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)

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.

Great Story Too Long

A great story, but I tired of weather (suspect homesteaders did, too), I tired of Angus’ pining for Anna (but lovers pine forever, maybe, too), and I tired of Rob’s anger (anger goes on and on, too, doesn’t it? Great story, too long!

New Favorite

The books starts off slow. However you will be richly rewarded with a powerful and passionate story if you stay with it. This book entices the reader with paragraph after paragraph of poetic prose. Then, the author grabs your attention with a spellbinding story that has all of the elements that make you want to begin reading and never stop. His beloved Montana comes to life such that you can hear the constant wind, feel the biting cold, taste the dust of the dry years, smell the sheep pens at shearing time, and see the vast expanses of prarie fading into the impossibly rugged mountains. This book grabbed me and wouldn't let go.

Don't judge this book by the first few hours

I started listening to this book and thought my iPod was set on "slower." With gigantic spaces between words and the narration barely creeping along, I nearly chucked it. But, I kept listening and by hour 3 was so engaged in the story, I couldn't put it down. I ended up loving the pace of the slower narration and how it contributed to the characters. It's an absolutely wonderful book. Don't give up on it. You'll be richly rewarded with a story and some vivid characters who will stay with you.

What an Enchanting Story!

Thoroughly enjoyed this book written in the voice of a young Scottish immigrant who grows throughout this book in the realities of manhood in a rugged land. A coworker who was born and raised as the son of a Montana sheep herding family originally from Scotland said this book portrayed the true reality of that life style. This writer is among his favorites. The poetic prose of the writer coupled with his touching story makes this book one of my favorites also.

Gorgeous, Rich and Vast

Gorgeous in its visuals, rich in its characters, and vast in its depiction of Montana's history. Doig's writing is so unique and wise, I was swept up and never let down, didn't want to be put down, until the sumptuous end. I'll be listening to this again, guaranteed.