Dancing at the Rascal Fair

By: Ivan Doig

Narrated by: Robert Ian MacKenzie

Length: 19 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Dancing at the Rascal Fair by National Book Award nominee Ivan Doig, captures the passion and tenacity of turn-of-the-century immigrants struggling to build new lives amidst Montana’s windswept Rockies. The tale unfolds into a contest of the heart between Anna Ramsay and Angus McCaskill—kept apart by obligations—as they and their stormy kin vie to tame the brutal land.

©1987 Ivan Doig (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Magnificent… Dancing at the Rascal Fair establishes its author in the front ranks of contemporary American writers.” ( Seattle Times)

"The settlement of Montana between 1890 and 1919 is recounted through the quiet but compelling life of Angus McCaskill, a young Scotsman who travels with his friend Rob Barclay to Montana's Two Medicine Country to homestead. Doig writes fervently of the voyage from Scotland and the lean first years, as the two share the work and hardship of establishing claims and building up flocks of sheep. He tells of their separate marriages, the severing of their friendship, and the final resolution of their conflict through death. Doig successfully recaptures the violence of the Montana elements and the staunch heritage of the Scottish settlers." ( Library Journal)

Don’t miss this in lightning and intense book with a fabulous reader

This book is historical, plot, building, and character study. The book brings out the historical background of shepherds from Scotland and Life in the Montana mountains. It will not be a book that will be forgotten. The reader had the grand Scottish Voice. He made each character sound different so it could be followed of who was speaking. It was like going to the movies. And much better. 

Thoroughly Enjoyable

Many reviews have complained that this book is slow. I think it just depends on the reader's preferences. If you are the type of person that enjoys historical fiction, picturesque landscapes, and deep character development, then I'm confident you will love this book. Robert Ian MacKenzie does a phenomenal job of bringing these Scottish immigrants to life in beautiful dialect. The story flows well, and the characters are brought to life in an endearing way. I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable and was not disappointed in the least - was actually sorry it ended. If, however, you like a fast-paced thriller, perhaps this is not the book for you. If you have any personal connection to Montana, the early pioneering days in the Northwest, or the plight of Scottish immigrants, you will find the book fascinating. I highly recommend it!

Beautifully Written and Read!

Loved this book because of its pace and the constant drama in the characters' relationships! It had me from the first pages as Angus described the voyage from Scotland to America and the trip on to Montana. (That's in stark contrast to a few other reviewers who claimed that it was "too slow" or had "no drama.")

This is actually the second book in Doig's Trilogy, but I was advised to read it first, to be followed by "English Creek" and "Ride With Me Mariah." If this was any example of what awaits me, I will be hugely rewarded.

The author's descriptions of Montana paint a rich, vast picture for all listeners. Doig's lush words take you alongside Angus and Rob; to the river valleys and high grassy plateaus; into their cramped quarters; nearby as love is born and spurned. You will be rewarded with accounts of how the national parks system and conservation impacted both cattlemen and sheep farmers in Montana in the late 1800's in a very personal manner. You will feel the struggle to build, settle, and tend the land and animals as homesteaders made their way. Moreover, Doig's characters; Angus, Rob, Anna, Adair, Barrick, and others are real people in every sense of the word who struggle with relationships, health, and the things that Mother Nature throws at them.

If you enjoy historical fiction, particularly that focusing on the settlement of immigrants to the western states, you can't miss with this book!

Great read

Great adventure tale wrapped up in a heartbreaking love story. Really gave you a sense of the vastness of the landscape

Amazing story

The narrator was perfect as was the story. What an epic tale of survival and tenacity.

Captivating story and characters

The characterizations in this story and in the performance leave you laughing and crying. It is so real and true to life. I was sorry when it was finished. I wanted to live with these characters a little longer.

my favorite of this year!

I love the narration of "MacRobert" here! My first experience with Ivan Doig's work. Will put the rest of his work into my "Wish List." This is a wealth of Scottish culture and history, as well as a wonderful view into the early settling of Montana. I'll listen to this multiple times, just to enjoy every detail to the fullest.

Beautifully written book!

Truly a beautifully written book that will make the simpliest things become lavishly described events. The scenery is vivid and the characters are alive. The story encompasses the emigration of two late teenage Scots to Montana, their journey, their homesteading, their friendship through decades and their families. Rob and Angus are great characters. You will be planted with these folks in the hills of the Rockies near Two Medicine and in Scot Heaven. Clearly sacrifices are made for duty and for love...and lots of stubborn temperaments. The narration is done flawlessly. This is a graceful book filled with history and eloquence. It is also a story that comes full circle which I appreciated.

hard to put away

Where does Dancing at the Rascal Fair rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

ive listend to a lot. it is in the top ten of my list

Which character – as performed by Robert Ian MacKenzie – was your favorite?

i liked all performances. he even did an excellent job with the females

Any additional comments?

i found this in the discount list under BOGO. surprised to find it there after listening. it is such an outstanding story and very well read

A grand American saga

Robert Ian MacKenzie keeps multiple characters cleanly delineated without any 'bleed-through' of one to another.
Ivan Doig's writing is poetic, tough, spare and lush...all at once.