Rating: 
Summary: The author might be a little wrong.
Review: I have taken the time to read both Ivan Doig's novel "Dancing ... " and his own review found here on this web page, and, unforunately, I have to disagree with him on a number of issues concerning the typical Scottish-immigrant-land-settler's experience in Montana in the first half of this century. I am 83 years old, and I grew up and spent much of my life in Billings, Montana. I have worked the fields, sheared sheep, put out fires, driven trucks, worked for the Forest Service and even taught classes at the Univeristy of Montana. I know Montana and I know it's people -- particularly the men. Therefore, I just know that no man worth his salt would whine and waste his whole life for some women who may or may not have loved him. Montana men just don't give in to East Coast sentimentality and hog-wash. I have lived in Montana and I have lived in Boston, and this book appeals to all the pale silver-spoon-feed Eastern librals. Let's just hope that a real Western man will someday step forward and write a great Western novel that a real Western man will be proud to read.
Rating: 
Summary: Exceptional
Review: I usually read science fiction, but I picked this up by chance. The writing is remarkable, Doig is a master of beautiful, flowing prose, excellent characterization, and story telling. The plot is very strong yet subtle, and I rapidly flew through the book; I was as hooked as I have ever been. Without giving anything away I just want to say that this is one of the best pieces of literature that I have read in many years.
Rating: 
Summary: Surprising
Review: I was lent this book by a friend, since this is not the type of thing I normally read. I have to say I thought it got off to a slow start. However, I was hooked about 1\4 of the way through. The story was quite engrossing and I felt I was really learning something about the history of the west. the characters were wonderful, particularly Lucas. I fully enjoyed it and have reccomended it since. Very Good.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite Doig books
Review: I've read most of Doig's works; this is among my favorite. Would also recommend his tale of canoeing along the coast of the Pacific NW.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorite books!
Review: Mr. Doig has a magical way with words that paints wonderful pictures. The characters are 3-dimensional, and the story of friendship and love is told with extraordinary feeling that brings the story alive. Each time I read it I discover nuances previously missed. Truly a delight to read - I'm always sorry to come to the end!
Rating:
Summary: Dancing at the Rascal Fair
Review: Once one gets into this book, you cannot put it down. The author manages to capture the dialect of the people and the hardships they endured to settle this wild,cold country. Mr. Doig is indeed a poet!
Rating:
Summary: Dancing at the Rascal Fair
Review: The best novel I have read in a long, long time. It wasn't enough to fall in love with the characters--I lived every day with them. Dancing at the Rascal Fair exemplifies the power of great writing.
Rating:
Summary: Dancing at the Rascal Fair
Review: The best novel I have read in a long, long time. It wasn't enough to fall in love with the characters--I lived every day with them. Dancing at the Rascal Fair exemplifies the power of great writing.
Rating:
Summary: A narrow story set in the big sky country?
Review: The love story of Angus and Anna, moving from Scotland to Montana, during the age of the west! Sound big, broad, with a sort of epic quality? Too bad! This book was surprisingly crabbed, about an unfulfilled love. The characters never embrace or enjoy their lives; nor does the author. Instead, people are mooning about lost chances, regretting being at sea, lost in the West. I do not want to give away any plot points, but I have to say, this book left me mildly bored. Doig is no Wallace Stegner. Skip this one and pick up the next boot wearing western writer de jour.
Rating:
Summary: A narrow story set in the big sky country?
Review: The love story of Angus and Anna, moving from Scotland to Montana, during the age of the west! Sound big, broad, with a sort of epic quality? Too bad! This book was surprisingly crabbed, about an unfulfilled love. The characters never embrace or enjoy their lives; nor does the author. Instead, people are mooning about lost chances, regretting being at sea, lost in the West. I do not want to give away any plot points, but I have to say, this book left me mildly bored. Doig is no Wallace Stegner. Skip this one and pick up the next boot wearing western writer de jour.
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