Episode description

Louise Erdrich is, without a doubt, a beloved writer. The Minnesota Native American author has won nearly every literary award out there — including a Pulitzer for “The Night Watchman” and a National Book Award for “The Round House” — 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.

In front of a sold-out crowd, Erdrich talked about how growing up in the Red River Valley — where her new novel, “The Mighty Red,” 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 Joe Rainey was the musical guest.

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 here.