Skip to content

Dancing at the Rascal Fair

Dancing at the Rascal Fair

Historical FictionLiterary Fiction
Pages
405
Published
1987
Language
English

Synopsis

In 1889, immigrants Angus and Bob set off for a new land, in Montana. They live the next 30 years at the base of the Rockies, building homes and families.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

AdventurousHopefulReflective
Family SagaFish Out of WaterSurvival

Genres

Historical Fiction Literary Fiction

About the author

I
Ivan Doig

Ivan Doig is celebrated for his vivid historical novels set in the American West. Works like Dancing at the Rascal Fair, Prairie nocturne, and The Whistling Season explore the lives and landscapes of Montana. His stories offer a deep look into a bygone era.

Characters

AngusProtagonist
BobProtagonist
All characters in Dancing at the Rascal Fair

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Dancing at the Rascal Fair part of a series?

    This novel is the first in Ivan Doig's McCaskill trilogy, which chronicles the lives of Scottish immigrants in Montana. While it introduces the main characters and setting, each book in the trilogy can be read as a standalone story.

  • What makes Dancing at the Rascal Fair unique among historical fiction?

    Ivan Doig is celebrated for his lyrical prose and deep understanding of the American West, and this book exemplifies his ability to weave historical detail with rich character development. It offers a particularly intimate look at the immigrant experience and the challenges of homesteading in Montana.