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readwithsamia's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
tristorch's review against another edition
4.0
A brilliantly crafted and heartbreaking slice of America's fringes.
akirsch2404's review against another edition
4.0
Vlautin sentences seem sparse in their descriptions, but as the chapter roll by his canvas takes on great beauty as the characters get deeper and locations take on more depth.
richardwells's review against another edition
4.0
This is a sad and beautiful book about a broken young man struggling to reinvent himself as a professional boxer; the surrogate family that loves him like a son; and life in America, the Heartbreak Land. It's compelling, real, and well worth your time.
hobbes199's review against another edition
4.0
Another amazing character study from Vlautin, following the trials of Horace/Hector as he follows his dreams of becoming a great 'Mexican' boxer, and his friend and former boss Mr Reese as he adapts to life after Horace leaves the ranch he runs.
Atmospheric, emotional, and often hard-hitting, Vlautin's 'scattergun' narrative technique (short, abrupt sentences act as a metaphor for the beatings Horace gets in the ring) may deter some readers, but it's worth getting into that rhythm for the punches that follow.
Review edition supplied by publisher. Retail edition comes with a specially composed soundtrack to accompany Horace and Mr Reese's journey.
Atmospheric, emotional, and often hard-hitting, Vlautin's 'scattergun' narrative technique (short, abrupt sentences act as a metaphor for the beatings Horace gets in the ring) may deter some readers, but it's worth getting into that rhythm for the punches that follow.
Review edition supplied by publisher. Retail edition comes with a specially composed soundtrack to accompany Horace and Mr Reese's journey.
flogigyahoo's review against another edition
5.0
What a beautiful book. The writing is superlative. Willy Vlautin is as far from Regency Romances as one could get. I took a rest from my regency research and spent 2 days reading this unputdownable book which I bought some time ago and--can you believe it--forgot about although I know he's a fantastic writer.
This is about a half Paiute Native American, Horace Hooper of Nevada. He was fostered at the age of 14 when his mother remarried. His father left when he was 3. He comes to live with Mr and Mrs Reese on their sheep ranch in the empty hills of Nevada and learns to love the ranch and his parents who love him deeply. At age 21 he hopes to reinvent himself as a boxer named Hector Hidalgo and begins his new life. Not everything is as he has imagined it. Vlautin's spare sentences bring to life an urban nightmare and the loneliness Horace feels in the city that he doesn't know how to handle. I loved every page of this story and started reading another of Vlautin's novels as soon as I finished this one.
This is about a half Paiute Native American, Horace Hooper of Nevada. He was fostered at the age of 14 when his mother remarried. His father left when he was 3. He comes to live with Mr and Mrs Reese on their sheep ranch in the empty hills of Nevada and learns to love the ranch and his parents who love him deeply. At age 21 he hopes to reinvent himself as a boxer named Hector Hidalgo and begins his new life. Not everything is as he has imagined it. Vlautin's spare sentences bring to life an urban nightmare and the loneliness Horace feels in the city that he doesn't know how to handle. I loved every page of this story and started reading another of Vlautin's novels as soon as I finished this one.
kristaj's review against another edition
5.0
Heartbreaking
Beautiful, but heart breaking story. I just wanted to hug Horace and tell him everything would be alright. I love Mr and Mrs Reece. They have good hearts. I did NOT like his terrible trainer. He did NOT have a good heart.
I definitely recommend this book!
Beautiful, but heart breaking story. I just wanted to hug Horace and tell him everything would be alright. I love Mr and Mrs Reece. They have good hearts. I did NOT like his terrible trainer. He did NOT have a good heart.
I definitely recommend this book!
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