The High Divide by Lin Enger

 I ordered this book used from Amazon based on the author's brother's books. Leif Enger, the brother, mentioned in an interview I read, how much he admired his brother's work. Well, it's not even in the same ball park as Leif's work. It was okay...just mediocre writing and story. Whereas Leif's writing is colorful and admirable and filled with great characters. There are similarities, however.

Both brothers write about Minnesota and North Dakota and settings in a slightly earlier time. This novel takes place in Bismarck and Miles City, Montana, and open spaces in between. There are cowboy and Indian elements, just none that are particularly compelling or even educational. It's too bad... And the mother in this story, the woman left behind by both her husband and her two sons, does some fairly unbelievable things... Her dialogue didn't ring true at all, nor did her actions. The two brave sons were likable enough, but not very interesting.

One part that was enjoyable, however, was when the older son learned how to ride an Indian pony and went on a buffalo hunt with the Indian his father had sought. The "trade" made between the two fathers was interesting, but I was surprised when the trade was only temporary. It did cause me to reflect on forgiveness and accountability...

The mystery that moved the story forward, the father's crimes against the Indians while he served under Custer, unfolded fairly predictably. I enjoyed the historical and geographical references that I was familiar with, but it was all rather ho-hum. This book is going to be pitched into the "Little Library" box down the street.