Montana 1948

Montana 1948 is set in a small town on the very northeastern edge of the state of Montana. The events described are experienced through the eyes of David Hayden, a twelve-year-old boy. In a prologue, he describes several images he remembers vividly from forty years ago. Years later, after both of his parents are dead, David decides to tell the whole story of the tragedy he witnessed as a boy.

At the time of David’s narrative, he lives with his parents in the small town of Bentrock, Montana (population of about 2,000). His father is the county sheriff. His mother also works, as a secretary, so David’s parents have hired a local Native American woman as a combination housekeeper and babysitter for their son. 

This woman, Marie Little Soldier, falls ill, and David’s father summons his brother Frank, who is a doctor. Marie objects to having the doctor examine her but David’s father insists on it. After the doctor’s visit, Marie tells David’s mother why she refused to see him: the doctor has been sexually abusing Native American girls, and Marie was afraid to be alone with him. 

David’s mother passes on the information to her husband and urges him to take action against his brother for his crimes.