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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
sad fucking book, yet beautiful in every way. a story of loss (as many McCarthy novels) and about building history and memories upon the dead and the gone and the leaving. a story about traveling and never regretting a thing, no matter the pain it brings. a man learns many things and forgets many others in the way there. in the end, he lies broken, knowing that the first crossing of the border was, perhaps, the beginning of his undoing. he's back home now. there's nothing for him there.
I'd give this fucking book 6 stars if I could. it's even better than ATPH, in my opinion. sadder, less merciful upon its main character, but just a much heavier, god-loaded craft. what a good fucking novel. i could cry. i want to.
I'd give this fucking book 6 stars if I could. it's even better than ATPH, in my opinion. sadder, less merciful upon its main character, but just a much heavier, god-loaded craft. what a good fucking novel. i could cry. i want to.
Another book by [a:Cormac McCarthy|4178|Cormac McCarthy|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1200429153p2/4178.jpg] that I really enjoyed. Again, he does not write a happy book in the least, and yet the story has a certain elegance.
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Crossing is a book about human beings and their relationship with God and, in particular, about their attempt to decipher divine justice. McCarthy explores this theme with Dostoyevskian eloquence in Billy's conversations with the sexton of a ruined church and a blind veteran of the Revolution.
Billy Parham, along with his father and occasionally his brother Boyd, goes on a series of hunting trips to capture a pregnant female wolf that has been preying on cattle near their family's homestead. McCarthy weaves themes of mysticism and existential reflection throughout the narrative. For example, there is a passage where Billy’s father sets a trap, and McCarthy likens it to using an ancient instrument, suggesting a connection between man and the world around him.
When Billy finally captures the wolf, he decides to return her to the mountains of Mexico, where he believes she belongs, instead of killing her. He forms a deep bond with the wolf, risking his life several times to protect her.
Along the way, Billy encounters many other travelers and inhabitants of the land who relate in a sophisticated dialogue their deepest philosophies. Take, for example, a Mormon who converts to Catholicism.
He also meets an opera troupe performing *Pagliacci* in the wilds, the characters of which curiously parallel Billy and Boyd's relationship with a girl they save along their route.
The wolf is eventually taken by authorities and forced to fight dogs for a circus. She is killed fighting and Billy takes her to the mountain to bury her. When he returns home he learns that his parents were killed by raiders and their horses have been stolen. He gets his younger brother Boyd and crosses into Mexico to retrieve the horses.
During his journey, Billy meets various travelers and locals who share their philosophies. One such encounter is with a Mormon who converted to Catholicism, who speaks about the importance of stories in giving meaning to the world. Billy also encounters an opera troupe performing *Pagliacci*, which parallels Billy and Boyd's relationship with a girl they rescue.
In *The Crossing* by Cormac McCarthy, the central characters are:
1. **Billy Parham**: The protagonist of the novel, Billy is a young cowboy whose journey and experiences form the core of the story. He faces profound loss and grapples with themes of violence and existential questions throughout his travels.
2. **Boyd Parham**: Billy's younger brother, who accompanies Billy on part of his journey. Their relationship and shared experiences are central to the novel.
3. **The Wolf**: Although not a human character, the wolf that Billy captures and attempts to return to Mexico is significant. The wolf symbolizes nature, freedom, and the complexities of the human-animal relationship.
Other characters come and go throughout the novel, reflecting the transient and often harsh nature of the world McCarthy depicts, but Billy, Boyd, and the wolf remain central to the narrative.
In *The Crossing* by Cormac McCarthy, the Catholic man, known as the blind revolutionary, plays a significant role by engaging Billy in a philosophical conversation during his journey. The blind man discusses themes of faith, morality, and human suffering, offering Billy a different perspective on the world. Their interaction contributes to the novel's exploration of existential themes and the search for meaning amidst chaos and violence.
The blind man tells Billy a story about a man whose parents were killed by American invaders in Caborca, leaving the boy an orphan. He explains that everything in the world is part of a larger narrative, a tale that encompasses all other tales, and that nothing in the world can be dispensed with or despised because everything is interconnected. The man emphasizes the importance of stories, suggesting that the world itself is a tale and that each tale contains all others within it.
Through this conversation, the blind man helps Billy understand that the world is complex and interconnected, and that stories have a profound impact on how people perceive and make sense of their lives. Although the blind man is not central to the plot, his dialogue significantly influences Billy's understanding of the world, reinforcing the novel's themes of existential inquiry and the search for meaning.
In the second border crossing, Billy and Boyd have set out to recover horses stolen from their family's spread. Their relationship is a strained one, with Boyd displaying a more stubborn nature than that of his brother, a characteristic that hinders Billy's attempts to protect him.
Billy and Boyd visit the ganadero's office multiple times before finally finding him in. Billy instructs Boyd to keep Keno out of sight and goes inside to speak with the ganadero, Señor Gillian. The ganadero is initially on the phone but eventually speaks with Billy, asking about his business with Señor Soto. Billy introduces himself and explains his connection to Cloverdale, New Mexico. Señor Gillian offers to help and introduces himself as Geeyan, waiting for Billy to explain his reason for seeking Señor Soto. This excerpt is from Cormac McCarthy's novel *The Crossing*, the second book in his *Border Trilogy*. It describes a conversation between Billy Parham and a ganadero (cattleman) named Gillian. Billy is searching for the man who sold a horse to a German doctor named Haas, suspecting it might have been an Indian. Although Billy claims not to be interested in the horse itself, he is clearly on a quest for information about its seller.
Billy's brother, Boyd, is initially outside with the horses. Billy invites him in at Gillian's insistence, despite Boyd's reluctance and suggestion they should keep moving. Boyd and Billy share a strong bond, highlighted by their shared hardships and familiarity with each other's mannerisms. As they enter, Boyd doesn't remove his hat, perhaps signaling his unease or defiance.
Boyd Parham, Billy's younger brother, plays a significant role in the story. After Billy returns home to find their parents murdered, Boyd joins Billy on his quest for revenge. During their journey in Mexico, Boyd becomes involved with a young girl, which complicates their mission. Eventually, Boyd becomes something of a folk hero due to his daring actions and involvement in local conflicts. He is known for his courage and resistance against injustice.
In *The Crossing*, Billy and Boyd Parham return to Mexico for several reasons:
1. **Seeking Revenge:** After discovering their parents have been murdered, Billy and Boyd decide to return to Mexico to track down the raiders responsible. They are motivated by a desire for justice and vengeance for their family's murder.
2. **Personal and Existential Reasons:** The journey to Mexico also reflects Billy's ongoing search for meaning in a chaotic world. Throughout the novel, Billy grapples with questions about fate, morality, and the nature of human existence. Returning to Mexico symbolizes his quest to find answers and resolve his internal struggles.
3. **Boyd's Relationship with a Mexican Girl:** Boyd becomes romantically involved with a Mexican girl, which complicates their mission and influences their decision to return. His involvement with her adds a personal dimension to their journey and leads to Boyd's deeper entanglement in local conflicts.
Their return to Mexico is driven by a combination of vengeance, existential questioning, and personal connections, reflecting the novel's complex exploration of themes such as violence, brotherhood, and the search for meaning.
Boyd's story is marked by his eventual separation from Billy and his tragic fate. His actions and choices contribute to the novel's exploration of themes such as brotherhood, violence, and the loss of innocence. Boyd's journey, while intertwined with Billy's, ultimately takes a different path, leading to his untimely death and leaving a lasting impact on Billy.
As they arrive at an abandoned hacienda, the characters observe the crumbling buildings and strange inhabitants. They encounter circus performers and wonder about the nature of the place and its people. As they explore the compound, they see the remnants of an old car and men preparing for a show. The atmosphere is mysterious and eerie, setting the stage for further exploration and discovery.
Billy, Boyd, and the girl arrive at Hacienda de San Diego, an abandoned estate that the girl says is now common land. They’re given lodging for the night and fed by the Muñoz family. A bell rings, and the ejidatarios (shareholders of land) go to see a travelling opera troupe perform; Billy accompanies them. The next morning, Billy is transfixed by the “primadonna” from the troupe bathing in the stream.
Boyd is eventually shot through the chest in a squabble. After he is nursed back to health, he disappears with a young girl.
Billy crosses the border into the United States and learns that the country is at war. He rides into Deming, spends the night at a bus station, and then heads to the recruiting office to join the army. However, he is only seventeen and needs his next of kin to sign for him. Since he has no family, he is told to wait while the other boys go for their physical examinations. Billy tries to enlist in the army multiple times but is rejected due to a heart murmur. He travels to different recruiting offices, including one in Albuquerque, but is still unsuccessful. He eventually accepts his fate and continues working at a stable. Despite his determination to serve, he is ultimately unable to join the army due to his medical condition.
Billy Parham arrives at Deming bus station in the early morning and heads to Chandler’s to retrieve his horse Niño. He then embarks on a journey south, riding through various landscapes and encountering different people. He eventually arrives at the Sanders ranch where he is welcomed by the family. They share a meal and reminisce about old times, looking at old photographs on the walls. The conversation turns to stories of the past, including a picture of John Slaughter and an Indian girl named Apache May. The old man also talks about his experiences working for Slaughter and almost killing an Indian. They then move to the parlor where the old man tends to the fire in the stove, reflecting on the changing times and the loss of traditional music. The story follows Billy as he travels through different places and works on ranches during a period of war. He reminisces about his past and the uncertainty that comes with life. Along the way, Billy encounters different characters, including a soldier and a barman, with whom he engages in conversations. Despite the changing landscapes and people he meets, Billy carries memories of his past and a longing for connection.
At a carnival, Billy interacts with a small toothless man, a pitchman, and a shill during a gambling game involving a wheel and cards. Despite winning, Billy recognizes a caravan from his past and decides to leave the carnival. He encounters a man named Juan later on, and they discuss life, death, and destiny as they ride together. Billy reflects on the inevitability of death and the role individuals play in determining their fate. Juan and Billy share a moment of understanding before continuing their journey through the Mexican frontier.
Quijada, a Yaqui Indian, shares information about violent incidents in different Mexican towns and the power dynamics between wealthy landowners and impoverished workers. The conversation delves into themes of betrayal, loyalty, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. The mention of a corrido, a folk song, underscores the importance of storytelling and how it shapes historical memory. The characters also reflect on regret, loss, and the impossibility of reclaiming past actions. Ultimately, the text explores the harsh realities of life and the challenges of finding redemption. He informs Billy that his brother was killed and gives him the location of where his remains are buried. There is no explicit mention of what happened to Billy's brother, but it is implied that he was killed in San Lorenzo. The girl who was with him was covered in blood but was not shot, and her whereabouts are unknown. Billy's brother was apparently a hunted man and ended up being taken in by Casares. It is also mentioned that Billy's brother killed two men in Galeana for unknown reasons. Billy's brother was not easy to care for and perhaps did not have a home to go to, leading to his actions and eventual fate. The corrido, a type of Mexican folk ballad, tells the tale of the güerito (blond-haired man) who is all men and symbolizes different truths and outcomes when two men meet. Despite Billy's intentions to take his brother back with him, it is implied that this may not be possible or allowed.
Billy rides into the town of San Buenaventura and visits the cemetery where his brother is buried. The cemetery is desolate and filled with cairns of rock, reflecting a sense of aftermath from a battle. Billy works to uncover his brother's grave, facing challenges and memories throughout the process. He interacts with an old woman in the church, who prays for all and for him as well. Despite the bleakness of the landscape and the history of violence, Billy finds a sense of closure as he honors his brother's memory. Billy is at a grave site with the remains of his brother, Boyd. He digs up Boyd's bones and places them in a soogan, then loads them onto a horse and rides away, carrying the bones with him. Along his journey, he encounters four horsemen who question him about what he is carrying. Despite their suspicions, Billy refuses to open the soogan containing Boyd's bones. The situation escalates when one of the horsemen tries to open the soogan, leading to a confrontation between Billy and the group. The group demands to know where the money is, implying that they were expecting treasure instead of bones. A bandolero stabs Niño with a knife, demanding money from Billy. Billy tries to save the horse by trying to stop the bleeding, but ultimately the horse is severely injured. The bandolero then leaves, and Billy is left to care for the wounded animal. It describes a dreamlike encounter between the protagonist and Boyd, a deceased figure, as well as the protagonist's interactions with a wounded horse and a group of gypsies.
In a dream, Boyd appears before Billy by the fire, embodying the familiar presence he had in life. Billy is aware of Boyd's death, which requires a careful approach to their conversation. Boyd's reticence about the afterlife hints at the ineffability of death and the lingering mystery it holds. The dream fades, leaving Billy with the painful realization of Boyd's absence and the burden of grief.
Upon waking, the protagonist discovers his wounded horse, evoking a tender scene of care and compassion. The animal's suffering symbolizes vulnerability and the fragility of life. The protagonist tends to the horse as he hears the approach of arrieros (muleteers) and a group of gypsies.
The gypsies, depicted with colorful attire and an air of mystery, are transporting a dismantled airplane. This surreal image underscores the theme of displacement and the intersection of different worlds and times. The gypsies inquire about the horse's condition and examine its wound, highlighting the cross-cultural exchange and shared concern for life amidst the harsh realities of their environment.
Billy, with the help of a gypsy, nurses the horse back to riding condition.
The last scene shows Billy alone and desolate, coming across a terribly beat up dog that approaches him for help. In marked contrast to his youthful bond with the wolf, he shoos the dog away angrily, meanly. Later, he feels a flood of remorse: he goes after the dog, calling for it to come back—but it has gone. He breaks down in tears.
The Crossing" is a novel that delves into the depths of spirituality, fate, and humanity's relationship with the divine. Through introspective monologues and philosophical musings, the book explores themes of seeking meaning in destruction, the interconnectedness of life, and the enigmatic nature of God's will.
Billy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the weight of his beliefs and questioning the purpose of suffering and loss. As he navigates through a world that seems to be governed by an unseen hand, he reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of change.
Through vivid descriptions and meditative prose, "The Crossing" paints a portrait of a man caught between faith and doubt, longing for a deeper understanding of his place in the universe. It challenges readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the complexities of human experience, leaving them with a sense of wonder and contemplation.
Billy Parham, along with his father and occasionally his brother Boyd, goes on a series of hunting trips to capture a pregnant female wolf that has been preying on cattle near their family's homestead. McCarthy weaves themes of mysticism and existential reflection throughout the narrative. For example, there is a passage where Billy’s father sets a trap, and McCarthy likens it to using an ancient instrument, suggesting a connection between man and the world around him.
When Billy finally captures the wolf, he decides to return her to the mountains of Mexico, where he believes she belongs, instead of killing her. He forms a deep bond with the wolf, risking his life several times to protect her.
Along the way, Billy encounters many other travelers and inhabitants of the land who relate in a sophisticated dialogue their deepest philosophies. Take, for example, a Mormon who converts to Catholicism.
He also meets an opera troupe performing *Pagliacci* in the wilds, the characters of which curiously parallel Billy and Boyd's relationship with a girl they save along their route.
The wolf is eventually taken by authorities and forced to fight dogs for a circus. She is killed fighting and Billy takes her to the mountain to bury her. When he returns home he learns that his parents were killed by raiders and their horses have been stolen. He gets his younger brother Boyd and crosses into Mexico to retrieve the horses.
During his journey, Billy meets various travelers and locals who share their philosophies. One such encounter is with a Mormon who converted to Catholicism, who speaks about the importance of stories in giving meaning to the world. Billy also encounters an opera troupe performing *Pagliacci*, which parallels Billy and Boyd's relationship with a girl they rescue.
In *The Crossing* by Cormac McCarthy, the central characters are:
1. **Billy Parham**: The protagonist of the novel, Billy is a young cowboy whose journey and experiences form the core of the story. He faces profound loss and grapples with themes of violence and existential questions throughout his travels.
2. **Boyd Parham**: Billy's younger brother, who accompanies Billy on part of his journey. Their relationship and shared experiences are central to the novel.
3. **The Wolf**: Although not a human character, the wolf that Billy captures and attempts to return to Mexico is significant. The wolf symbolizes nature, freedom, and the complexities of the human-animal relationship.
Other characters come and go throughout the novel, reflecting the transient and often harsh nature of the world McCarthy depicts, but Billy, Boyd, and the wolf remain central to the narrative.
In *The Crossing* by Cormac McCarthy, the Catholic man, known as the blind revolutionary, plays a significant role by engaging Billy in a philosophical conversation during his journey. The blind man discusses themes of faith, morality, and human suffering, offering Billy a different perspective on the world. Their interaction contributes to the novel's exploration of existential themes and the search for meaning amidst chaos and violence.
The blind man tells Billy a story about a man whose parents were killed by American invaders in Caborca, leaving the boy an orphan. He explains that everything in the world is part of a larger narrative, a tale that encompasses all other tales, and that nothing in the world can be dispensed with or despised because everything is interconnected. The man emphasizes the importance of stories, suggesting that the world itself is a tale and that each tale contains all others within it.
Through this conversation, the blind man helps Billy understand that the world is complex and interconnected, and that stories have a profound impact on how people perceive and make sense of their lives. Although the blind man is not central to the plot, his dialogue significantly influences Billy's understanding of the world, reinforcing the novel's themes of existential inquiry and the search for meaning.
In the second border crossing, Billy and Boyd have set out to recover horses stolen from their family's spread. Their relationship is a strained one, with Boyd displaying a more stubborn nature than that of his brother, a characteristic that hinders Billy's attempts to protect him.
Billy and Boyd visit the ganadero's office multiple times before finally finding him in. Billy instructs Boyd to keep Keno out of sight and goes inside to speak with the ganadero, Señor Gillian. The ganadero is initially on the phone but eventually speaks with Billy, asking about his business with Señor Soto. Billy introduces himself and explains his connection to Cloverdale, New Mexico. Señor Gillian offers to help and introduces himself as Geeyan, waiting for Billy to explain his reason for seeking Señor Soto. This excerpt is from Cormac McCarthy's novel *The Crossing*, the second book in his *Border Trilogy*. It describes a conversation between Billy Parham and a ganadero (cattleman) named Gillian. Billy is searching for the man who sold a horse to a German doctor named Haas, suspecting it might have been an Indian. Although Billy claims not to be interested in the horse itself, he is clearly on a quest for information about its seller.
Billy's brother, Boyd, is initially outside with the horses. Billy invites him in at Gillian's insistence, despite Boyd's reluctance and suggestion they should keep moving. Boyd and Billy share a strong bond, highlighted by their shared hardships and familiarity with each other's mannerisms. As they enter, Boyd doesn't remove his hat, perhaps signaling his unease or defiance.
Boyd Parham, Billy's younger brother, plays a significant role in the story. After Billy returns home to find their parents murdered, Boyd joins Billy on his quest for revenge. During their journey in Mexico, Boyd becomes involved with a young girl, which complicates their mission. Eventually, Boyd becomes something of a folk hero due to his daring actions and involvement in local conflicts. He is known for his courage and resistance against injustice.
In *The Crossing*, Billy and Boyd Parham return to Mexico for several reasons:
1. **Seeking Revenge:** After discovering their parents have been murdered, Billy and Boyd decide to return to Mexico to track down the raiders responsible. They are motivated by a desire for justice and vengeance for their family's murder.
2. **Personal and Existential Reasons:** The journey to Mexico also reflects Billy's ongoing search for meaning in a chaotic world. Throughout the novel, Billy grapples with questions about fate, morality, and the nature of human existence. Returning to Mexico symbolizes his quest to find answers and resolve his internal struggles.
3. **Boyd's Relationship with a Mexican Girl:** Boyd becomes romantically involved with a Mexican girl, which complicates their mission and influences their decision to return. His involvement with her adds a personal dimension to their journey and leads to Boyd's deeper entanglement in local conflicts.
Their return to Mexico is driven by a combination of vengeance, existential questioning, and personal connections, reflecting the novel's complex exploration of themes such as violence, brotherhood, and the search for meaning.
Boyd's story is marked by his eventual separation from Billy and his tragic fate. His actions and choices contribute to the novel's exploration of themes such as brotherhood, violence, and the loss of innocence. Boyd's journey, while intertwined with Billy's, ultimately takes a different path, leading to his untimely death and leaving a lasting impact on Billy.
As they arrive at an abandoned hacienda, the characters observe the crumbling buildings and strange inhabitants. They encounter circus performers and wonder about the nature of the place and its people. As they explore the compound, they see the remnants of an old car and men preparing for a show. The atmosphere is mysterious and eerie, setting the stage for further exploration and discovery.
Billy, Boyd, and the girl arrive at Hacienda de San Diego, an abandoned estate that the girl says is now common land. They’re given lodging for the night and fed by the Muñoz family. A bell rings, and the ejidatarios (shareholders of land) go to see a travelling opera troupe perform; Billy accompanies them. The next morning, Billy is transfixed by the “primadonna” from the troupe bathing in the stream.
Boyd is eventually shot through the chest in a squabble. After he is nursed back to health, he disappears with a young girl.
Billy crosses the border into the United States and learns that the country is at war. He rides into Deming, spends the night at a bus station, and then heads to the recruiting office to join the army. However, he is only seventeen and needs his next of kin to sign for him. Since he has no family, he is told to wait while the other boys go for their physical examinations. Billy tries to enlist in the army multiple times but is rejected due to a heart murmur. He travels to different recruiting offices, including one in Albuquerque, but is still unsuccessful. He eventually accepts his fate and continues working at a stable. Despite his determination to serve, he is ultimately unable to join the army due to his medical condition.
Billy Parham arrives at Deming bus station in the early morning and heads to Chandler’s to retrieve his horse Niño. He then embarks on a journey south, riding through various landscapes and encountering different people. He eventually arrives at the Sanders ranch where he is welcomed by the family. They share a meal and reminisce about old times, looking at old photographs on the walls. The conversation turns to stories of the past, including a picture of John Slaughter and an Indian girl named Apache May. The old man also talks about his experiences working for Slaughter and almost killing an Indian. They then move to the parlor where the old man tends to the fire in the stove, reflecting on the changing times and the loss of traditional music. The story follows Billy as he travels through different places and works on ranches during a period of war. He reminisces about his past and the uncertainty that comes with life. Along the way, Billy encounters different characters, including a soldier and a barman, with whom he engages in conversations. Despite the changing landscapes and people he meets, Billy carries memories of his past and a longing for connection.
At a carnival, Billy interacts with a small toothless man, a pitchman, and a shill during a gambling game involving a wheel and cards. Despite winning, Billy recognizes a caravan from his past and decides to leave the carnival. He encounters a man named Juan later on, and they discuss life, death, and destiny as they ride together. Billy reflects on the inevitability of death and the role individuals play in determining their fate. Juan and Billy share a moment of understanding before continuing their journey through the Mexican frontier.
Quijada, a Yaqui Indian, shares information about violent incidents in different Mexican towns and the power dynamics between wealthy landowners and impoverished workers. The conversation delves into themes of betrayal, loyalty, justice, and the complexities of human relationships. The mention of a corrido, a folk song, underscores the importance of storytelling and how it shapes historical memory. The characters also reflect on regret, loss, and the impossibility of reclaiming past actions. Ultimately, the text explores the harsh realities of life and the challenges of finding redemption. He informs Billy that his brother was killed and gives him the location of where his remains are buried. There is no explicit mention of what happened to Billy's brother, but it is implied that he was killed in San Lorenzo. The girl who was with him was covered in blood but was not shot, and her whereabouts are unknown. Billy's brother was apparently a hunted man and ended up being taken in by Casares. It is also mentioned that Billy's brother killed two men in Galeana for unknown reasons. Billy's brother was not easy to care for and perhaps did not have a home to go to, leading to his actions and eventual fate. The corrido, a type of Mexican folk ballad, tells the tale of the güerito (blond-haired man) who is all men and symbolizes different truths and outcomes when two men meet. Despite Billy's intentions to take his brother back with him, it is implied that this may not be possible or allowed.
Billy rides into the town of San Buenaventura and visits the cemetery where his brother is buried. The cemetery is desolate and filled with cairns of rock, reflecting a sense of aftermath from a battle. Billy works to uncover his brother's grave, facing challenges and memories throughout the process. He interacts with an old woman in the church, who prays for all and for him as well. Despite the bleakness of the landscape and the history of violence, Billy finds a sense of closure as he honors his brother's memory. Billy is at a grave site with the remains of his brother, Boyd. He digs up Boyd's bones and places them in a soogan, then loads them onto a horse and rides away, carrying the bones with him. Along his journey, he encounters four horsemen who question him about what he is carrying. Despite their suspicions, Billy refuses to open the soogan containing Boyd's bones. The situation escalates when one of the horsemen tries to open the soogan, leading to a confrontation between Billy and the group. The group demands to know where the money is, implying that they were expecting treasure instead of bones. A bandolero stabs Niño with a knife, demanding money from Billy. Billy tries to save the horse by trying to stop the bleeding, but ultimately the horse is severely injured. The bandolero then leaves, and Billy is left to care for the wounded animal. It describes a dreamlike encounter between the protagonist and Boyd, a deceased figure, as well as the protagonist's interactions with a wounded horse and a group of gypsies.
In a dream, Boyd appears before Billy by the fire, embodying the familiar presence he had in life. Billy is aware of Boyd's death, which requires a careful approach to their conversation. Boyd's reticence about the afterlife hints at the ineffability of death and the lingering mystery it holds. The dream fades, leaving Billy with the painful realization of Boyd's absence and the burden of grief.
Upon waking, the protagonist discovers his wounded horse, evoking a tender scene of care and compassion. The animal's suffering symbolizes vulnerability and the fragility of life. The protagonist tends to the horse as he hears the approach of arrieros (muleteers) and a group of gypsies.
The gypsies, depicted with colorful attire and an air of mystery, are transporting a dismantled airplane. This surreal image underscores the theme of displacement and the intersection of different worlds and times. The gypsies inquire about the horse's condition and examine its wound, highlighting the cross-cultural exchange and shared concern for life amidst the harsh realities of their environment.
Billy, with the help of a gypsy, nurses the horse back to riding condition.
The last scene shows Billy alone and desolate, coming across a terribly beat up dog that approaches him for help. In marked contrast to his youthful bond with the wolf, he shoos the dog away angrily, meanly. Later, he feels a flood of remorse: he goes after the dog, calling for it to come back—but it has gone. He breaks down in tears.
The Crossing" is a novel that delves into the depths of spirituality, fate, and humanity's relationship with the divine. Through introspective monologues and philosophical musings, the book explores themes of seeking meaning in destruction, the interconnectedness of life, and the enigmatic nature of God's will.
Billy embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the weight of his beliefs and questioning the purpose of suffering and loss. As he navigates through a world that seems to be governed by an unseen hand, he reflects on the fragility of life and the inevitability of change.
Through vivid descriptions and meditative prose, "The Crossing" paints a portrait of a man caught between faith and doubt, longing for a deeper understanding of his place in the universe. It challenges readers to ponder the mysteries of existence and the complexities of human experience, leaving them with a sense of wonder and contemplation.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
incredibly beautiful. mccarthy is the master of poetic imagery and flowing prose. some sections i had read and close my eyes to imagine the scenery in my mind's eye for minutes. there are pages and pages where each paragraph is a painting of words.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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