Helpful Score: 1
I have never a fan of westerns, so I was hesitant to read "Lonesome Dove". I was pleasantly surprised. I liked it a lot. This book has it all, humor, scope, characters, drama and action. If you haven't read this book, you need to.
100% of the people I know who have read this book have loved it. Count me in that 100%. I detest westerns. I loved this book. I hate horses. I loved this book. I don't care for deserts, plains, spurs, or dusty tumbleweeds. But I loved this book.
This is the ONE singular Pulitzer Prize-winner I've read that unequivocally deserves the award and all accompanying accolades. If ever a book was an epic, sweeping novel of American life that encompasses the hardships, the joys, and the spirit of American life, this is it. This embodies and encapsulates the pioneer spirit of America. Do not go through your life without giving this one a read.
The experience of reading this was a great pleasure for me. It's not often you get a little ways into a book only to realize it's going to be a five-star book. You can sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.
How to do this book justice in a review? You'll have to read it for yourself. It's the epic struggle of humanity in an often inhuman world. You'll grow to love your own humanity through the struggles and successes and mistakes of Gus, Call, and Lorena. (BTW, McMurtry handles the scenes involving violence toward women VERY well). Living and dying in this world is something we have to do. This novel shows that it's better to do it together, with others.
My only complaint would be that it was slow to start but McMurtry, I think, meant it to be that way, as the "story" didn't move until the ranchers did. The groundwork for character development was needed and I came to appreciate that time before the journey north to better understand the characters. It's too perfect a novel not to be planned that way.
This is the ONE singular Pulitzer Prize-winner I've read that unequivocally deserves the award and all accompanying accolades. If ever a book was an epic, sweeping novel of American life that encompasses the hardships, the joys, and the spirit of American life, this is it. This embodies and encapsulates the pioneer spirit of America. Do not go through your life without giving this one a read.
The experience of reading this was a great pleasure for me. It's not often you get a little ways into a book only to realize it's going to be a five-star book. You can sit back and relax and enjoy the ride.
How to do this book justice in a review? You'll have to read it for yourself. It's the epic struggle of humanity in an often inhuman world. You'll grow to love your own humanity through the struggles and successes and mistakes of Gus, Call, and Lorena. (BTW, McMurtry handles the scenes involving violence toward women VERY well). Living and dying in this world is something we have to do. This novel shows that it's better to do it together, with others.
My only complaint would be that it was slow to start but McMurtry, I think, meant it to be that way, as the "story" didn't move until the ranchers did. The groundwork for character development was needed and I came to appreciate that time before the journey north to better understand the characters. It's too perfect a novel not to be planned that way.
Moving story of the old west.
