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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
I read Lonesome Dove first, so obviously this one doesn’t even come close. As much as I enjoyed spending time with Call and Gus again, there didn’t seem to be any point to the story, let alone a climax.
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Another excellent entry in the Lonesome Dove series! Not nearly as expansive or timeless as Lonesome Dove, but I liked this one more than Streets of Laredo (the sequel to Lonesome Dove)—it had more humor (primarily thanks to Gus McCrae) and I enjoyed reading about Gus’ and Call’s early years.
Only one more book in the series, and I’m not ready for it to be over!
Only one more book in the series, and I’m not ready for it to be over!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, Murder, Sexual harassment, War
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I know a lot of people loved this book, but I couldn't finish it. I made it half way through and gave it my all... but finally listened to my small voice saying "stop wasting your time and read something you actually enjoy" (back to East of Eden for me). Maybe the mini-series of Lonesome Dove ruined it for me, I'm not sure, but I found this book tedious and the writing immature. It seemed to me to be similar to that of a high schooler charged with writing a story that requires so many words. So many unnecessary details added to extend the size of the homework assignment. I know I'm in the minority, and don't want you deciding if you will read the book based on this review, but there you have it - different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Chose this book as part of local library's summer reading challenge - read a genre you've never read before. I've never read western-fantasy before.
That being said, I don't think this one's for me. It's written very plainly, and doesn't shy much away from some (Triggering) topics, based in the American South-west in the time of the gold rush or there abouts. Will not be continuing the series. I like the idea of Westerns, the adventure part at least, but I think I could do without the rest.
That being said, I don't think this one's for me. It's written very plainly, and doesn't shy much away from some (Triggering) topics, based in the American South-west in the time of the gold rush or there abouts. Will not be continuing the series. I like the idea of Westerns, the adventure part at least, but I think I could do without the rest.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dead Man's Walk by Larry McMurtry is the third book released in the Lonesome Dove series. It takes us back to when Call and Gus first started working together. They head out to explore further West in a company and quickly find themselves under attack by Comanches and then taken prisoner by Mexican military. They must endure a long walk with no resources. This was definitely my least favorite so far in the series. It had the least amount of action and the walk grew tiring. Also, I was looking forward to more of the relationship between Gus and Call, but it didn't have the depth and witty banter that it had in Lonesome Dove.
Lonesome Dove is one of my favorite books. Dead Man's Walk can't really beat it, but it definitely continues (or paves the way for) the same great story and characters. It was an entertaining read of grueling desert survival, chilling Indian encounters, plus humor and surprises. A solid Cowboys-and-Indians (and Mexicans!) tale.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
McMurtry knows how to tell a tale. Even to this skeptical listener. While the indigenous folks are in conflict with the Texas Rangers, they are respected. While there is many a mention of “whores” (I do a voiceover in my head that says- “sex workers”), the indelible image of a large “sex worker” holding a turtle in a river is just great writing. Spellbinding.