This story had a certain allure that managed to hold my attention and keep me reading, yet at the same time, it didn't truly captivate me in the deepest sense.

Before reaching the last hundred or so pages, I had already made up my mind to rate this work as less than four stars.

However, it's important to note that while it may come in third place after "Crossing to Safety" and "Angle of Repose", Stegner didn't neglect to add depth to both the story and its characters.

In fact, there are several marked passages in the last third of this story that really stand out.

If you have an inclination towards a melancholy read, or if you are able to appreciate truth and honesty even when it doesn't come packaged with the typical feel-good elements, then I would highly recommend adding this book to your to-be-read list.

It may not be a perfect masterpiece, but it does offer enough substance and thought-provoking moments to make it a worthwhile read for those who are willing to look beyond the surface.

I feel somewhat bad for rating this book without finishing it, but it is what it is.

The story just never had that hook that could grab me tightly and make me eager to turn the pages. What's more, I really hated the characters. I have loved Stegner’s books in the past, so it came as a big surprise to me that I couldn't get into this one at all. It was just absolutely flat, lacking any kind of excitement or depth.

Wondering around aimlessly, chasing the husband’s hare-brained schemes to get rich, and never having a sense of home is going to be a hard sell for me. I read a summary of the rest of the plot and found out that the main female character never does move on and ends up dying of cancer. Yikes! I just knew the plot was only going to keep irritating me and just get worse as I continued reading. I keep telling myself that I need to learn to walk away from books that don't suit my taste, so this time I finally took my own advice.

The settings are usually a highlight of his books, but in this instance, that was not the case. I imagine it’s really hard to make North Dakota and Saskatchewan seem compelling. Maybe it's because I'm not familiar with those places, or maybe it's just that the author didn't do a good job of描绘 them in this book.

The high rating this book receives is undoubtedly due to its flawless and extremely detailed writing.

The descriptions of the American West, as well as of nature and the elements, are all exquisitely rendered. The title accurately describes the footloose patriarch of the family, and the story lives up to my expectations. It's as if it's a reverse blend of "A River Runs Through It" and Sinclair Lewis' "Babbit" (an anti-"Babbit").

However, on the other hand, although I didn't doze off while reading, I was aware that the book is rather long. It's just on the verge of being painful because of the great writing. Next time I read Stegner, I'll purposefully look for an abridged version. I prefer this story over "The Angle of Repose," but I would still say that the latter is a good book for engineers and naturalists.

Overall, this book has its strengths in its detailed writing and engaging story, but its length can be a bit of a drawback for some readers.

Wallace Stegner was indeed an outstanding writer and storyteller. This novel from the early 1940s has an undeniable allure that will have you eagerly turning the pages. However, the almost unyielding grimness of the book might eventually give you pause. I truly hope it doesn't, as I found this to be an excellent read.

The Big Rock Candy Mountain is the aspiration of the father in the family portrayed here. It represents a false promise of quick wealth that seems so easily achievable in the expansive American West, luring him into an unending pursuit, regardless of the consequences for the others in his life.

The settings in the Midwest and West, along with a farming stint in Saskatchewan just across the border, are vividly brought to life. This is achieved mainly without the use of poetic adornments that might have softened the harshness and desolation of the landscapes.

For me, this book is on par with Stegner's later work, Crossing to Safety. These two novels have had the greatest impact on me. There were moments when the anxieties described in a particular episode or predicament were so intensely depicted that I had to take a break, put the book down, and engage in something else. How often do we come across novels that are this vivid and well-written?

The story spans from the beginning of the 20th century to the 1930s, reminding us of the extreme difficulties of survival in that era. The environment is so different from the institutionalized structure of America today. Yet, along with the hardships, there was also a vast freedom that is almost unimaginable in our more tamed world. This serves as a powerful, yet slightly regretful, reminder of the tradeoff our society has made, both then and perhaps still now.

The miseries of the lives Stegner describes are a bit too unrelenting for me to rate this book five stars. Additionally, there is a hint of nastiness that sometimes disrupted my reading. I suspect that, since the author was the son of the difficult father character, this is part of the inheritance Stegner carried within him. This stubborn, pugnacious assertiveness makes an occasional appearance, but this small flaw is outweighed by the ways in which this very characteristic must have enabled Stegner to overcome his upbringing and become the successful, highly achievement-oriented writer he was, as evidenced by this excellent book.

❤️ This could be my favorite read of 2020, we’ll see!

I have high hopes for this book. It seems to have all the elements that could make it an outstanding and unforgettable read. The storyline appears to be engaging and full of twists and turns that will keep me on the edge of my seat. The characters are described in such a vivid way that I can already picture them in my mind. I'm excited to explore their personalities and see how they develop throughout the story.

Additionally, the writing style seems to be captivating and easy to follow. The author has a way with words that makes the text flow smoothly and draws the reader in. I can't wait to immerse myself in this book and discover all its hidden gems.

Only time will tell if this will truly become my favorite read of 2020, but based on what I've seen so far, the possibilities are looking very promising.

Hands down, this is one of the absolute best. It requires patience and the willingness to slog through the prose and plot that, at times, may seem to be going nowhere. However, as you persist, you will suddenly find yourself completely engrossed in one of the most remarkable perspectives on generational sin and growth. It's like the classic "East of Eden."

The story unfolds gradually, building layer upon layer, until it reaches a point where it hooks you and doesn't let go. The exploration of generational sin is profound, delving into the mistakes and burdens that are passed down through the generations. At the same time, the theme of growth is equally prominent, showing how characters can break free from the cycle and find redemption.

Despite the initial challenges, the payoff is well worth it. The unique perspective offered in this work makes it a truly unforgettable read. It forces you to think about the consequences of our actions and the potential for change and growth within each of us. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and engaging book, this is definitely one to add to your list.

I had almost forgotten what a book can mean. Let that speak louder than anything I am about to say!

Oh, I feel sick clear to my stomach for this family that I have grown up with over the past few days. This is the only lineage I have cared to follow in quite a long time. In some ways, it is a frightening mirror of my own family, as I suppose it is for many American children. It is the offal of the American Dream.

Consider: a redheaded Norskie mother bent low under the weight of her relentless husband, always groping at some distant dream that will die before it’s born, calling it love or devotion or marriage or Family. And they always deserve so much more, don’t they? Don’t we? If only we could break free from these constraints, it would be a different story. We would be able to pursue our true desires and find genuine happiness. But alas, the reality is often harsh and unforgiving.

So what can we do with our one life? I don’t know. I will take it up in prayer, hoping for some guidance and clarity. Maybe through prayer, I can find the strength and courage to make a difference, not only in my own life but also in the lives of those around me.

Damn! There is an abundance of content in this book that I can truly relate to.

It is written in an extremely excellent manner. This is a book that leaves a profound impression upon the reader.

From the very first page, it manages to draw you in and keep you engaged throughout.

The author's ability to convey emotions and ideas so vividly is truly remarkable.

Every word seems to be carefully chosen, adding to the overall beauty and impact of the narrative.

Whether it's the relatable characters, the thought-provoking themes, or the captivating storyline, this book has it all.

It is a literary masterpiece that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a great read.

Once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down until you've reached the very end.

It's that kind of book that stays with you long after you've finished reading, making you think and reflect upon its contents.

Overall, it's an outstanding work that deserves all the praise it receives.

Shuddering, thrilling, hopeful then devastating. It's an emotional rollercoaster that repeats over and over again.

We catch glimpses of the raw western towns and farming communities, along with the "boomer" mentality that has led to so many useless patterns of failure.

However, in every single one of these moments of disappointment, two impossibly lovable characters rise up. They are loyal, trusting, and earnest.

Constantly, they see beautiful horizons that just might someday become a reality.

Their unwavering spirit in the face of setbacks is truly inspiring.

It makes us believe that even in the most difficult of circumstances, there is always a glimmer of hope.

These characters serve as a reminder that no matter how many times we may fall, we can always get back up and keep looking towards the future.

Their story is one of perseverance and the power of love and friendship in the face of adversity.

It's a tale that will stay with us long after we've finished reading.

If Steinbeck had a son, and perhaps he did. However, if Steinbeck had a son who crafted fiction by harnessing the genetic treasures of vivid description and epic story-telling, that son would indubitably be Wallace Stegner.

What an extraordinary tale it is! It is the very best kind of narrative. One that delves into the realm of family, a family that is flawed, wonderful, and at times, horrific. How I initially loved Bo, then despised him, and finally pitied him. And Elsa! Oh, beautiful, wise, and enduring Elsa. And Chet and Bruce as well. Stegner breathes life into each and every one of them and weaves a story with such meticulous detail and profound insight. I adored this book, this captivating journey. It is one of those rare books that leaves you with a sense of longing for the characters when you turn that final page.

It is as if the story has become a part of you, and the characters have etched themselves onto your heart and mind. You can't help but think about them long after you have finished reading, wondering what might have become of them. Stegner's talent for creating such memorable characters and telling such a compelling story is truly remarkable.

It just pains me to rate/review this book in this way.

I have read 3 of Stegner's novels before this one and truly loved them. Angle of Repose is, in fact, one of my absolute all-time favorites. However, I found this book so difficult that I had to put it down after about 100 pages. A full 33 years passed between the publication of this novel in 1943 and the next oldest of Stegner's novels I have read, The Spectator Bird in 1976. So, I can only conclude that his powers as a writer grew dramatically during this time.

The characters in The Spectator Bird, Crossing to Safety, and Angle of Repose are so mature, to use a word appropriate both to my point and the age of the characters. They are richly nuanced, organic, complicated, confounding, and utterly engaging.

In comparison, the much younger characters in Big Rock Candy Mountain feel ham-fisted and completely fabricated to me. It was as if you could sense their author manipulating their every action and word to make you, the reader, view them in a certain light. Perhaps relatedly or perhaps not, I also don't recall encountering a more unlikeable character than Bo. By page 50, I was wishing the word douchebag was current at the turn of the last century when his character was set, because then I could have hoped to read another character call him one, and perhaps follow it up with a well-deserved blow to the head.

No way am I giving up on Stegner, who remains one of my favorite authors. But from here on out, I will consider myself a "later years Stegner" fan and read future work of his accordingly.

I see that the majority of reviewers gave this book 5 stars.

However, have you ever come across a book that was widely acclaimed, yet it simply didn't resonate with you?

For me, this might be one such case. I'm not entirely sure if it was because I was having an off day while reading or if there was something else about the book that didn't click.

I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. On one hand, the high ratings from other reviewers make me think there must be something of great value in this book.

On the other hand, my initial reading experience left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed.

Perhaps I will have to give it a second chance and re-read it.

Maybe then, with a fresh perspective and a more open mind, I will be able to see the qualities that others have praised so highly.

Only time will tell if this book will eventually speak to me and earn its place among my favorite reads.