Sweet Thunder by Ivan Doig

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read several of Ivan Doig’s novels, all set in Montana after WWI and before WWII.

Doig writes with humor, understanding and wonderful skill, and I haven’t found one of his I didn’t think was excellent. (Some are more excellent than others.)

The story takes place in the city of the Anaconda copper mine, in the early ’20’s. The narrator (this is told in first person) has just returned from a year long honeymoon to take over a mansion gifted to him from his former boss.

The problem is that the mansion beginning to look like a money pit and the town is caught up in the struggle of the miners against the ruthless Anaconda Copper Mining company. Morris, the narrator, needs a way to bring in some cash.

He finds himself writing editorials for The Thunder, the city’s new pro-union newspaper that dares to engage Anaconda in its conflicts.

Morrie is very good at putting words together, which unfortunately leads to some sticky situations, with attempted murder, mayhem and blackmail.

Reading Doig is like sitting down with an engaging friend with the gift of gab and a good heart – and a wicked sense of humor. He never fails to satisfy.

I have this one in hardback, and I learned after I finished it that the main character is also in Doig’s ‘The Whistling Season’, which I have put on my ‘to read’ list.

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