Prairie Nocturne

Written by Ivan Doig

Narrated by Scott Sowers

National Book Award finalist Ivan Doig writes about Big Sky country with raw authenticity. Set during the 1920s, Prairie Nocturne finds Susan Duff, the young songbird from Doig's Dancing at the Rascal Fair, now a middle-aged singing coach living in Helena. When her old flame Wes Williamson asks her to mentor his black chauffeur, Monty, she agrees. But racial tensions erupt when Susan's private lessons with Monty attract the attention of the KKK. "Fine work from a quintessentially American writer."-Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781461804451

Ivan Doig

Ivan Doig (1939-2015) was born in Montana and grew up along the Rocky Mountain Front, the dramatic landscape that has inspired much of his writing. A recipient of a lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award from the Western Literature Association, he is the author of fifteen novels and four works of nonfiction.

Reviews for Prairie Nocturne

[skayw-655209 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I loved Whistling Season and I liked Work Song so I was excited to see another by this author. It might have been my mood but this book seemed to spend an awful lot of time going nowhere. I didn't like any of the main characters enough to really care what happened to them.

[m.belljackson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Prairie Nocturne deeply explores Susan, Wes, and Montgomery's thoughts, backgrounds,
and evolving motives and love, while always moving close to Two Medicine.

Sure did not see the endings coming around those high Rockies though Ninian's role was predictable.

And yet, what is missing? How Monty could take a chance on ruining The Observance by insisting
on including Susan? Once again, he is rescued by Wes. This was majorly disappointing since
he was supposed to be making his new Life on his own.

As well, assuming that Europe will welcome his mixed "marriage" felt off = hello Germany...

And what does Montgomery Rathbun look like?!?
Dark yes, but as tall or taller than Susan and Wes?
Or shorter because he fit in a barrel?

And, with Wes and his extensive thoughts around North Fork,
why does he never explain how he is not totally bored in New York Society
and - if he cannot convert to get a divorce and so finally honor Susan,
what is on his mind?

Ivan Doig - we need you back for The Sequel!

[bertonek · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book grew on me, but it took a while. I found Doig's writing distracting at first because it seemed like he was trying too hard. I did eventually come to like the mood of the story--quiet, a bit sad--but I didn't find the love that is revealed late in the game very convincing.