Rating: 
Summary: WaamPaam Woo Haa Koo Koo
Review: A pretty good book and much bigger on the dog as friend than the hideous cat (who, by the way, is no where to be seen in this fine novel). This is a moving story covering something like three or four generations and told from several perspectives--a third generation (I think) 1/8th Sioux, a drunken professor, and back to the Sioux (Dalva). As is typical of the author, this novel is full of wisdom, beautiful writing, hardship, sorrow, and survival. I rather liked it--and loved the absence of any sentimentality (or puny-brained felines). I was a tad annoyed by the rank confusion found on page 319 as to whether or not JWN (a major character) was dealing with a Lt Col or simply a Lieutenant. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and can recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: WaamPaam Woo Haa Koo Koo
Review: A pretty good book and much bigger on the dog as friend than the hideous cat (who, by the way, is no where to be seen in this fine novel). This is a moving story covering something like three or four generations and told from several perspectives--a third generation (I think) 1/8th Sioux, a drunken professor, and back to the Sioux (Dalva). As is typical of the author, this novel is full of wisdom, beautiful writing, hardship, sorrow, and survival. I rather liked it--and loved the absence of any sentimentality (or puny-brained felines). I was a tad annoyed by the rank confusion found on page 319 as to whether or not JWN (a major character) was dealing with a Lt Col or simply a Lieutenant. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and can recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Richly compelling, 4-1/2 stars
Review: A writer friend recommended Jim Harrison's books to me, Dalva in particular, and I think I must now send my friend a substantial gift.Dalva is not only a remarkably authentic portrait of a most unique woman (along with her equally unique mother and sister), it is also a book that offers insights into ranching life (Nebraska), the slaughter of the Native American population (the Sioux, in this instance) and a family history that is absolutely fascinating. The one section (relatively brief) I found not particularly compelling is the one narrated by Michael, the alcoholic professor friend and sometime lover of Dalva who has been given permission to write a chronicle of the Northridge family--incorporating the journals kept by Dalva's great grandfather that begin inside the infamous Andersonville prison. Michael's manic self-indulgence and lack of restraint are, without doubt, faithful to alcoholic behavior but this segment of the book lacks the drive and fascination that are inherent through the rest of the novel. Drunks, even gifted ones, get terribly tedious very quickly. Altogether this is a sweeping novel that contains not only intriguing personal histories but also offers visions of the land--be it Nebraska or the Dakotas or Arizona--that are so complete as to feel tangible.
Highly recommended.
Rating: 
Summary: This is my favorite book, so I'm a tad biased...
Review: Anyone with a soul will like this book. Those who want to climax too quickly (*snicker*) or suffer from ADD should avoid it. Multiple stories (mainstream fiction, historical fiction and even romance) are all twisted together here into a moving, witty, and complex story. Jim Harrison's novels are like a hike in a beautiful landscape - enjoy them for the journey, for the little joys along the way. Jim Harrison writes like no one else and leaves me in awe with every page. He drew a sunshine in my copy of Dalva in Seattle. The book is my prized possession.
Rating:
Summary: Almost makes one want to live in Nebraska
Review: Dalva is a beautifully written, intricately plotted and thoroughly engaging novel. The book was recommended to me by a bookstore worker, and I plan to thank him the next time I am in the store. I was certainly glad that I was on holiday when I read Dalva, because I certainly wouldn't have gotten any work done once I started. If you enjoy good writing, you will like this book.
Rating:
Summary: A female character to relate to
Review: Finally, I have found a female character that suits me. Dalva is a deeply emotional and intellectual character. She is very feminine, yet very comfortable in the masculine world of Nebraska. I could ride with her, hunt with her and love with her as I lived the pages of this book. I have yet to find a real woman that I could relate to and have so much in common with.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent and entertaining
Review: Harrison does a fine job of portraying this complex female and her mother, though his treatment of her sister is limited. While I found parts of the book unbelievable (...), overall, I found the book to be a rich and well-structured novel. I also recommend the sequel, The Road Home.
Rating:
Summary: A fictional charactor that resonates
Review: I can only approach this book with utter reverance. Read at a transitional time in my life, as a new wife, a new skydiver and on the brink of middle age there can be no objectiveism. Jim Harrison understands middle aged women, both our sense of freedom and of alienation, a second coming of age. I did not read the review guidelines. Dalva wouldn't.
Rating:
Summary: My favorite charcter
Review: I just recently returned from the Black Hills of South Dakota, via the Sandhills of Nebraska. Harrison has captured the essence of this vast lonesome country like no other author could ever hope to. I could almost feel and see Dalva roaming around the countryside. I thank God for the Black Hills and the Sandhills, and I thank Jim Harrison for the Northridge family.
Rating:
Summary: a book i re-read once a year
Review: i just wanted to weigh in against the all-girl gangs of jim harrison haters. this is a lovely, funny, deeply moving novel, and, like some of the other women reviewers who have posted here, i find harrison's female characters (not just dalva) completely believeable and quite admirable. if you enjoy this book, i would heartily recommend your listening to the unabridged audiobook version available from recorded books, inc.
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