On Sarpy Creek

by Ira Stephens Nelson

A "forgotten" book so wonderful it is like finding buried treasure. This novel about a family in a small, eastern Montana town overflows with memorable, well-developed characters. The author, who never wrote another novel, surprises the reader with profound insights into human emotions and behavior. Published in 1938 and not reprinted until now, an excellent novel to simply enjoy.

Genres: Westerns, Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Laura Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hidden gem, this book was a bit of an adult Little House on the Prarie for me, following a tiny farming community in Montana from ~1920 to 1932 — through droughts, bank failures, and the ever present vicissitudes of rural life. I loved the clean style — everything was so real and so matter of fact — there was no need for inserted drama or pointed narrative. Instead , we are treated to the details of every day life with the window into the values, sense of duty, and struggles of individual characters.

Written in 1938 (and reprinted in 2003), there are none of our modern sensibilities subtly (perhaps unintentionally?) inserted into the sense these people had about their own lives. It brought out for me the stark difference between life then and now — with absolutely no safety net outside of what your (few) neighbors might be able to provide. Local Indians feature in the story and the engagement is nothing like the stereotypes I grew up with, nor are they like the updated pictures we like to paint today. We see different relationships created and evolving and once again the interactions between men and women don’t exactly follow stereotypes either past or present, but we are privy to people’s thoughts and reactions. Every person and interaction is both realistic and individual.

I found it hard to put down (except when the smaller print drove me to rest my eyes).

[Donna Cheff · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the exception of one participant, our Book Chat group thoroughly enjoyed this book! (Understanding the times was a big part of appreciating this of this book.) The characters were thoroughly described by their actions and it was interesting trying to figure out "why and how" their upbringings and events in their lives had altered their personalities. Everything is all tied up in the end but in some surprising ways. Great use of idioms and adages that many of us were raised with. Some of those expressions are rather disparaging remarks and it was helpful for us to discuss them. Ira Stephens Nelson described some of these women so thoroughly, we found it curious that he would know this point of view so well. This led us to trying to research Nelson ourselves and a member of our group with legal expertise was able to access census records and a few other sources not mentioned in previous discussions of Ira Stephens Nelson's life. I will be happy to share Book Chat questions if you e-mail; cheffdonna@gmail.com. Please put "Request for Book Chat Questions" in the subject line.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first review I've written on goodreads but I'd like to say that this book, On Sarpy Creek, is really an incredible novel. I didn't give it 5 stars but I still might go back and change it. I think that the simplicity of the writing is what is holding me back from a top rating but on the other hand, I've never read anything with a voice and style quite like this. Its simplicity is its beauty. I am not a Montana native but have been living here for almost three years and the book, although written about a family post WWI, describes the landscape, its people and their values, with such sensitivity and accuracy that the novel could have been written yesterday. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a different and fresh reading experience.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book in the Western sparse style prose. I think he captured the essence and beauty of the people who lived/worked Montana farms and ranches in that time period--those who would never leave and those who could not stay. My father was born in Hesper, Montana in the 30's and his family farmed and worked the railroad. Various aspects of the characters in the books brought to mind the adult people that I grew up around. I think this is just a terrific book. Chronicles true human beings with their flaws and greatness and the plot winds and reveals (or keeps some secrets mainly hidden) like a real life

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book, partly because all of my grandparents homesteaded in Montana, and their stories were not so different from this one. The only thing that jarred a little was the use of the "n" word and some prejudices about the roles of men and women, but these were all typical at that time and place. This book certainly stands up to many of the other excellent pieces of Montana literature that I've enjoyed.

[Debflowers7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written book about life in rural Montana in the 1920's and 30's. It takes us through the lives of a family (and extended family) during this time period. This is not a fast-moving saga, but a slice of time day to day that lets you feel what it would be like to be there. The author writes this story covering many issues during this time period and the trials people faced.

[Cheryl Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the storyline. It brought my eyes open for the struggles of that time. Life was so difficult ultimately and family relations whether then or now all have similar family troubles.

[Heidi Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story, too much description and not enough events for me.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is terrific. An old find that got rave reviews upon publication, but then dropped into obscurity. The story has all the complexity of a modern day soap opera and great descriptions of the Montana backdrop for the story. I love the grayness of the characters. They are not the classic good guy/bad guy characters of many stories. They are real people with real and complex natures. I admit I predicted the ending and loved it because it was exactly as it should be. It is a pity Ira Stephens Nelson never wrote another novel.

[John Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a good read. The author's simplistic writing style enhanced, for me, the images of the characters trying to make a living on the plains of Montana during the depression. It was easy to envision suffering the hardships that they did. But, this book goes much deeper than just man versus the land and elements. I was surprised to find that it nearly runs the gamut of human frailties; e.g. adultery, murder, alcoholism, prostitution. The author manages to assign these moral shortcomings to his characters in such a way that they do not seem contrived, simply to add spice to the story, but rather they play well to the axiom of "people aren't always what they appear to be."

[Chery · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is richness in the day to day life, if we would only pay attention. The profound simplicity of living echoes throughout this book, as few books I have ever read. Written nearly 80 years ago, and lost for decades, this singular work speaks to all the things we humans have in common; love, death, hope, loss, pain and simple unexpected joy. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a local Montana book that was published briefly in the early part of the 20th century and then lost. Two people re-discovered the book and decided to republish it. An interesting insight into how times have changed.

[Weradi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a long forgotten novel about farm people, their typical problems and resolution. Set in Montana after World War I, the descriptions of weather, landscapes, and the feelings the characters had over secrets they carried makes a well written book.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting tale of an extended family in small farming community in Montana in early 1900's. Easy to read-enjoyed it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet, simply written book about a small Montana farming family. Moving and lovely.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

read porterville, calif

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written in 1938 and was Nelson's only book... What a shame. It's very well written. Enjoyed it.