In an essay in American Literature, Catherine Rainwater isolated several characteristics in Erdrich's novels that make them different from the typical American novel.

In The Antelope Wife, for example, while time is present, ceremonial time is more important. Readers will find that establishing historical sequences in any kind of chronological order in The Antelope Wife is difficult. Instead of presenting scenes according to chronology, Erdrich presents them according to theme; thus, various story lines are interrupted to bring in new characters or events which relate to the theme rather than to the narrative order.

Marriages and divorces and powwows seem to operate tunelessly. Because of Erdrich's use of tribal kinship, readers are frustrated when trying to determine family relations in an era of the nuclear family. Thus, Frank Shawano nurtures Sweetheart Calico and Cally Roy whether or not they are clear family relatives. Instead of a central character...