Montana 1948

Larry Watson's Montana 1948 is a truly spectacular novel. Do you want to know how I know that? Years ago, we were assigned to read it in 11th grade English and it was the only book the entire class read. No one skipped over it, and decided to take the inevitable "F" that was waiting for them on the pop quiz. It was just such an enthralling book, and no one could put it down.

David Hayden is our narrator. As you can imagine, the story takes place in a small town in Montana during the year 1948. David is a grown man now, but we can tell he is recalling an incident that occurred in his small town when he was a young boy. David lived with his parents, grandfather, and his caretaker, Marie Little Soldier, who was a Sioux. Marie Little Soldier was basically a Hayden herself. The Hayden family cared for her just as much as she cared for them, so, when she fell ill, they did what any family would have done. They called a doctor...

David's Uncle Frank was the town doctor, and his father Wesley was the sheriff. Frank was a handsome war-hero, and he was also the one person Marie Little Soldier refused to see while she was ill. Now, David and his father are forced to face the true meaning behind this. David, being only 12 years old. And his father, being the sheriff, and Frank's brother. The truth comes out in this novel. The truth about life, courage, love, abuse, and loyalty. How will the Hayden family survive? 

I wish I could write a longer synopsis. Something more detailed, but from the very beginning of the book, Watson keeps his readers on their feet. I truthfully cannot tell you more than this because anything more would spoil the novel. And this is a novel you truly should read!

Watson does such a fine job of blending his characters together, exploring the cultural differences between Indian tribes and white men/women, and telling a story that has stuck with me throughout the years. In this small Montana town, no one is safe from the truth. This book shows us that, eventually, the truth will come out. No matter how long you hide it, Watson is here to tell you that even death cannot keep you from the truth. 

Finally, let me just say how much I enjoyed reading this novel. It was such a nice break from the normalcy of high school "required reading." There were twists, turns, surprises, and it ended brilliantly. But, it wasn't like a mystery novel. It was a novel of trials and tribulations. It was truly a pleasure to read. I know there's no way this is going to happen, but, Mr. Watson, if you're reading this, your book was a breath of fresh air and I hope my little review did it some justice, thank you for writing it.

I give this novel 5/5 stars.

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