Customer Reviews

Siege At Ojibwa

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As a resident of Wisconsin, Siege at Ojibwa was a "must read" for me. Throughout the book, I found myself yearning to take a trip north, travel those same county roads that take you deep into the northwoods of Wisconsin. Those of you that have been "up north", know that feeling. I was equally inspired by the characters in the book; the absolutely likeable and heroic Longley, Louis, who taught me some wonderful Native American traditions, and Bronco, the hunter with soul. Mr. McGrath definitely puts you in touch with the reality of the conflict between the Native Americans and the White People. For me this book was a heartfelt, learning experience and I anxiously await David McGrath's next work.

BEST BOOK BANNED BY BERWYN BUREAUCRATS! David demonstrates his talent for bringing all aspects of a story into crystal clear perspective. No details are overlooked, even the mundane is colorfully brought to light! Looking forward to his future works. Satisfied in Spooner!

The novel has a lot of great stuff packed into a short 220 or so pages, to satisfy every reader's pleasures. There is the touching,torchy,and troubled romatic relationship between James and Lee, which leaves you wondering througout is it really love, or just lovely lust? The romance is woven into the story of the Ojibawa nation in Northorn Wisconsin today, in poverty , and in conflict. And there is some terror thrown for those waiting for the next Koontz or King thriller.

The best,however,is the writing itself. David has mastered the art of bringing all the senses into play. When he describes the North Woods, you are there. You can see the beauty, smell the lakes and forest, touch the sky- you shiver in the morning fog. You get the same treatment when the main characters have a romatic encounter, . I don't believe he is a Native American, but David gives a description of the Ojibwa life in Northern WI, with empathy, apparent realism, and without apology.

This novel, though it has been published for college course use, should be out on the racks at Barnes and Noble book stores. It is a beautifully written journey of a photographer, Longley, who is simply used to observing life from behind the lens of his Nikon. When he follows Lee up to the Northwoods of Wisconsin, he is compelled to get out from behind the lens and take action in his own life. Everyone should get the chance to read David McGrath's fantastic descriptions and complex characters. Not to mention, McGrath's command of the language and sense of sentence forces the reader to immerse themselves in the work... utterly and completely. A must-read.

...for another offering from this author? I hope so. There's not much I can say about Siege that has not previously been covered, so I'll keep it short: Try it! You'll like it! Set time aside to explore the passion, commentary and soul of this book. If you have an open mind and heart, you will not be disappointed.

SIEGE AT OJIBWA was disturbing for its exposure of bigotry in its various forms. But the power of words that made it so disturbing, also made it beautiful in its depiction of nature, and of nature's connections to the plot and to the characters themselves. I particularly liked the river fishing episode with the old Indian, the drama with the bear, and the chapter with the hunters in the strip club. I highly recommend this story of love and race conflict, with an ending that will probably work well for most but not necessarily all readers.

McGrath knows how to hook his readers. He makes you turn pages and want more. As an Indian reader, I felt I knew Louis and newspaperman John Belisle because the description pulls them from the folds of my memory. He teases the senses with powerful images and subtle suggestions. Siege at Ojibwa was for me, in addition to being an excellent story, a trip down memory lane. He's obviously been there and has certainly mastered his craft.

McGrath knows how to hook his readers. He makes you turn pages and want more. As an Indian reader, I felt I knew Louis and newspaperman John Belisle because the description pulls them from the folds of my memory. He teases the senses with powerful images and subtle suggestions. Siege at Ojibwa was for me, in addition to being an excellent story, a trip down memory lane. He's obviously been there and has certainly mastered his craft.

I have read Mr. McGrath's occasional contributions to the Duluth News-Tribune newspaper over the years and was impressed by them. Still, I was skeptical that he could pull off that quality at novel length so I got the book from the library rather than buying it. Big mistake and I am buying multiple copies today. One for myself and two for gifts.

Mr. McGrath writes with an authenticity that cannot be faked. He thanks a few Ojibwa in the endnotes and it's obvious that he benefited from their review and friendship. His portrayal of the Ojibwa people is unflinching in it's honesty and reflects a deep respect for the people and integrity in telling of their modern lives. He "gets it."

I live in Northern Minnesota which is like the area of Wisconsin that he describes and I travel in the are in which this novel occurs several times a years. Mr. McGrath is spot on in his descriptions of the mental, sensory, and emotional experiences of living here and the natural world around us.

It encourages me to know that he is a college instructor. His students are fortunate to have him and I feel a bit envious of them.

Although I'm not a dramatist, I imagine SIEGE on the big screen, because of its colorful, compelling landscapes, and its riveting action.