• Prairie Nocturne

  • By: Ivan Doig
  • Narrated by: Scott Sowers
  • Length: 15 hrs and 16 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (125 ratings)

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Prairie Nocturne  By  cover art

Prairie Nocturne

By: Ivan Doig
Narrated by: Scott Sowers
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2003 Ivan Doig (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Fine work from a quintessentially American writer.” ( Kirkus)

What listeners say about Prairie Nocturne

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not to my liking!

I have enjoyed Doig's books in the past. Dancing at the Rascal Fair was just wonderful. This one, not so wonderful. None of the characters were likeable or interesting enough to hold my imagination. The story moves along as slow as molasses. Life is too short to waste on a book you don't care about. I am quitting after listening for 6 hours.

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5 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I do love this author's work!

I quite liked this! I had to relisten to big chunks of the story multiple times as there were details easily missed. I'll listen to it over again as I do with all Doig... There is so much to absorb!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it.

If you could sum up Prairie Nocturne in three words, what would they be?

I love everything Ivan Doig writes. His writing is unique and poetic. Love his characters. Love his stories.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I did not want the story to end!

Would you listen to Prairie Nocturne again? Why?

I would listen to it again because the characters and their relationships are complex and the world they live in is so beautifully described.

Which character – as performed by Scott Sowers – was your favorite?

Susan, of course.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I wanted it to last a long time.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of my favorite Ivan Doig stories!

Really enjoyed the story line and how Susan was not your usual 1900s personality. I also liked the finale of the previous stories from the two medicine. Good closure. The narrator is excellent and also sings which I was surprised to hear. That's unusual in my 250+ audio adventures and it did add a different dimension to this. I would recommend!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love Ivan doig

Always get so attached to the characters and sad when the book ends. Love Doig’s descriptive writing. Thoroughly enjoyed the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful story

I can now say I've read every one of Doig's novels and his two memoirs. I am proud to have been a fellow Northwestern alum.

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