Montana 1948

Author: Larry Watson. Publisher: Milkweed Editions. Pages: 175. Price: $17.95, hardcover.

Sometimes realizing that adults are less than perfect is hard to deal with. Such is the case with David Hayden in the book titled Montana 1948.

Twelve-year-old David is the son of a long line of sheriffs who keep the peace in their uneventful hometown, Bentrock, Mont. His life is rather boring, so it comes as a big shock to David when something does occur. David overhears his parents talking about the rapes of some local Indian women, and that it was his father's brother, Frank, who committed them.

From that time on, David struggles with the horror of his uncle's offensive crimes. He is disturbed by the way his father chooses to handle Frank's offenses.

The possibility of having Frank Hayden in jail brings fierce rivalry between David's father and his grandpa, who doesn't accept having his son locked up. In Grandfather's eyes, Frank's crimes are overrated because since they were against "dirty" Indian women.

During this conflict, David witnesses a startling behavior change in his grandfather. David overhears him rationalize Frank's crimes:

"You don't lock up a man for that. You don't lock up your brother. A respected man. A war hero."

His grandfather even sends some of his ranchers to attempt to rescue Frank from his makeshift jail in the Haydens' basement.

During these times, David has a hard time realizing that the adults in his life aren't as upstanding as he once believed. Rather, he learns that adults are merely human, and can make terrible mistakes.

This book has a powerful message that is identifiable to everyone at some point in their lives. Everyone will remember the first time they saw an adult they trusted make a mistake.

David's difficulties as he copes with this fact are well-illustrated and easily understood. This is especially true as David tries to come to grips with the two images he has of his uncle - one of his playful Uncle Frank, and the other of a lawbreaker.

Larry Watson, the author, has an appealing writing style. He delivers an important message in terms that younger people can understand.

Watson's words, "I offer these images in the order in which they occurred, yet the events . . . are so rapid and tumbled together that any chronological sequence seems wrong," offer proof of his vivid writing style that keeps the reader interested in the remainder of the book.

Montana 1948 is recommended for older readers because of some profanity, mature situations and the novel's underlying theme. Overall, it was a well-written book. Lynn Wesseler, 15