A review by sssnoo
The Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig

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.