The Master Butcher's Singing Club was written in 2003 by Louise Erdirch, a native American writer. It revolves around German American traditions and culture, which is part of Erdrich's personal heritage.
The book follows the lives of Fidelis Waldvogel, a German World War 1 sniper, and his family, as well as the relationship between Delphine Watzka and Cyprian Lazarre. It happens after World War 1, which both Fidelis and Cyprian fought in, albeit on different sides, and follows their lives in Argus, South Dakota up to the point where Fidelis' children fight in World War 2. The novel mainly centers on the themes of family and tradition.
It has since been adapted into a stage play by playwright Marsha Norman, a winner of the Pulitzer Prize, and was part of the Guthrie Theater's 2010/2011 season when it was directed by Francesca Zambello.
