comment on style / language

Louise Erdrich tells her novel “The Plague of Doves” in language that is poetic, descriptive, and reflective. Because the novel assumes the form of firsthand written accounts of the past in a historical society newsletter, it only makes sense that the use of past-tense language and retrospective consideration be used. For example, on page 243, Evelina recalls contemplating the history of the town and its families while committed to the institution.