A review by neven
The Complete Western Stories of Elmore Leonard, by Elmore Leonard
4.0
An endlessly enjoyable collection of Leonard's
Western tales, most of them written in the 1950s. With the exception of the very oldest stories - a bit stilted and boyish, maybe - and the last two - a bit cynical and meandering, perhaps - these are pulp entertainment at its best. Leonard is a passionate writer with a great ear, so even though you're reading cowboy adventures, basically, the writing is never even remotely dull or unconvincing. And during its high points, the book is downright morally instructive.
Western tales, most of them written in the 1950s. With the exception of the very oldest stories - a bit stilted and boyish, maybe - and the last two - a bit cynical and meandering, perhaps - these are pulp entertainment at its best. Leonard is a passionate writer with a great ear, so even though you're reading cowboy adventures, basically, the writing is never even remotely dull or unconvincing. And during its high points, the book is downright morally instructive.