The best historical fiction doesn’t just take me to the time and place depicted in the story. It takes me into the heart and soul of people who lived there and then. This is precisely what William Kent Kruger has done in this beautifully written story of four orphans on their journey to find safety, home, and love while discovering themselves along the way. He does this with characters who are everything to this telling of history, whose stories tell of the extreme hardships of the Great Depression, of the injustices and harm done to Native American children in the government sponsored boarding schools, a blemish on our history; with characters whose faith is tested in the meaning of home, of friendship, of family, of forgiveness, of God. Twelve year old Odie O’Banion is a story teller and what a storyteller he is - conveying what happened to him and his his older brother Albert, along with Mose, the strong American Indian boy who can only speak by signing and little Emmy who is special in so many ways, when they escape the harms done to them at Lincoln Indian Training School.

This book is over 450 pages and there’s not a wasted word. I’ll leave plot details to others but just say that on their journey from a small town in Minnesota to St.Louis, they encounter dangerous situations and trials, mean spirited people like the ones they are running from, but also kind and generous people who will restore theirs and the readers faith in humanity. They find people suffering the losses of the Great Depression, some of whom have lost homes, reminders of the awful things done to Native Americans, but there will be the beautiful music that Odie plays on his harmonica and the fabulous stories he tells of The Vagabonds to help get them through some of the harder days. While the book reflects so much that is true, it is a work of fiction and there will be times when your imagination will be tested, but it is worth the testing.

You shouldn’t skip the author’s note in the end which describes his research process, not just reading books but by traveling to places where the characters traveled. In a letter to readers at the beginning of the book, Kruger writes, “In asking you to read This Tender Land, I am, in a way, offering you my heart.” What can I say to that except, thanks to you for touching mine.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Atria via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was a little skeptical about Ordinary Grace and whether it would be a little bit on the religious and spiritual end of the storytelling spectrum for me. In the end, I was pleasantly surprised that it worked for me and I was engrossed and entertained by the novel.

On reading this new, second book the same author, I will admit that I was not able to turn the blind eye on all of the God references that perhaps I did on that first book. Maybe I was expecting it and it was too much in the forefront of my mind as I read along. The confusion withinthe main protagonists thoughts about God and his place in the world as he saw it was kind of heavy and often included in most chapters. It did wear me out and as an atheist I can tolerate religion but I didn't really need to be so heavily whacked on the head with it at every turn.

Aside from all of that, the story of the ill treated orphans who go on a huge adventure along the Gilead River was great to read and the author has a knack for creating evil characters that you just can't help hating and wishing a reversal of fortune on them, which obviously is exactly what happens. A page turner for sure but probably a tad too long for my liking.



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Atria Books, thanks for this. Talk about jumping the TBR queue...

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of This Tender Land! I can't recommend it enough.

This Tender Land is a story about family, hope, belief, and growing up during one summer in 1932. With the backdrop of the Great Depression and unspeakable treatment of Native Americans, we journey with Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy, four orphans in search of home and new life. I was captivated at the start with Odie's declaration that he is a storyteller and God's final gift to us was stories.

What a story Odie tells! Reminiscent of Huckleberry Finn with many other literary allusions, the story takes our four heroes from their frightful existence at the fictional Lincoln Indian Training School on a search for home and a place to belong. They encounter numerous obstacles and stay barely one step ahead of the Black Witch while meeting all sorts of people along the way. They must decide if these people can be trusted and if they can find a place to belong in each new place. Sometimes heartbreaking and sometimes inspiring, each encounter tests their faith and bond with each other as they follow the network of rivers to the Mississippi. Surprises along the way introduce historic details about the time period, and finally bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.

I loved every part of this story and appreciated the author's note at the end explaining his inspiration. Thank you William Kent Kruger for Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy and their heartfelt story.

While I will thrilled to see a new William Kent Kruger book coming out, I must say I was disappointed that it wasn't another in the Cork O'Conner series. Kruger has done it again, however, in this great book about the hard scrabble life during the depression era. This emotional adventure wasn't what I was expecting, but I did enjoy this one. Keep 'em coming, Mr. Krueger!

Wow. This book knocked my socks off. Kent Krueger is one of America's best authors but here he has produced the most stunning book of all. Take a bit of Homer, throw in Mark Twain and a lot of William Kent Krueger, and you have This Tender Land. I predict this will win every major award and prize, just like his previous book Ordinary Grace. The story of three teenage runaways bonding on a trip to find their families, the nuggets of humanity and cruelty riddle the pages with wow moments.

This was a really great read from the author of "Ordinary Grace" and many others in the Cork O'Connor mystery series. I loved OG, so I hoped this would be just as good, and I was not disappointed. Without repeating too much of the plot, this was the story of four orphans canoeing down the Mississippi River in 1932. They escape dire conditions at a Native American boarding school in Minnesota, and the book is mainly a story of their journey, the people they meet and how they all mature along the way.

The writing was very strong, with some really moving quotes: "Shooting him was like shooting an animal with rabies. It had to be done. But when I pulled the trigger, I lost something of myself . . . " Our four main characters have all suffered immense loss for kids so young, so some parts were really sad. "We were also grieving, but that, too, was only part of it. There is a deeper hurt than anything sustained by the body, and it's the wounding of the soul. It's the feeling that you've been abandoned by everyone, even God. It's the most alone you'll ever be." Pretty harrowing stuff for kids.

I wasn't expecting this to be such a religious book, but the search for faith and belief (or disbelief) in God were really important themes running throughout, perhaps too much so in my opinion.

If I had another negative point, it may be how neatly the resolution came to be. I found that a little hard to swallow.

Overall though, this is a moving story of four kids who have suffered loss beyond their years. I loved all of them and found myself wanting to wrap my arms around them and keep them safe.

Strongly recommended.

Many thanks for NetGalley for providing access to an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

"I've poured the best of myself into this story and I invite you to experience all of its remarkable twists and turns. As Odie says in the very beginning 'Open yourself to every possibility, or there is nothing your heart can imagine that is not so.' Blessings, -William Kent Krueger

True to his word, William Kent Krueger did pour his heart and soul into this book. His writing is both moving and beautiful. I found myself highlighting large sections of text. He has the heart of a poet. If you have read one of his other books Ordinary Grace you will know what I mean. He has the gift to make everyday events, and ordinary people exquisite. His main character Odie is also a storyteller and this book has passages where Odie is telling stories to his friends.

"The tale I am going to tell is of a summer long ago. Of killing and kidnapping and children pursued by demons of a thousand names. There will be courage in this story and cowardice. There will be love and betrayal. And, of course, there will be hope. In the end, isn't that what every good story is about?"

The book opens as an old man, Odie O'Banion is looking back at his life, specifically back to Minnesota, 1932 when he, his older brother, Albert, and their friends, Moses and Emmy embark on a journey. A journey to escape the horrors that exist at the Lincoln School, a home where Native American children are being educated after being separated from their families. Although, Odie, Albert and Emmy are not Native American they all under the care of the woman who runs the school. As they make their escape, the four meet some interesting people. Some good, some bad, but all with stories of their own.

"Stories are the sweet fruit of my existence and I share them gladly."

The beauty in this book is not just in the wonderful writing, but in the descriptions of the people and the time/era in which they live in. I felt as if I was right there in the canoe as a quiet observer as they made their escape and had their interactions with others. Odie is a young teen when he goes on this journey and matures along the way as he confronts the harsh realities of life. He is not the only character who changes and grows. The others change and grow as well.

There are discussions about God in this book. God as a tornado, God as a savior and God as being part of the land. There is a level of spirituality that runs through the book, but this book is never preachy or overbearing. Some of the characters in this book have faith while other's question theirs. The author is not asking the reader to have it, nor is he trying to cram anything down the readers throat.

"Ask me, God's right here. In the dirt, the rain, the sky, the trees, the apples, the stars in the cottonwoods. In you and me, too. It's all connected to God. Sure, this is hard work, but it's good work because it's part of what connects us to this land, Buck. This beautiful, tender land."

I savored every page of this beautifully written book. This book has a little bit of everything. It has a little bit of magic, a little bit of drama, some history, some romance, coming of age and learning about and knowing yourself. It's also about acceptance, friendship, family, and love. Family comes in all forms and these children created a loving cohesive family unit which was a joy to read.

I highly recommend this book. READ IT! When you are done with this book, do yourself a favor and pick up Ordinary Grace and read that as well.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The thought and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

With gorgeous descriptive passages, unforgettable characters, and an entertaining plot, THIS TENDER LAND is destined to become a classic!

What a gift! Thank you NetGalley and William Kent Krueger for the privilege of reading this book. After Ordinary Grace I knew that anything this author writes will be on my Must Read list. This did not disappoint. In fact, once again this will be the book I recommend whenever friends ask what they should read next.

The story follows four children on their odyssey to escape tragedy at the Lincoln School in Nebraska. Narrated by Odie, this is a Huck Finn adventure, a coming of age novel and a spiritual quest all rolled into one. The characters who interact with the children along the way are colorful and memorable and they often contributed to the surprise and tragedy and adventure that made this book so satisfying.

I knew the writing would be gorgeous. One expects that from this author. I was pleased to find his narrative to be just as compelling. The threads that weave the characters together, the unexpected grace moments and the redemption simply make this novel an outstanding read.

I savored this book. I wanted to rush through it, and it would be easy to do that. But I anticipated, rightly so, that I'd feel lost when it was over. And I do. And I can't wait for another book from this amazing author.

Beautiful, heart-breaking, and a journey that will leave you breathless. I hadn't read Krueger's first novel, so had no expectations coming into this one, but if I had done so, I would have been extremely happy. The influences (which the author notes) of Huckleberry Finn, the Odyssey, and the orphans of Dickens' novels are clear in the reading. You'll fall in love with Odie, Emmy, Mose and Albert as they struggle to reach Minnesota after a particular incident forces them to leave the boarding school where the staff regularly abused them. Krueger is a beautiful writer who understands how to build both the world and the plot without bogging down the story. This Tender Land is a lovely coming-of-age tale that you'll be thinking about for months to come.

Thanks NetGalley and Atria for the early read!

I requested an advance copy of this book by William Kent Krueger because I really loved Ordinary Grace. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria books for allowing me to read this incredible story in advance of the publication date. It took me on a journey I will not forget.

The story starts in 1932 in Northern MN at Lincoln School, a place of hardship and even cruelty for Native American children. Orphans Albert and Odie O’Banion are the only two non-native children at the school and Mose, also an orphan, is their best friend. Emmy is the young daughter of a much loved teacher at the school who was a widow and recently killed in a tornado that hit her farm. After a serious tragedy involving Odie at the school and after years of abuse, the four escape in a canoe on the Gilead River (a fictitious river that eventually gets them to St. Paul). The plan is to get to St. Louis where Odie remembers that he and Albert have an aunt.

What follows is an incredible odyssey and a story of love, many perils, the kindness of strangers, betrayal and a fulfillment of dreams. The epilogue is wonderful!! A much older and much wiser Odie tells us what happened to the various people - the four vagabonds as well as the people along the way. It is a story rich in symbolism starting with the name of the Gilead River (OT references and the hymn, There is a Balm in Gilead). I will need to read this wonderful book a second time and hopefully discuss with others to get all the richness of this book. Thank you William Kent Krueger for not disappointing me!

William Kent Krueger delivers a beautiful, moving story with deep, rich characters that takes you on an incredible journey. This Tender Land will stay with you long after you finish reading!

Beautifully written story about the journey of four children who escape a prison-like boarding school, with hopes of finding purpose, family, comfort. While they each evolve in their own way, they have a strong bond and endure several hardships together along the way. I loved the historical backdrop during the Great Depression and the descriptions of the conditions around that time. The author is clearly a gifted story teller, however it was a little slow for me at times.

Thank you to Atria Books and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book.

This is the first book i have read by this author. I was surprised how much I liked it. I loved the character Odie. I loved reading about his adventures as he escaped the orphanage. I will be ordering this book because I have several patrons that will really enjoy this book.

Books that are simply written often tell a wondrous tale. They don't need gimmicks because the writing shines through and takes a reader on a journey that is moving, loving, and ever so worthwhile reading. This Tender Land is one of those books.

“Ask me, God’s right here. In the dirt, the rain, the sky, the trees, the apples, the stars in the cottonwoods. In you and me, too. It’s all connected and it’s all God. Sure this is hard work, but it’s good work because it’s a part of what connects us to this land. This beautiful, tender land."

Life has always been hard for those children left behind when their parents perished and they were left orphans with no one to care for them. For the brothers Odie, who is our guide in this story, and Robert, placed into an Indian school for orphans as the only two white boys, life is ever so difficult. It's 1932, the depression is in full swing, and these children are burdened with a horrible director, Mrs. Brickman at the Lincoln School. There are others at the school a mixture of good and bad people, and as the brothers and their companions make a choice to escape they take Mose, a Native American mute boy, and Emmy, a newly acquired addition to the school with them as they travel through small towns making their way down the river searching for many things, family, connections, and peace.

There are the good and the bad in this story and this group of four children discover these people in the small towns along the river they travel. Odie finds his battle with religion, a god he knows as vengeful and cruel, changes as they travel further towards their destination. There are so many difficulties along the way. Mrs Brickman, hiding a terrible secret, pursues the group, and others looking to capture the reward offered for Emmy, befriend the group in the hopes of attaining this reward.

They meet a charismatic woman traveling from small town to town preaching religion, laying down hands, and seeming to cure people. Odie and the other children, except for Robert, come to trust this woman, and Odie does learn that God is not vengeful, and that life is often a series of obstacles that one overcomes through a faith in the almighty.

Told with beautiful simple prose and images so vivid, this book is heartily recommended to those who so enjoy a simple story told in an eloquent manner.

Thanks to William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and Net Galley for a copy of this book due out in early September.

This book was a joy to read and I did not want it to end. William Kent Kreuger takes his readers on a voyage down a river that is memorable and heartbreaking. . Kreuger has written a book that is destined to become a national treasure. I am sure to buy a copy of this book in hardcover so that I can own a physical copy. I cannot wait to hand sell this book and introduce my customers to these wonderful characters.

Eloquently written, this book captivates the reader and takes you on a sometimes horrifying but remarkable journey. Highly highly recommend.

I love Mr. Krueger’s work and he did not disappoint with this book. This is the tale of four children searching for security and love. They run away from an abusive Orphanage and canoe down the river searching for an aunt. They have many trials and tribulations but find some good in the world also. I know this will be a bestseller and deservingly so.
Many thanks to Atria Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

WOW - Really like how this writer, William Kent Krueger, tells a story. This is my first novel by him and I will definitely be checking out his previous book Ordinary Grace. So the story is about 4 children caught in a tornado of misfortune but throughout it all they are united as a family of sorts. This book has an underlining of spirituality to it with out being preachy religious. It is the message of hope and how the right person can enter your life at the right time. For sure a coming of age story and a spotlight on injustices done during the Great Depression. While reading this you feel you are on the river alongside them, your are in the revival tent, you are hopping aboard that train. Krueger strings his words along wonderfully and evokes a great story line rich with characters. I look forward to reading his first work and his next.

Where do I start with this book? I had to put it down a couple times because I did not want it to end.. William Kent Krueger is an amazing storyteller. I cannot believe this is the first book by him that I have read (and that will soon be remedied). As other reviewers have mentioned trying to classify it's genre is hard. I almost feel like it is a disservice to do so as I want every one to read it not just those who are focused on certain genres.

1932. The book starts with introducing Odie and Albert, 2 orphaned white boys who ended up at the Lincoln School (an off reservation boarding school but boarding school implies willing students not forced by the US government so they could "“KILL THE INDIAN, SAVE THE MAN”. Their whiteness is a part of the story as is the nature of the 'school'. We meet those who want to beat them down, those who want to inspire them, those who want to help them, and those who befriend them. Mose is their mute best friend whose emotional and physical scars will greatly impact the story as it progresses. They are forced to escape from the school with some help and rescue a girl as they escape (being vague so non spoilery).

The story focuses on after their escape but through their travels you learn more about their past. The characters they meet along the way are thoroughly thought out and this helps you connect with the main characters even more as the supporting characters do so much to help them become almost real. I cannot remember the last time I wanted to crawl into a book and hug a character as MUCH as I did with this book.

This is 5 stars no rounding up good. I highly recommend adding it to your TBR list. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. I will definitely be buying a physical copy of this book to share!!