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A review by kellyrenea
The Virginian: A Horseman of the Plains by Owen Wister
4.0
Book 13 of 2023: The Virginian by Owen Wister
Set in Wyoming in the 1890s, it is the story of a mysterious stranger -- known only as “The Virginian”-- who arrives in Medicine Bow, Wyoming and escorts the narrator to Judge Henry's ranch in Sunk Creek, and their challenges and adventures. It is a tale of adventure, love, friendship, hate, and vengeance, and was one of the most influential books published at the turn of the 20th century. It was largely responsible for launching the Western genre and the iconic American cowboy as a fictional archetype.
An enjoyable read. I had never heard of the novel before my book club, but I appreciate the chance to read a novel that helped begin a genre, the western. Some of my favorite quotes were:
“The same words, identical to the letter. But this time they had produced a pistol. “When you call me that, SMILE!” So I perceived a new example of the old truth, that the letter means nothing until the spirit gives it life.”
“It’s not a brave man that’s dangerous,” continued the dealer. “It’s the cowards that scare me.”
Set in Wyoming in the 1890s, it is the story of a mysterious stranger -- known only as “The Virginian”-- who arrives in Medicine Bow, Wyoming and escorts the narrator to Judge Henry's ranch in Sunk Creek, and their challenges and adventures. It is a tale of adventure, love, friendship, hate, and vengeance, and was one of the most influential books published at the turn of the 20th century. It was largely responsible for launching the Western genre and the iconic American cowboy as a fictional archetype.
An enjoyable read. I had never heard of the novel before my book club, but I appreciate the chance to read a novel that helped begin a genre, the western. Some of my favorite quotes were:
“The same words, identical to the letter. But this time they had produced a pistol. “When you call me that, SMILE!” So I perceived a new example of the old truth, that the letter means nothing until the spirit gives it life.”
“It’s not a brave man that’s dangerous,” continued the dealer. “It’s the cowards that scare me.”