orlion's review
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
the_mew_of_cathulhu's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
doughnuts1's review against another edition
2.0
2.5 stars
The beginning is rough but after the first 100 pages it gets interesting!
The beginning is rough but after the first 100 pages it gets interesting!
yetilibrary's review against another edition
4.0
Great story that raises thoughtful, important questions about ethics and human morality. I wish this were required reading in junior highs/high schools.
derrickmitchell's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I haven’t read a ton of westerns but this is one of the best of those that I have read. Written in 1940, it deals with mob justice and how an authoritarian influence can quickly mold the minds of those who think themselves mavericks into throwing away actual justice for perceived justice. The book asks us where we stand in the opinions and thoughts of the characters and what can anyone do to stand apart from the mob.
It’s a nuanced story that tends to show its message rather than tell it.
It’s a nuanced story that tends to show its message rather than tell it.
bfagioli's review against another edition
4.0
More an essay on human nature and mob violence than a true western genre. Told through the eyes of cattle hand Art Cross. It's an interesting and quick read. This book was mentioned by Stephen King in his book If It Bleeds so I read it. It was worth it - thanks Stephen
belabart71's review
4.0
A thought-provoking study of the human mind and human nature— good vs evil and right vs wrong. Interesting to see different perspectives of these characters about what it is to have justice in the old west. Clark is a great storyteller!