Montana 1948 is about the loss of innocence and the painful getting of wisdom.” Discuss

The novel “Montana 1948” written by Larry Watson held a series of tragic events, which were to have a permanent and decisive impact on David and his parents. This chain of events were to turn David’s young life and that of his family upside down forever and which was to angrily lead him out of childhood, destroying his innocence and youthful naivety in the process. However, David’s shocking revelations lead to his painful gaining of wisdom. David is forced to make ethical choices of loyalty and justice between his loving father and a devoted uncle Frank, a local white doctor, a war hero, and favourite son of the town's leading family.

When David’s story begins, we learn that his life is a stable and a happy one, his present family is close and loving. David’s innocence is protected by his parents. His family is very stable combined with the respect in which the much loved and admired Frank has held by both the townspeople and David, that made the events which occurred su...