Dancing at the Rascal Fair
Dancing at the Rascal Fair
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1987
Book Brief
416
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1890s
1987
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in the Two Medicine country of Montana during the late 19th century, Ivan Doig’s literary Western Dancing at the Rascal Fair (1987) follows two Scottish immigrants, Angus McCaskill and Rob Barclay, as they adapt to frontier life and face numerous hardships, including personal conflicts, disease, and harsh environmental conditions, while pursuing their respective romantic interests and familial obligations.
Nostalgic
Challenging
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
7,883 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ivan Doig's Dancing at the Rascal Fair is celebrated for its vivid portrayal of early Montana life and deep character development, capturing immigrant struggles with authenticity. While the rich, atmospheric prose garners praise, some find the narrative pacing uneven. Overall, it's lauded for powerful storytelling despite minor criticisms of its length and occasional slow spots.
Who Should Read Dancing at the Rascal Fair?
Readers who enjoyed Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry or The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck will appreciate Ivan Doig's Dancing at the Rascal Fair for its rich historical detail, strong sense of place, and the exploration of immigrant experiences and frontier life in early 20th-century Montana.
7,883 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1890s
1987
Adult
18+ years
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