Book Brief
345
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1900s
2006
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig is a historical novel set in early 20th-century Montana, following 13-year-old Paul Milliron during the 1909-10 school year. After Paul's father hires Rose Llewellyn as a housekeeper, she and her brother Morrie Morgan, who becomes the teacher in their one-room schoolhouse, significantly influence the rural community of Marias Coulee. The narrative contains a description of animal cruelty.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Humorous
Serene
Reviews & Readership
24,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ivan Doig's The Whistling Season is widely praised for its evocative prose and vivid depiction of early 20th-century Montana. Reviewers commend its rich, nostalgic storytelling and well-drawn characters. However, some critics note a slower narrative pace. Overall, it's celebrated for its heartfelt exploration of rural life and education.
Who Should Read The Whistling Season?
Readers who relish historical fiction with rich, evocative prose and vivid character development will enjoy The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig. Fans of Wallace Stegner's Angle of Repose and Willa Cather's My Ántonia will appreciate the novel's depiction of early 20th-century rural life and the transformative power of education.
24,766 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
345
Novel • Fiction
Montana • 1900s
2006
Adult
16-18 years
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