Bucking the Sun: A Review

Plot Summary

Bucking the Sun by Ivan Doig chronicles the tumultuous journey of the Duff family, a clan of homesteaders displaced from their Montana bottomland by the encroaching waters of the Missouri River. Forced to seek new opportunities, they become deeply enmeshed in one of the New Deal’s most ambitious undertakings: the construction of a massive dam on the Missouri. The novel unfolds through the intertwined narratives of the Duff family members: the formidable and often wrathful father, the resilient and mettlesome mother, and their three distinct sons. Their lives, and the lives of the memorable women they marry, are shaped by the colossal engineering project and the enduring spirit of the American West.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

Bucking the Sun is a richly textured and deeply affecting novel that masterfully captures the spirit of a pivotal era in American history. Ivan Doig’s ability to weave together personal narratives with the grand sweep of societal change is remarkable. The book left me with a profound appreciation for the grit and resilience of the people who shaped the American West, and a keen understanding of the complex interplay between individual lives and large-scale national projects. It’s a story that resonates long after the final page.

Writing Style and Character Development

Writing Style

Doig’s writing style is both lyrical and grounded. He possesses a gift for crafting prose that is evocative and imbued with a sense of place. His language is precise, yet it flows with a natural rhythm that mirrors the landscapes and lives he depicts. There’s a tangible authenticity to his descriptions, making the Montana setting and the era feel incredibly real.

Vivid Imagery

The author excels at creating vivid imagery. From the “sweeping grandeur of the Montana landscape” to the “dust and grit of the construction sites,” Doig paints a picture that is both beautiful and stark. His descriptions of the dam construction, in particular, are breathtaking, conveying the sheer scale and power of the undertaking.

Memorable Passages

While specific quotes might vary in their memorability for each reader, Doig frequently crafts sentences that linger. For instance, passages describing the sheer physical labor involved in the dam’s construction or the quiet moments of domestic life amidst the grand project often stand out for their evocative power. The way he captures the internal struggles and quiet observations of his characters is a testament to his skill.

Character Development

The characters in Bucking the Sun are its heart and soul. Doig brings each member of the Duff family to life with remarkable depth and nuance. The wrathful father, the mettlesome mother, and the three very different sons are not mere archetypes but fully realized individuals grappling with their own desires, fears, and loyalties. The women they marry also play crucial roles, offering different perspectives and contributing significantly to the family’s dynamic. Their growth and evolution throughout the narrative feel organic and earned, making them relatable and compelling.

Pacing and Structure

The novel’s pacing is generally well-managed, allowing the reader to become immersed in the lives of the Duffs and the unfolding events. While the story covers a significant span of time, Doig skillfully balances the forward momentum of the plot with moments of reflection and character introspection. The structure, which often follows the interwoven lives of the family members, provides a comprehensive view of their experiences. There were no parts I found particularly slow or confusing; instead, the narrative unfolds with a satisfying sense of progression.

Emotional Impact

Bucking the Sun evokes a powerful emotional response. It’s a story that elicits feelings of admiration for the characters’ resilience in the face of adversity, empathy for their struggles, and a deep appreciation for the enduring bonds of family. Moments of hardship are balanced with instances of profound love and connection, creating a rich emotional tapestry. The novel prompts reflection on themes of progress, displacement, and the human cost of grand societal ambitions.

Themes and Messages

Author’s Conveyance

Ivan Doig appears to be conveying a profound exploration of the American spirit, particularly as it manifested during the New Deal era. He highlights the tenacity, adaptability, and sheer will of ordinary people in the face of monumental change. The novel suggests that progress, while often necessary and beneficial on a large scale, comes at a personal cost to individuals and communities. Doig succeeds in illustrating how national endeavors can both break and forge families.

Social and Cultural Commentary

The book offers significant social and cultural commentary. It provides a vivid portrayal of the impact of government programs like the New Deal on rural and frontier communities. It touches upon themes of land ownership, displacement, the changing role of women, and the evolving landscape of the American West. The novel implicitly critiques the sometimes-unforeseen consequences of large-scale development on individual lives and traditional ways of living.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths

The novel’s greatest strengths lie in its unforgettable characters, Doig’s masterful prose, and his ability to bring a specific time and place to vivid life. The historical backdrop is meticulously researched and rendered, making the New Deal era and the dam construction feel palpable. The exploration of family dynamics is particularly strong, offering a deeply human perspective on historical events.

Weaknesses

It is difficult to identify significant weaknesses in Bucking the Sun. Perhaps some readers who prefer a faster-paced plot might find the more introspective moments to be a bit slower, but these moments are crucial for character development. The sheer scope of the story might also require a certain level of engagement from the reader.

Recommendations

I would highly recommend Bucking the Sun to readers who enjoy historical fiction, particularly those interested in the American West, the New Deal era, and stories about family resilience. Fans of Ivan Doig’s other works, such as This House of Sky or Winter Count, will find much to love here, as the novel shares his characteristic lyrical style and deep connection to Montana. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives with a strong sense of place will find this book particularly rewarding.

Conclusion and Rating

Bucking the Sun is a powerful and beautifully written novel that offers a compelling glimpse into a transformative period in American history through the lens of an unforgettable family. Ivan Doig’s talent for storytelling, character development, and evocative prose makes this a truly memorable reading experience. It’s a story about resilience, the land, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Where to Get It

For those eager to experience the compelling narrative of Bucking the Sun, it is readily available through various booksellers. You can find it at major online retailers or your local independent bookstore. For those who enjoy digital formats, ebooks are widely accessible. You can also find further insights and related content at My Ebook.