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A review by wildflower37
The Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig
4.0
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
I love this author's writing. It is clear that he crafted his characters with great affection and his settings with a deep respect for their history and power.
Rusty is 12 years old; a sweet boy who wants to do the right thing. At first, his desire to please his father, Tom, is in order to not be returned to the home of his unwelcoming aunt and cousins. But, as he observes Tom, it is clear that he acts out of love and respect for Tom and their way of life, not wanting it to change.
But, of course change is on the way...several strangers come to town that enhance - and confuse - their family situation. Rusty immediately befriends his new neighbor Zoe and they spend a magical summer listening to the town's stories and perfecting their acting. Others join the picture - a sound archivist from back east, and a new sister. Each person adds a layer of hope and confusion for young Rusty.
He observes his "famous" bartender father, Tom, and simultaneously admires and respects him while worrying about him. When finances and natural disaster threaten the bar, and Tom's place in it, Rusty works to keep things from changing. But change is inevitable at this time of life, as the country moves through the early 1960's.
This beautiful, rich story about stories makes me want to spend time with the mountains and small towns of the west. Take a visit by reading this book. ( )
I love this author's writing. It is clear that he crafted his characters with great affection and his settings with a deep respect for their history and power.
Rusty is 12 years old; a sweet boy who wants to do the right thing. At first, his desire to please his father, Tom, is in order to not be returned to the home of his unwelcoming aunt and cousins. But, as he observes Tom, it is clear that he acts out of love and respect for Tom and their way of life, not wanting it to change.
But, of course change is on the way...several strangers come to town that enhance - and confuse - their family situation. Rusty immediately befriends his new neighbor Zoe and they spend a magical summer listening to the town's stories and perfecting their acting. Others join the picture - a sound archivist from back east, and a new sister. Each person adds a layer of hope and confusion for young Rusty.
He observes his "famous" bartender father, Tom, and simultaneously admires and respects him while worrying about him. When finances and natural disaster threaten the bar, and Tom's place in it, Rusty works to keep things from changing. But change is inevitable at this time of life, as the country moves through the early 1960's.
This beautiful, rich story about stories makes me want to spend time with the mountains and small towns of the west. Take a visit by reading this book. ( )