Helpful Score: 5
Excellent book, as are all of Ivan Doig's that I have read so far. He is truly one of the best authors I have discovered in a long time. Great storytelling, wonderfully crafted characters and the most beautiful prose. Highly, highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 5
This was a great book. It seemed a bit slow to start, but it was beautifully written and picked up the pace about midway through. I finished reading it a couple of weeks ago and I am still thinking about the characters and their story.
Helpful Score: 4
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Ivan Doig is a master and this is his best!
Helpful Score: 2
This is the central volume in Ivan Doig's Montana trilogy. Wonderful.
Conrad B. (Phunter) reviewed Dancing at the Rascal Fair (McCaskill Trilogy, Bk 2) on + 35 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Doig manages to paint a vivid picture of the Big Sky country of Montana while also drilling deep into the recesses of the human heart. Life, like the Montana sheep of the McCaskills and Barclays, tends to wander in unexpected directions. You get a notion that things aren't going to be quite as rosy as Angus had anticipated and, sure enough, things go awry. It is a powerful story, convincingly told from Angus's point of view - the sense of loss and heartbreak felt very real.
Doig stated that he used some Robert Burns quotes and others he created himself. I was curious about the story the children read of the King's Remembrancer - if that was something he made up too. I'd rather like to read it myself!
As a Scots immigrant myself who has traveled around the western part of Montana through Browning and down across the endless rich, grassy rolling hills of the Blackfeet Reservation, I felt immersed in the story from the beginning in an oddly vicarious way.
I had previously read "Mountain Time" and enjoyed Doig's writing ability, but this book was outstanding.
Doig stated that he used some Robert Burns quotes and others he created himself. I was curious about the story the children read of the King's Remembrancer - if that was something he made up too. I'd rather like to read it myself!
As a Scots immigrant myself who has traveled around the western part of Montana through Browning and down across the endless rich, grassy rolling hills of the Blackfeet Reservation, I felt immersed in the story from the beginning in an oddly vicarious way.
I had previously read "Mountain Time" and enjoyed Doig's writing ability, but this book was outstanding.
Lyn K. (LynK) reviewed Dancing at the Rascal Fair (McCaskill Trilogy, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Ivan Doig is an author from Montana and this book is about the early pioneers in that area. It is the first book in a trilogy. Worthy reading.
Helpful Score: 1
Outstanding. Such a wonderful writer.
Helpful Score: 1
Story of 2 brave Scottish youths, Angus and Rob, leaving their homeland for America in search of security and adventure. Because of Rob's uncle Lucas is in the wilds of Montana, the owner of the Great Maybe Mine, and a saloon they end up homesteading near the little town of Gros Ventre which Lucas promises to become a boom town. The book is about their struggles to find their security, love, and in this search they find daily adventures by trying to survive in the threatening Montana weather by raising sheep. All great books have a great love affair and you will find one of the best in this one. I found the book difficult to put down as I became enthralled and captivated by this story of how they fought to overcome the almost insurmountable difficulties they faced. I recommend it to all.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed Dancing at the Rascal Fair (McCaskill Trilogy, Bk 2) on + 628 more book reviews
Definitely one of the best written books I have read and loved. a saga of at the turn of the century and from the back cover of the book"a passionate portrayal of the immigrants who dared to try new lives in the imposing Rocky Mtns in Montana." truly Dazzling!
Lynda C. (Readnmachine) reviewed Dancing at the Rascal Fair (McCaskill Trilogy, Bk 2) on + 1474 more book reviews
This may be a very fine book -- Doig is an outstanding writer. However, the physical design, using a heavy, elaborate font set in what appears to be 9 point type, has utterly defeated me.
Fifty years ago, my eyesight might have permitted me to read it. Today, however, it is beyond my physical capabilities. So after two days, a grand total of 19 pages, and two excruciating eyestrain headaches later, I'm passing it on to someone with better vision.
Fifty years ago, my eyesight might have permitted me to read it. Today, however, it is beyond my physical capabilities. So after two days, a grand total of 19 pages, and two excruciating eyestrain headaches later, I'm passing it on to someone with better vision.
Joan S. (happyface) - , reviewed Dancing at the Rascal Fair (McCaskill Trilogy, Bk 2) on + 46 more book reviews
Ivan Doig is a brilliant writer and Dancing is a wonderful example of his art. I have read most of his books and intend to read them all.
