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Year 11 English Comparative (Montana 1948 and The Help): Montana 1948 (Novel)

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Montana 1948

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"From the summer of my twelfth year I carry a series of images more vivid and lasting than any others of my boyhood and indelible beyond all attempts the years make to erase or fade them...."

So begins David Hayden's story of what happened in Montana in 1948.

The events of that cataclysmic summer permanently alter twelve-year-old David's understanding of his family: his father, a small-town sheriff; his remarkably strong mother; the Hayden's Sioux housekeeper, Marie Little Soldier, whose revelations are at the heart of the story; David's uncle, a war hero and respected doctor. As their story unravels around David, he learns that truth is not what you believe it to be, that power is abused, and that sometimes you have to choose between family loyalty and justice. [source]

Who is Larry Watson?

Larry Watson

Born: 1948, North Dakota, United States

Author of Novels, Poetry, Short Stories

Read

 Larry Watson has written other novels.

The LRC does not have them, but I have provided links to Goodreads so you can have a look.

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                         In a Dark Time

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                            Let Him Go

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                                  Laura

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                   Sundown, Yellow Moon

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                              Orchard

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                           American Boy

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                                Justice

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                         White Crosses

Audiobook of Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (Youtube)

Themes: Racism

"My father didn't say anything, but I knew what he was thinking. She's an Indian - why would she tell the truth? p46
"He wears those and soon he'll be as flat-footed and lazy as an Indian" p34
"Frank said maybe he'd do a little dance around the bed. And if that doesn't work he'll try beating some drums." p35 
"I don't care. I tell you, if you could hear him talk. As if he had no concern for what he did than if ... if he had kicked a dog. No. He'd show more remorse over a dog." p150

Infographic!

undefinedInfographic of Montana 1948 [Source]

Characters

Text Support

Lisa's Study Guide for Montana 1948 (2020)

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