Reviews with content warning for Violence - Lonesome Dove

i think i'm actually going to have to sit down at my computer one day and write an essay or at least a blurb about this whole book and it's insane effect on me. it is a wonderful story and one that made me cry countless times not only because of its sadness from the expected deaths on a long journey in the wild west but also because of its humanity. i have never been so moved by a story simply from its existence. there were times i found myself crying when i least expected it and times i sat stone faced when i thought i would cry (and i say these both as positives — it makes me question "why?" and evokes a deeper search into answering that). the characters of Lonesome Dove are all three-dimensional and incredibly interesting to pick apart. there are things you can like or appreciate and dislike about all of them. their mistakes are real, their wants are familiar, their stubbornness and pride and curiosity and love is utterly human and so so beautiful. Larry McMurtry did a brilliant job at creating a world that is equally as moving as it is funny. the members of the Hat Creek Outfit became my friends and i laughed and i mourned and i adventured with them and i am so so grateful i made the decision to pick up this long book that has become a hidden gem in these recent years.

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alexhaydon's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense slow-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

5.0

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moonshinemoxie's review

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adventurous dark emotional reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"It's a fine world, though rich in hardships at times" Augustus McCrae

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kuhnja's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective sad tense

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A western Oddysey. Very unlike any other western I’ve consumed before.

This one took me a minute to get though at almost 900 pages and one missstart. I started this on audio and abandoned it about halfway through because I thought it warranted a little more of my attention and I was so right. I’m glad I restarted from the beginning because it made me appreciate the story so much more. This is one I felt like I would have read and written a paper on in college. I wish I could be in a class and hear the debate and analysis over this one.

The length helped the epic timeline of the story have more impact. The multiple storylines were an annoyance at first but a delight once I settled in. I loved the interconnectivity. The ending felt a little rushed and tacked on. It was so close to being perfect.

The story was so heartbreaking and raw and real. Trajedy was matter of fact without the drama that most books add. It made the loss feel more like it does in real life. The book was so sad, so funny, so full of longing and what might have been. Hubris and comradery.

Last year it felt good to hit my reading goal, and this was a different kind of goal, to get through such a long book, but it was such a delight.

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graff_fuller's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense 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

5.0

As you can see...I really enjoyed this book. The number of notes, how quickly I read the story...all of it. Also, this book is very deep.

The characters may seem/are stupid or just plain ignorant of the wider world, but they have a strength without worldly knowledge that is oddly translated into wisdom.

This applies especially to Augustus McCrea. He was NOT perfect. He wasn't sparing with his wisdom, and more so...you couldn't shut him up...BUT he was also a good man.

SPOILERS below 👇

So, throughout the story, the main protagonist...turned out to be Captain Call. Not really, but this is how the story ends...carrying on the story...and burying his friend/enemy (in a friendly way) back to Lonesome Dove, TX...to the garden. Such a waste, in my opinion.

I'm glad that Lori ended up with Clara, July and the kids...that really was the best place...and they will NEVER lack for anything...bc of the generous gift by Augustus to Lori.

I so wish that Captain could've done more for Newt. I stand with Clara on that decision, plus what she felt should've been done with Augustus' body. What a shame to have made a promise to a dead man...when ALL the people who loved him were in Nebraska and Montana...and NOT in Texas. Ugh.

I also wonder how the story progresses and who the story will follow? So, it will be interesting. I will not read it now, or soon, but I will continue on with this series.

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ibeforem's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

5.0

Who knew a book about a couple of old cowboys and their crew could be so full of heart? This is not a fast-paced tale, but the detail McMurtry puts into it lets you sink completely into their world. If you give it enough time, you'll find that it's every bit as good as they say. McMurtry also seems to understand when the reader needs some breathing room, or a bit of a laugh. You can't help but get emotionally attached to the whole crew.

This is a book written in the 80s about the 1870s, so there is outdated language and period-accurate portrayals of attitudes about/treatment of Native Americans and un-married women/sex workers.

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elizathering's review

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adventurous emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I would say if you’re looking for a love story this isn’t it. It’s more of a tragic one sided love for all the pairings. Lots of adventures if that’s what you’re looking for.

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