Dancing at the Rascal Fair

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a low-key, kind of slow-moving (in a good way) book, but it is a well-written, engaging story of human life. Despite its length, I was sorry when it was over. My only complaint was that I found the sort of Gone-With-The-Wind ongoing "love" story a bit overblown but that is a very minor complaint. This was a very good listen and I highly recommend it.

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.

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!

I kept with this book for a long time but nothing happened. Apart from wanting to know who he ended up marrying it was as slow as a montana winter. After about 10 hours I just couldnt take one more minute of it and turned it off. The descriptions of the place are lovely but that just couldnt cut it.

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.

There wasn't enough drama in this one for me. I kept waiting for something (anything!) to happen. I would suggest listening to a sample before buying.