Blanche and her beloved doll Mae, Lillian has to deal with the unforgivable provenance factors of the 'Indian School'. The doll emerges as an image of steadfastness, in a display of vital solid areas between the Mae sisters, providing a light discharge even in the most difficult minutes.

Brought into the world in 1888 in the shadow of the 'Indian Wars', Cora embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she researches constrained management at a remote school. Cora's wonder-filled spirit and the strong nature of her doll Winona perhaps serve as fields of strength to aid in the relationship between legacy and character.

The creation of the Mona Susan Power is a work of craftsmanship in itself, portraying a candid view of opinion passed through the ages. Through her sweet illustrations, Power tracks down the resonating hurts of the past, inviting readers to stand up to the steadfast power of love, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

'A Council of Dolls' is a cutting-edge piece of work that originally resonated with its readers. It is a manifestation of the power of writing to make sense of untold stories and to honor the voices of those who are misrepresented. Mona Susan Power's sharpness as an inspirational prompt, welcoming us to embark on a momentous journey that will leave a very tangible mark on our souls and psyches...

Mona Susan Power's "A Council of Dolls" intricately threads the lives of three Yanktonai Dakota women across generations, from the 19th century to the present day. Sissy, Lillian, and Cora's stories unfold against a backdrop ranging from Chicago to ancestral lands and oppressive Indian boarding schools. Ethel, Mae, and Winona, the dolls they hold dear, symbolize their strength and endurance. Power's exquisite prose navigates the complex relationships and harrowing experiences, while weaving a hopeful narrative of love and healing. This novel stands as a modern masterpiece, tenderly exposing the indelible wounds of history and celebrating the unbreakable spirit of Indigenous resilience.

Mona Susan Power is a strong voice for her Native American People. Although a work of fiction, A Council of Dolls reads in part like an intensely written personal memoir describing the uprooting of Dakota children taken from their homes and sent to missionary schools for "reeducation" and how the damage done to those children and their tribes will affect their lives for generations to come. Out of this tragic story we are introduced to the lives of the women of this book Lillian, Cora and Jesse; to their joys, sorrows and relationships; and to their dolls Winona, Mae and Ethel. The dolls play an important role in the young girls lives. They are their comforters and the witnesses to their truth. The author has created a riveting narration weaving together the threads of the dolls' stories and those of their young owners.

This is a book that is well worth reading. The author's voice sings out loud and clear through Jesse's words. While she minces no words when she describes the wrongs done to her people, she is very hopeful for a future where these wrongs may one day be redeemed.

This book would provide lots of thoughtful discussion for book clubs. I couldn't help but think of William Kent Krueger's This Tender Land while I was reading A Council of Dolls. The authors' writing styles are very different, but I feel their writing comes from the same heart.

I was so engaged with the characters in this book. It's the story of three generations of Native American girls, each telling their story in the first person, but also through their beloved dolls who are actually their alter egos. Their experiences were so raw, the dolls took a lot of the intensity. I felt the authenticity of their lives through their stories and, once again, was horrified at the abuse that any non-white American being suffered and how the history I learned as a young student in America was a huge lie. I highly recommend this book and look forward to future works from the author.

If I were to tell a friend about this book, the Council of Dolls, I would tell them that I thought it was a very good book to read. It would be a very good book for book clubs to discuss. I have always been interested in Native American history. This book covers historical events that span from the 1900's to 2010 from the perspective of three young girls from each generation and their cherished dolls. In each generation the girls and their dolls witnessed the dismantling of their cultures, families and at times their mental stability. From the times of the Indian wars to the Indian schools to re-educate Native Americans into the "white man's way of life", to present day, Native Americans struggle to find a balance between two worlds. The dolls were that piece of culture that created a safe haven for them. The dolls were their beloved toy, the voice of reason, defender, advisor, their sanity, their healer and at times their only friend. Most important the dolls carried their history and culture forward. I think this book would be an excellent book for anyone interested in Native American Culture, The Indian Schools and Indian Wars.

While a fictional account of the lives of three Indian girls spanning three generations, this book's strength lies in the research and personal experience shared by the author as she portrays the damage brought by Indian boarding schools. The trauma experienced and the lasting repercussions are softened by the presence of dolls who become a sounding board in dealing with the adversity in their lives. Beautiful prose, profound sentences, and a well-woven story. This is a must read.

I absolutely loved this book! I think I held my breath as I read.
The difficult subject matter of collective and generational trauma was made personal with the magical voices of the dolls.
Only recently have we read about the atrocities against indigenous people in our country. This was not anything taught at school or discussed in media until recently.
This book beautifully tackles some of these tragic and horrific events.
We must acknowledge truth in order to heal. We have learned the importance of sharing our stories and releasing the shame and guilt. The author has a spiritual gift that I found irresistible. She spoke to me. I can't recommend this novel highly enough!

This is a special book for many reasons:

1. It was written by a Native American woman about Native American women. (Unfortunately, too many "historical fiction" novelists try to create stories about other groups of people with no understanding of their lives.)

2. The structure of the plot — narrated in four parts by three generations of women — starting with the youngest and moving back in time — was intriguing and kept my interest high. I especially appreciated that after reading about Sissy in the 1960s, then her mother Lillian in the 1930s, then her mother Cora in the 1900s, the plot moved full circle back to Sissy in the 2010s (now called Jesse). Jesse's part skillfully weaves most of the dangling threads from the first three parts together, but left me with food for thought.

3. Daily life and historical events are described truthfully, with the POV of the main characters in their childhoods. This approach illuminated my understanding of and feelings about both the brutal devastation and the powerful spirit of our Indigenous People better than any textbook. For book groups unfamiliar with the history, I highly recommend reading this book as a fascinating introduction — it's a perfect blend of story-telling and truth-telling.

4. Last, but certainly not least, the childhood dolls of each of the women informed and enhanced their stories in a most surprising and marvelous way. Although all of the other characters were important to adding dimension to this book, The Council of Dolls — Ethel, Mae and Winona were essential to making this a this unique novel that I will never forget!