Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
A fantastic, raucous classic. The voice of Mattie Ross is unforgettable and True Grit’s simplicity only displays the quality of its ingredients. I very much enjoyed Donna Tartt’s audio narration also.
I've been seeing this book cropping up here, there and everywhere the last year and almost bought it a few times. I saw the Coen brothers version and quite liked it despite not having much regard for the 'western' genre. Still, the library...
The writer of the intro waxes lyrical about the joy of the book and many others review it highly (I was most intrigued by the cover quote from Roald Dahl). It just didn't do much for me. It's certainly not bad - it has an interesting narrative voice, Mattie is a great character and the story clips along. There's a good use of language though the repeated practice of placing slang in quotes annoyed me.
Ultimately though it was a little too sparse. The first half is scene setting and very little of consequence whereas the finale is rushed through. I think the Coen's actually managed a really good adaptation and maybe that coloured things for me. Still. Different to some of the things I read and short but it won't sit on my favourites for all time.
The writer of the intro waxes lyrical about the joy of the book and many others review it highly (I was most intrigued by the cover quote from Roald Dahl). It just didn't do much for me. It's certainly not bad - it has an interesting narrative voice, Mattie is a great character and the story clips along. There's a good use of language though the repeated practice of placing slang in quotes annoyed me.
Ultimately though it was a little too sparse. The first half is scene setting and very little of consequence whereas the finale is rushed through. I think the Coen's actually managed a really good adaptation and maybe that coloured things for me. Still. Different to some of the things I read and short but it won't sit on my favourites for all time.
Homey and adventurous, I love the spunk and GRIT of Mattie Ross. I read this as part of my foray into the western genre and it was a delight.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
3.5 - Portis nails the tone. Not only of that Wild West era, but also the mindset of a headstrong teenager (through the memory of an older woman). For some reason the tension never grabbed me. I wasn't concerned about our leads in the third act. Perhaps it's that Mattie is so matter of fact and thus there isn't much emotion to connect with.
A fun, quick read that reminded me a lot of watching the movie (Coen Brothers version, I haven't and probably won't see the John Wayne version). The comic tone is there, the characters are distinctive, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a good comic tone without being laugh out loud funny. I will definitely be checking out some of Portis's other stuff.
I love it when a book transports you to a time and place; I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to late 1800’s Arkansas.
dark
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
While I am familiar with the story (thanks to the movies and my dad) it was an enjoyable listen evening knowing it. What TV doesn't show is Maddie's faith and just her overall wit, spunk and straight-forwardness that make her character enjoyable.
Overall a fun and different read thanks to book club.
Overall a fun and different read thanks to book club.