Ivan Doig’s (1939 – 2015) last novel, Last Bus to Wisdom, is a story to cherish. Donal Cameron, 11, is being raised by his grandmother since both his parents were killed in an automobile accident. For the last several years, Grandma has been a cook at a large Montana ranch, but in the summer of 1951 she needs serious surgery and must make temporary arrangements for Donal to stay with his Aunt Kate and Uncle Herman in Wisconsin.
Donal travels by dog bus (aka Greyhound) and along the way meets interesting fellow passengers, people who fire Donal’s active imagination. He arrives in Wisconsin to a rude surprise: Aunt Kate is bossy, narrow-minded and tyrannical. Henpecked Uncle Herman hangs out in his greenhouse most of the day, avoiding her. Although Donal tries to behave, his actions don’t suit Aunt Kate and she sends him back to Montana. Never mind that with his grandmother in the hospital, he no doubt will be placed in an orphanage, at least temporarily. Downcast, he had just settled in on the bus for the long trip home when to his surprise and amazement finds Uncle Herman as his seat mate.
The two, Donal and Uncle Herman, manage to have adventures and misadventures along the way. As it happens, Uncle Herman has a fascination for the west, and Donal knows and loves ranch life and is more than happy to share his knowledge with Uncle Herman. Now together, as they travel, they stop to take in a rodeo, an Indian pow-wow, and camp in Yellowstone National Park. Eventually they find themselves broke and desperate, but finally catch the last bus to Wisdom, Montana to hopefully find work on a ranch.
Last Bus to Wisdom is a marvelous story. Ivan Doig’s characterization is impeccable. He knew the American West, particularly Montana, and his vivid descriptions of landscape, the economic times and people are realistic. Every chapter is packed with fun incidents and surprises. I loved this book and highly recommend it to readers of all ages.
