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albertomdh's review
3.0
La primera novela de Leonard es un western en el molde clásico (También es lo normal para la época) con personajes estoicos y callados y prosa parca y directa a la narración. Una novela interesante y con la acción bien llevada. Se resiente un poco de que, para su extensión, abre demasiadas tramas simultáneas lo que hace que la resolución sea un poco brusca, pero vale la pena leerla.
Muy buena edición y traducción, como es habitual en Valdemar.
Muy buena edición y traducción, como es habitual en Valdemar.
gossamerwingedgazelle's review against another edition
4.0
OMG, so good! I love the way everything was resolved. It didn't feel forced, which many resolutions do. This was a great first book. No wonder he has become a famous writer.
chloekg's review against another edition
3.0
A shoot-em-up, Elmore Leonard beach read, the dialog is sparkling and action fast-paced. Not politically correct but better than many of the time.
rocketiza's review against another edition
3.0
One of his better westerns but I still prefer his more modern crime novels
mickeymole's review against another edition
4.0
I didn’t know this was Leonard’s first published novel until after I read it. After reading “Valdez is Coming” and “Hombre”--two fantastic westerns-- one would think there’d be a letdown, but I didn’t find that to be the case. Although it is not as tight as his later novels, it is still a fine piece of work that was thoroughly entertaining.
jupiterjens666's review against another edition
4.0
Yes I love Elmore Leonard and everything he writes and this is no exception, it's just great, goddammit, why did he have to die
marykimball14's review against another edition
3.0
Overall, a neat, straightforward western that was enjoyable to read.
None of the characters were terribly intriguing or original, and I think the ending left something to be desired. There were some plot points I wish were further developed. Also, reading it from a modern perspective was challenging at times, because of racist and sexist overtones present throughout the story. For example, there were 2 separate points where we are told a female character was not 'violated' by her kidnapper. Of course, this is to assure the reader that she is still a suitable love interest for the main character.
Although, to his credit, it seems like Elmore Leonard was trying to challenge some of the racist idealogy of the era, such as when the bounty hunter, Flynn, sat down and discussed surrender and life on reservations with the Apache chief, Soldado Viejo. It was also interesting that the men who hunted the Apaches were the most debased and villainous characters in the story. All in all, though, still not an especially kind or progressive depiction of Native Americans.
None of the characters were terribly intriguing or original, and I think the ending left something to be desired. There were some plot points I wish were further developed. Also, reading it from a modern perspective was challenging at times, because of racist and sexist overtones present throughout the story. For example, there were 2 separate points where we are told a female character was not 'violated' by her kidnapper. Of course, this is to assure the reader that she is still a suitable love interest for the main character.
Although, to his credit, it seems like Elmore Leonard was trying to challenge some of the racist idealogy of the era, such as when the bounty hunter, Flynn, sat down and discussed surrender and life on reservations with the Apache chief, Soldado Viejo. It was also interesting that the men who hunted the Apaches were the most debased and villainous characters in the story. All in all, though, still not an especially kind or progressive depiction of Native Americans.
derrickmitchell's review against another edition
3.0
I’m planning on reading through Elmore Leonard’s bibliography. This is his first book (written in the 50s) and it’s a pretty good western, although it definitely suffers from some racist tones of the time. It seems like Leonard pushes back against that racism somewhat, making the Americans the cruelest, and Mexican townsfolk the innocents. But I think some director could make a movie of this which confronts it head on and it could be really good.
cnorbury's review against another edition
3.0
Leonard's first novel. It didn't stand out to me as exceptional but it was certainly well-written. Some of his style traits are apparent early on, especially his economical use of dialogue and "leaving out the parts people tend to skip."
I don't read a lot of classic westerns such as this, so I can't compare it to other authors like Louis L-Amour and Zane Gray, but if you enjoy that genre, Leonard is certainly worth reading since he wrote numerous westerns before starting to branch out into his more modern works like "Get Shorty" and "Be Cool."
I don't read a lot of classic westerns such as this, so I can't compare it to other authors like Louis L-Amour and Zane Gray, but if you enjoy that genre, Leonard is certainly worth reading since he wrote numerous westerns before starting to branch out into his more modern works like "Get Shorty" and "Be Cool."