Montana 1948 A Novel
Montana 1948 A Novel by Larry Watson, published by Milkweed Editions in 2007, is a poignant exploration of a family’s unraveling in the wake of scandal and betrayal. Set in the summer of 1948, the narrative follows twelve-year-old David Hayden as he witnesses events that irrevocably alter his perception of family and loyalty. The Haydens, once esteemed members of their small Montana town, face a devastating revelation that challenges their moral foundations.
Readers will find a compelling story that delves into themes of family life and coming of age against the backdrop of the American West. The novel presents the complexities of truth and justice as David grapples with the shocking actions of his uncle Frank, a respected doctor, and the impact on their household. With 175 pages, this edition offers a concise yet impactful reading experience in English, inviting reflection on the nature of power and the difficult choices one must make.
Official synopsis Publisher
The tragic tale of a Montana family ripped apart by scandal and murder: “a significant and elegant addition to the fiction of the American West” (Washington Post).
In the summer of 1948, twelve-year-old David Hayden witnessed and experienced a series of cataclysmic events that would forever change the way he saw his family. The Haydens had been pillars of their small Montana town: David’s father was the town sheriff; his uncle Frank was a war hero and respected doctor. But the family’s solid foundation was suddenly shattered by a bombshell revelation.
The Hayden’s Sioux housekeeper, Marie Little Soldier, tells them that Frank has been sexually assaulting his female Indian patients for years–and that she herself was his latest victim. As the tragic fallout unravels around David, he learns that truth is not what one believes it to be, that power is abused, and that sometimes one has to choose between loyalty and justice.
Winner of the Milkweed National Fiction Prize
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