Last Bus to Wisdom

Last Bus to Wisdom   by Ivan Doig was his sixteenth book

 and the first I have read. I discovered this delightful novel in

the Montana State Museum gift shop in Helena, the capital

this past summer, while on a road trip.

Doig was a master storyteller. This novel is peopled with

strong, flamboyant characters and a twisty, turny plot that

will leave you breathless

Donny, who tells the story, is a latter day Huckleberry Finn.

He is an irresistibly charming rascal. Donny has the curiosity

and gregariousness to imprint indelibly in a reader’s mind.

Herman, the German, Donny’s pardner in crime is also his

perfect foil. They keep each other honest and help each other

survive.

Ivan Doig did quite well as a best- selling author before I was

aware of him. I did notice his name on best- seller lists several

times. I read constantly and hadn’t gotten around to him yet.

 I so am glad I finally discovered him! He is simply one of the

best storytellers I have run across in a very long time.

So much “wisdom” was imparted as Doig’s twisty plot unfolded

I began to think the title was metaphorical. I was slightly

 disappointed, having visited Wisdom, Montana years ago.

However, I was gratified when almost three quarters of the way through,

 Donny and Herman did manage to get to Wisdom, which

implemented their redemption and gave them a place to

finally be at home.

This novel is one of those page turners. I am sad Ivan Doig

is gone. I am glad he wrote fifteen other books. I plan to

read every last one of them. The Last Bus to Wisdom is

that good! I give it my highest recommendation.

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