Scan barcode
file_noah's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Louis L’Amour is a classic western storyteller, and “The Lonesome Gods” is no exception to his great works. While weirdly paced and formatted at times, this books still stands strong among his collection of famous western pocket novels. I liked the characters in this one, and the intricate plot and folding back of the narrative made it very hard to put down. If you aren’t as experienced in reading real cowboy gun-slingers, it might do you well to pick up another of his books first, but nonetheless this is a great story to experience.
asaenz4's review
4.0
A thoughtful, measured, and calm tale of the old west. Not to be mistaken for a mark twain-esq story, but more so a love letter to the desert and the birth of Los Angeles. The character is written with all the comings of a classic hero, although with a more deliberate and acute sense of self. His education and experience come early which creates good depth as he progresses in the story. Of course there are gung-ho shoot outs and plot armor to protect him. Although, it is not so abrupt as to throw off the rhythm of the story. The ending was slightly rushed and felt a bit like fan-fare, however, L’Amour definitely displayed great experience and craft with this story and its setting. The dialogue is simple and easy to follow, it is broken up by thoughts of the narrating characters and then continues with speech from both sides of the conversation. It’s a formula the reader becomes accustomed to throughout. My encounter with the Lonesome Gods has me looking forward to reading more from Louis and being selective with his array of works, as this novel sets the bar high.
stanleys1's review
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
zakky_2k2's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? No
4.25
mimipollack's review
4.0
Feels like a wise old owl sharing tips for living life with a consciousness for right and wrong, survival and destruction, and a great appreciation of history and the lives that were lived before us. It's so satisfying, I feel I could close the book and have gotten my time's worth already, and I'm only halfway through.
My first Louis L'Amour! What a charming writer - he makes his characters break out into philosophical monologues quite often, reminding me of a musical where the actors will just break out into song in the middle of a line. These philosophical moments are endearing and pithy, I enjoyed them very much. The story was good, the important characters stood out sharply, but the last few chapters were rushed to get to a somewhat forced satisfactory ending. Rich historical details about culture, business, the development of the West that I enjoyed.
My first Louis L'Amour! What a charming writer - he makes his characters break out into philosophical monologues quite often, reminding me of a musical where the actors will just break out into song in the middle of a line. These philosophical moments are endearing and pithy, I enjoyed them very much. The story was good, the important characters stood out sharply, but the last few chapters were rushed to get to a somewhat forced satisfactory ending. Rich historical details about culture, business, the development of the West that I enjoyed.
More...