Prairie Nocturne

By: Ivan Doig

Narrated by: Scott Sowers

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)

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.

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.

This one clinched it

This is the sixth or seventh Doig novel that I have read in the past year. The author is now in my personal pantheon of my favorite novelists. I loved the story, characters, and Montana landscape descriptions. Now I’m planning a trip to the Two Medicine Country.

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.

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.