Eric Choi’s Reviews > Montana 1948 > Status Update

I was surprised Frank committed suicide, and I highly assume that he committed suicide to prevent the decline of his family and reputation as a war hero and respected doctor from being destroyed. I also think Wes’ family leaving Montana symbolizes the new start and Wes’ freedom from his father, Julian. I feel like this novel alluded to the brutality of the world and how the world is different from the media.

The story really hit the climax when Wes chose morality over family, and I felt very complex when Wes stayed in a calm status when Frank shattered the jars and made a raucous noise in the basement. If I were in Wes’ situation, it would have been a hard decision to leave Frank alone when he was suffering (even though he committed a crime). It was also shocking that Wes led the decline of the Hayden family.

It was heartbreaking when I saw the grandparent’s behavior towards his son Wes during the story. Especially when his grandparents believed Wes was jealous about Uncle Frank at first, it was clear that they had thought of and treated Wes with subordination. If I were in Wes’ situation, I wouldn’t feel enough love or care and would feel betrayed by my parents when they made comments leaning towards Frank.

I never expected that Marie was going to be the first victim in this story. At this point, I was questioning why she was suddenly sick in the first place and what story was behind it. After David told the eyewitness story to their parents, I am highly suspecting Marie’s death was related to Uncle Frank. Furthermore, if Frank killed Marie, the reason might have been to stop the rumor of him molesting indian women.

I felt like the author tried to highlight Julian’s desire to show off his prosperity throughout this passage. I think Julian’s ornaments like rattlesnake skin, deer antlers, and Indian blankets symbolizes control, strength and superiority throughout his life. More importantly, the size of his house indicates that he was one of the few people in town who had made a lot of money, showing his sturdiness like his house.

I would’ve also felt lonely when I was in David’s situation, excluded from adult conversation. Although the discussion wasn't appropriate for him, I would be very disappointed with the parents. I think the author alluded to the contrasting behavior of Gail and Wes, saying the wind brought something new. On the other hand, Wes cursed the wind. I think this connects to the prologue, the contrast of their deaths.

I would’ve also felt lonely when I was in David’s situation, excluded from adult conversation. Although the discussion wasn't appropriate for him, I would be very disappointed with the parents. I think the author alluded to the contrasting behavior of Gail and Wes, saying the wind brought something new. On the other hand, Wes cursed the wind. I think this connects to the prologue, the contrast of their deaths.

The way the author built a scenario with complex emotion was very fascinating. I feel like the author also tried to highlight the father's conflict between his values and guilt. I'm sure that he knows the truth, which really captivated my attention. It was also very interesting how the author created David’s animosity towards Dad, because I might have also been shocked when I was in a similar situation as him.

It was very interesting how the author implied the contrast of life of White and Indian people, Frank and Ronnie. I felt there would’ve been a stereotype of indian people because they were very similar, but their life was totally different (doctor and rancher). Also, Marie’s strong and resistant yell might be a sign of Frank performing something more than just a diagnosis, possibly something inappropriate.