LOVE MEDICINE

Erdrich has added five new "chapters" to what in 1984 was originally called a novel. Then, and especially now (given the easy add-ons, the ready slotting of the new material), this formal insistence seems hollow and a bit pointless. The stories—which is what they are: none comes with narrative inter-hooks other than the times and constellation of Indian characters they encompass—remain vivid, often haunting, as at ease with the spirit world as they are able to mourn yet not discount the awful worldly circumstances that surround. The new stories are not equal to the best of the old here, but also do no particular damage to the net effect.