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sssnoo's review against another edition
4.0
The second book from Ivan Doig I have read and it will not be the last. Doig is a prolific writer from Montana and has been nominated for the National Book Award but until last year I had never heard of his body of work, let alone read it. The Bartender’s Tale is a coming of age story written from a young boy’s perspective. The plot is engaging; I looked forward to my daily walks (I was listening to the Audible version) so I could read more - and Easter day went on a very long walk so I could keep listening. There were moments I laughed out loud (funniest description of a tick infestation I have ever read). Other moments I cried or felt so much compassion for a character I had to pause and reflect. I have used this description before, but here is another book that calls to mind the emotional and intellectual response I feel when I watch an episode of Call the Midwife. Many of my friends know this exact feeling as they are also enamored with the midwives. I now have a few places to visit on my next road trip to the great north. A strong 4.5 stars and not quite sure why I am not making it five except I have decided to keep 5 stars for something on a different plane.
trixie_reads's review against another edition
4.0
I read the audiobook and found it utterly delightful, with a News of the World vibe (for fans of that book). It had a tiny bit of misogamy and racism here and there, but maybe it wouldn't have been true to the time period without them?
alisun's review against another edition
4.0
This was my first Ivan Doig book and I'm sure I'll read more. First, his writing style is just lovely -- lots of context and description but none of it feels like too much. The narrator, Rusty, tells the story of coming to live with his father in Montana when he is 10 years old (or at least I think he's 10 -- it's not entirely clear). "Pop" owns a bar in a small town in northern Montana and much of the novel describes their simple yet entertaining life in the "Medicine Lodge." All Rusty knows about his mom is that she left Rusty when she and his pop "split the blanket." Pop raises Rusty without a lot of fuss but with apparent love and devotion. One of the best parts of the book is "Pops" dialogue which is striking because the narrator clearly loves language and is a storyteller but the subject he is reporting on is a man of few words. This is not a plot-driven novel but it still manages to draw you back to it.
kifkathleen's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
stacthor's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, what a great book! Rich characters, beautiful language. A really poignant read as a parent, to remember what it felt like to be 12, and how 12 year olds must feel as they try and work out their parents' pasts.
cokidder's review against another edition
5.0
This is very possibly the best book I've read in a long time. It isn't the genre I usually read, nor one that I write. But it had real characters that moved me. And the story, while not epic in scale, was something beautiful.
ladyliterateur12's review against another edition
5.0
I have a soft spot for this book! The tone is humorous, colloquial, and nostalgic. The characters, both adult and child, are rendered well and feel like people you have known for awhile. The story takes a few plot twists that have you sharing the same concerns as the young male protagonist in this book. I'm glad I gave it a try!