The actual "last report" on the miracles at Little No Horse is a letter from Father Damien to the Pope. The book is a mixture of these letters and events from more than 80 years of Father Damien's life, mostly on a Native American reservation in North Dakota. The book isn't a fast read and might lack a single, driving plot, but the characters are vibrant and their lives feel real enough for the reader to care about them.

Note: very early on in the book, we find that Father Damien is not what he seems. He was Agnes. However, Father Damien is not transgender, and my take on things is that Agnes did not become Father Damien because she was called to Catholic priesthood but was prevented from becoming a priest by sexist church rules. Father Damien starts as Agnes's disguise. So, if you are coming to this book because of this element of the story, be aware.

I find that I'm saying this a lot recently, but the standout part of this book is the characterization. Less than a year ago, I read Louise Erdrich's The Night Watchman (which was fantastic). The Last Report... has a similar level of characterization. These people are wonderful, deep, and tragic (but not so tragic that the book is depressing). While there are certainly some bits that nuzzle up to magical realism, I feel like their lives/fates are believable, at least mostly, and in general, I really like them.

This book is written in one part in 1996 on the reservation in North Dakota, when Father Damien is very elderly. The other part starts when Agnes is young and covers her/his life up to the 1960s. The author is from the area and is from the Native American people who make up most of the characters, so not only does she know what she is talking about, but she represents a group of people who are underrepresented in American literature.

It is hard to talk about the plot. I guess it is the lives of the characters, plus the investigation into whether Sister Leopolda is a saint. It sort of weaves all over, which is going to be true of a story of someone's life.

Just so that you don't think this is super serious literary fiction, it is quite funny. There are definitely sad moments and very touching moments too, and I would say that it ends on a positive note.

As much as I liked this book and The Night Watchman, I won't be reading any more books by Louise Erdrich, as all the books she currently has out are either for kids or are too sad for me. However, I'll keep an eye out for newer books of hers. I think The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse would be good for anyone who likes to spend time with interesting characters. I also definitely recommend The Night Watchman. If you are less sensitive than I am and read her other books, drop me an email to let me know what you think.