Reviews

Dalva by Jim Harrison

clairemarlowe's review against another edition

5.0

Favorite Harrison.

maa_pix's review against another edition

5.0

One of Harrison's best.

hoodster's review against another edition

3.0

This was one of my favorite novels when I read it for the first time in my life 20s. I just finished re-reading it 30 years later and was quite surprised not to enjoy it. There are still enough highlights to garner a three star rating, but I can't say that I would recommend the book. Harrison is often pedantic, pretentious, discursive, and sometimes annoying. The main characters are not particularly realistic or likable. The exceptions would be Naomi and the elderly Swede.

I also find it strange that this book is marketed with Dalva appearing as a Native American in the cover art, and yet there is nothing in the narrative to support this version of her appearance.

I had the same frustrating experience re-reading Wolf, which I also found brilliant in my 20s. Maybe Harrison is a young man's author.

lauraharris5's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this book! Made me actually romanticize the Midwest lol. Such an interesting blend of generational family stories, history, nature, and life.

sayyahtobookseh's review against another edition

emotional funny slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

carie's review against another edition

hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

dave37's review against another edition

5.0

I'll admit that I tend to readily connect with Harrison's writing, but this was just a terrific read for me. It's another of those books that just makes you slow down to give it proper attention. The characters are interesting, multi-faceted, and develop over the course of the story. Up there with True North as my favorite Harrison so far.

stonembooks's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

prettysocialreject's review against another edition

adventurous emotional

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

embln's review against another edition

adventurous funny inspiring reflective relaxing sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5