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adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Lonesome Dove and Blood Meridian are talked about comparatively, being two big cornerstone western epics published the same year. I suppose my hot take might be that I think I prefer Lonesome Dove overall. Both books set out to accomplish fairly different things, though. Blood Meridian, as much of McCarthy's work tends to be, is maybe his most pure eschatological construction. The hardship and atrocities of the old west are given, and McCarthy is more interested in what that says about human nature and violence.
Lonesome Dove instead gives you a story about the west that, while maybe not fully successful in its hyper-realist tendencies, is true to the adventurous nature of the genre but is not interested in glorifying anything. It's a book that just as often gives you what you want that it makes you want to throw the book across the room. Whatever anyone has told you about Lonesome Dove, it's probably true. There's a lot of beauty and humor to be found here. I'm sure if you find 20 people that have read it, they'll each give you a different character that they fell in love with.
I think if you're going to carry on the needless comparison between this book and what McCarthy writes, Suttree or The Crossing are more similar, in that it gives you a bit more of what you're looking for from Lonesome Dove. I think Suttree is still head and shoulders the better book between the two, and I might even put the Crossing above Lonesome Dove as well. All three are tremendous works of excellence that I'm fortunate to have spent so much time with.
Lonesome Dove instead gives you a story about the west that, while maybe not fully successful in its hyper-realist tendencies, is true to the adventurous nature of the genre but is not interested in glorifying anything. It's a book that just as often gives you what you want that it makes you want to throw the book across the room. Whatever anyone has told you about Lonesome Dove, it's probably true. There's a lot of beauty and humor to be found here. I'm sure if you find 20 people that have read it, they'll each give you a different character that they fell in love with.
I think if you're going to carry on the needless comparison between this book and what McCarthy writes, Suttree or The Crossing are more similar, in that it gives you a bit more of what you're looking for from Lonesome Dove. I think Suttree is still head and shoulders the better book between the two, and I might even put the Crossing above Lonesome Dove as well. All three are tremendous works of excellence that I'm fortunate to have spent so much time with.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Kidnapping
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, Pregnancy
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Violence, Kidnapping
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence
Minor: Child death, Genocide, Gun violence, Misogyny, Death of parent
adventurous
challenging
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I don't even know how to rate or review this properly. I've never read a true Western, and I'm glad this was my first. So many feelings, thoughts, conflicting opinions...all I know is this could have gone on 1,000 more pages, and I'd have been along for the ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death
Minor: War
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book is amazingly written. The characters and the world they live in and how it affects them are the main point of this book. Do not expect a action-packed cowboy story. Its how a group of men go from Texas to Montana. Lorena Wood, July Johnson, and Augustus McCrae will forever stay in my mind as their arcs had me hooked from start to finish. The reason why I docked .5 from my rating is the pacing. The pacing SLOOW, especially in the first 60%.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault
adventurous
dark
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
How do I sum up Lonesome Dove?
I feel accomplished for completing it. The humor throughout sustained me. The humor also grounded the story, making it feel more real. I think if the humor wasn’t present, I would’ve abandoned or at least thought less of the story.
The length of the book is mostly fitting, since it makes you feel like you’re trudging along at the same pace as the rest of the Hat Creek Outfit. Will the story stay with me? Maybe, vaguely. I’m somewhat curious about how Newt and Clara’s stories would evolve. Not sure I’ll continue reading the trilogy since I read that the next book in the series centers on Call. I wasn’t a fan of his character and lack of growth for 800+ pages. I mean sure it’s realistic, but he disappointed and annoyed me.
Favorite Characters: Gus, Newt, Deets, Po Campo, Clara, the pigs
Most exhausting characters: Call, Lorena, July, Elmira, Bob (the descriptions of his personality pre-accident)
I feel accomplished for completing it. The humor throughout sustained me. The humor also grounded the story, making it feel more real. I think if the humor wasn’t present, I would’ve abandoned or at least thought less of the story.
The length of the book is mostly fitting, since it makes you feel like you’re trudging along at the same pace as the rest of the Hat Creek Outfit. Will the story stay with me? Maybe, vaguely. I’m somewhat curious about how Newt and Clara’s stories would evolve. Not sure I’ll continue reading the trilogy since I read that the next book in the series centers on Call. I wasn’t a fan of his character and lack of growth for 800+ pages. I mean sure it’s realistic, but he disappointed and annoyed me.
Favorite Characters: Gus, Newt, Deets, Po Campo, Clara, the pigs
Most exhausting characters: Call, Lorena, July, Elmira, Bob (the descriptions of his personality pre-accident)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Pregnancy
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Vomit
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I could have read 500 more pages, don't let the page count intimidate you! I loved this book. The plot has a great balance between page-turning thrills and incredible character and setting development. I felt like I was on the cattle drive myself! McMurtry's writing style is easy to read, and his characters are so memorable. I'll miss reading about Gus, Clara, Newt, Call, and Lorie, will be recommending this book to anyone and everyone!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Death, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault
adventurous
emotional
informative
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I don't really understand the hype of this book. Well, I do and I don't. The story itself is pretty awful, and none of the characters are people I'd want to befriend. Everyone is out for themselves, and the spirit of the Wild West is in every nook of every person. Some of the story was also quite ridiculous - are Lorena and Clara the only women of value? Even then, they are treated pretty abysmally.
Of course I couldn't help but think of Taylor Sheridan's 1883, especially given both journeys are to end in Yellowstone. It's also just as littered with tragedy and sorrow.
I can see why people would gravitate toward this book. A lot to ponder and lots to discuss to consider regardless of where you land on the political spectrum. I can see people claiming the book represents all sorts of ideas and ideals. I suppose that's what makes this book brilliant.
I shall probably not read the other three. This book was exhausting!
Of course I couldn't help but think of Taylor Sheridan's 1883, especially given both journeys are to end in Yellowstone. It's also just as littered with tragedy and sorrow.
I can see why people would gravitate toward this book. A lot to ponder and lots to discuss to consider regardless of where you land on the political spectrum. I can see people claiming the book represents all sorts of ideas and ideals. I suppose that's what makes this book brilliant.
I shall probably not read the other three. This book was exhausting!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Dysphoria, War, Injury/Injury detail