Ivan Doig's Last Bus to Wisdom has been praised for its rich storytelling and endearing characters. Reviewers highlight the novel's vivid depiction of mid-20th century Americana and its heartfelt exploration of coming-of-age themes. Some critics, however, found the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally predictable. Overall, it is celebrated as a fitting conclusion to Doig's illustrious career.

Readers who relish heartfelt, coming-of-age stories filled with adventure and introspection will find Last Bus to Wisdom captivating. Fans of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and John Steinbeck's Travels with Charley will appreciate its warm, nostalgic narrative and rich, character-driven journey.

Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig follows 11-year-old Donal Cameron's summer-long Greyhound bus journey after his grandmother's surgery forces him to stay with a great aunt in Wisconsin. Displeased with him, Aunt Kate soon sends Donal back to Montana, accompanied by her husband Herman. Their adventures lead them to Wisdom, Montana, seeking a new home. The book includes outdated and insensitive terminology for Indigenous Americans, people without permanent homes, and people with disabilities.

Nostalgic / Humorous / Adventurous / Heartwarming / Contemplative

- Last Bus to Wisdom was Ivan Doig's final novel, published posthumously in 2015, after the author's passing earlier that year.
- The novel showcases Doig's characteristic style of weaving comedic and touching narratives within the rich setting of the American West.
- Doig, often compared to Mark Twain for his storytelling prowess, set much of his work in Montana, which is also a major setting in Last Bus to Wisdom.

**Donal Cameron**  
The precocious protagonist with bright red hair and freckles, Donal is an orphaned boy between 11 and 12 years old who travels around the American West and Midwest, collecting autographs in his memory book while navigating various adventures and challenges.

**Herman Brinker**  
A middle-aged, one-eyed retired sailor who becomes Donal's guardian and travel companion, seeking to explore the cowboy life he has read about while escaping domestic strife.

**Aunt Kate Brinker**  
Gram's estranged sister who reluctantly takes care of Donal, often clashing with him and exerting control over her home life.

**Dorothea “Gram” Blegen**  
Donal’s maternal grandmother and primary caregiver, known for her wisdom and practical nature, who influences Donal's decisions and thoughts throughout his journey.

**Rags Rasmussen**  
A world champion cowboy and Donal’s personal hero, who owns the Diamond Buckle Ranch and comes to play a pivotal role in Donal’s story during its concluding chapters.

**The Greyhound Passengers**  
Various travelers Donal encounters on the bus, including untrustworthy characters and notable figures like Jack Kerouac, contributing to Donal’s experiences and shaping his journey.

**The Johnson Family**  
A group of migrant workers Donal and Herman join to harvest hay in Montana, characterized by their unique nicknames and camaraderie.

Ivan Doig

Adult

Novel

Two Medicine Country

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Last Bus To Wisdom and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Last Bus To Wisdom Summary and Study Guide

Background

Last Bus To Wisdom Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “The Dog Bus”

Part 1, Chapters 1-8

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Where Manitou Walks”

Part 2, Chapters 9-14

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 2, Chapters 9-14 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Promised Land”

Part 3, Chapters 15-22

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 3, Chapters 15-22 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “The Promised Land” 

Part 3, Chapters 23-30

Last Bus To Wisdom Part 3, Chapters 23-30 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Last Bus To Wisdom Character Analysis

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Themes

Last Bus To Wisdom Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Last Bus To Wisdom Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Last Bus To Wisdom Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Last Bus To Wisdom Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Last Bus To Wisdom Essay Topics

Last Bus To Wisdom: A Novel

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Last Bus To Wisdom?

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Book Details