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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.
Moderate: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Kidnapping
Minor: Rape, Sexual violence, Pregnancy
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Kidnapping, Murder
Minor: Hate crime, Rape, Sexual violence, Slavery, Colonisation, War
Graphic: Death, Rape, Violence, Kidnapping
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence
Minor: Child death, Genocide, Gun violence, Misogyny, Death of parent
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
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Graphic: Animal death, Racial slurs, Racism, Torture, Violence, Alcohol, Colonisation
Moderate: Death, Rape, Sexual violence, Injury/Injury detail
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)
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
Graphic: Animal death, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping
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!
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