Summary

In the prologue, “The Old Priest, 1996,” Father Damien was an old priest living at Little No Horse. Ever since coming “to the reservation in 1912,” Damien had written “lengthy documents . . . “to the Pope” (2). The pope never replied.

Convinced he was on the verge of death, Damien composed his final report from the reservation. He drank wine while writing, as he needed courage. He told the pope about recent inquiries into “the Blessedness of one Sister Leopolda Puyat” (4). An official from the Vatican believed she was a saint, and wanted more information about her. Damien also referenced the other letters he had sent to previous popes. He begged the pope to reference these reports, confessing that he was addressing the pope “as a sinner and also as an imposter” (6, Erdrich’s italics).

While writing, Damien reflected on his life, work, and friendships at the...