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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I usually love Burke's novels, both the Robicheaux and Montana ones, but this one lost me by about a third of the way through. I tried to keep going. I love his writing, his descriptions, and the early part of the book, especially the WWII parts in Europe, were great. But once Weldon was on the oil lines and married, he just turned into the most taciturn, unlikeable character ever. It was like every line of dialogue was taken straight from Robicheaux in his darkest, most pessimistic, cynical mood with no let-up.
I got to the point where I simply didn't care about any of the characters any more, and once I realised they could all live or die and it wouldn't make any difference, I stopped. Sorry, JLB, but I was very disappointed.
I got to the point where I simply didn't care about any of the characters any more, and once I realised they could all live or die and it wouldn't make any difference, I stopped. Sorry, JLB, but I was very disappointed.
I was a big fan of James Lees Burke, then lost track of him. I love his prose, full of literary and musical references. His characters are compelling, too.
Pompous narrator, repetitive storytelling, somewhat dull.
This book is chock-full of testosterone. The story goes from the army, to the oil fields, to car chases and more. About 100 pages in, I couldn't help but wonder who the author was. I flipped back to the back cover and discovered a Tommy Lee Jones doppleganger in a cowboy hat. It all made a little more sense.
Or did it? This turned out to be a love story and not a bad one. I couldn't quite keep up with who was bad and who was good, but that was part of Burke's point.
Fun fact: Burke is an MU grad.
Or did it? This turned out to be a love story and not a bad one. I couldn't quite keep up with who was bad and who was good, but that was part of Burke's point.
Fun fact: Burke is an MU grad.
Enjoyed this one.... not enough to re-read/listen to and probably not enough to encourage anyone else to read, but enough to pass on to a friend or suggest as a possible read.
Things I did not enjoy: Roy Wisehart's character was stagnant and stereotypical enough to be uninteresting. The motive for the onslaught of trouble brought against Rosita and Weldon was not well explained to begin with nor was it believably resolved.
Things I did enjoy: The descriptive language used for settings, scenery, and landscapes. The rich intellectual knowledge of history, mythology, and education that Weldon's character possesses. The interplay/relationship that develops between Hershel and Weldon and frames the major turning points in the story. The love and devotion Weldon has for Rosita and the inner strength she shows through the entire story. The recurring images of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow and their stolen car.
Things I did not enjoy: Roy Wisehart's character was stagnant and stereotypical enough to be uninteresting. The motive for the onslaught of trouble brought against Rosita and Weldon was not well explained to begin with nor was it believably resolved.
Things I did enjoy: The descriptive language used for settings, scenery, and landscapes. The rich intellectual knowledge of history, mythology, and education that Weldon's character possesses. The interplay/relationship that develops between Hershel and Weldon and frames the major turning points in the story. The love and devotion Weldon has for Rosita and the inner strength she shows through the entire story. The recurring images of Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow and their stolen car.
I enjoyed this even more the second time reading it. I listened to Will Patton reading the audiobook version, which is always a treat.