Who Would Like This Book:
If you think westerns aren't for you, Lonesome Dove might just change your mind. This Pulitzer Prize-winner delivers a sprawling adventure across the Old West, but its true magic is in the unforgettable cast of characters - from gruff, stoic Call to the endlessly talkative, charming Gus. The friendships, dry humor, and moments of genuine heartbreak feel achingly real. With vivid storytelling, laugh-out-loud banter, and a tone that swings between hilarious and devastating, it’s perfect for anyone craving an immersive, character-driven epic. If you love sagas about flawed people, camaraderie, and the bittersweet passage of time, saddle up for this one!
Who May Not Like This Book:
If slow starts test your patience, or you're after a tightly plotted story, Lonesome Dove might frustrate you - it's definitely a slow burn. The sheer length (almost 1,000 pages!) can feel daunting or draggy for some, especially early on, and the novel meanders through multiple character arcs and side plots. Readers looking for nuanced portrayals of women and Native American characters might also find the book stuck in old-school tropes at times. Plus, prepare for plenty of grit, violence, and loss - McMurtry never spares his characters (or readers) from harsh realities.
About:
'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry is a sprawling epic Western novel that follows the journey of two aging ex-Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they set out on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The narrative is rich in historical detail, exploring themes of friendship, adventure, love, and survival in the rugged landscape of the American West. Through vivid characterizations and intricate plotlines, the author paints a compelling portrait of the challenges and triumphs faced by a diverse cast of characters on their arduous journey.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, death, and sexual violence, all of which are depicted in a manner consistent with the gritty realism of the narrative.
Has Romance?
While romance exists in the novel, it is not the central focus; it plays a significant role in character development and plot progression.
From The Publisher:
The Pulitzer Prize--winning American classic of the American West that follows two aging Texas Rangers embarking on one last adventure. An epic of the frontier, Lonesome Dove is the grandest novel ever written about the last defiant wilderness of America.
Journey to the dusty little Texas town of Lonesome Dove and meet an unforgettable assortment of heroes and outlaws, whores and ladies, Indians and settlers. Richly authentic, beautifully written, always dramatic, Lonesome Dove is a book to make us laugh, weep, dream, and remember.
Ratings (209)
Incredible (99) | |
Loved It (78) | |
Liked It (21) | |
It Was OK (8) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (564):
Read It (213) | |
Currently Reading (11) | |
Want To Read (249) | |
Did Not Finish (8) | |
Not Interested (83) |
11 comment(s)
I can't believe it's over.
I haven't read a book that's captured me since like this for 20 years. Amazingly rich characters, twists around every corner, rich romance, heartbreaking realities, and of course, plenty of whorin'
This was a well written book and I can see why so many people like it. But I tend not to enjoy "real" western and cowboy books. Tend to like them more if there is a romantic or paranormal twist to it. But this set pretty much in real life and I felt in just went on and on. I like big books but to me I didn't find it entertaining enough to enjoy a such long book but that being said it's not a bad book, it just wasn't my cup of tea and I should stop trying picking up literature western books
About as good a book as you can hope to read.
“Life in San Francisco is still just life. If you want one thing too much it’s likely to be a disappointment. The healthy way is to learn to like the everyday things, like soft beds and buttermilk - and feisty gentlemen.”
Long read that hooked me in from the beginning with its western cowboy ranch hand lifestyle story.
This massive book may have taken me about five months to read, but it was truly enjoyable from start to finish! It started off slow and lazy, just like a hot Texas day, introducing us gradually and intimately to a cast of fascinating characters. At first, the male characters' attitudes towards women was disgusting and off-putting, but gradually the female characters ended up being the most well-developed and interesting, strongest characters in the entire novel. I never knew how much sex slavery of women and girls was part of building the American frontier. This book is not a romantic movie version of the Wild Wild West. Even if the book moseys along a bit at the beginning, there was a part I reached, where I then proceeded to devour this book and could not stop reading it or thinking about reading it while I was away. I hit my stride reading it on vacation, and literally was reading in a public airport, with tears running down my face! Yah, that's embarrassing, but that's also a sign of good writing!
Pick this one up if you get a chance, particularly if you like long epic books about American history, like [b:Gone with the Wind|18405|Gone with the Wind|Margaret Mitchell|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328025229s/18405.jpg|3358283]
The first hundred pages or so of this mammoth book about the American West are sluggish, but the rest of the book makes up for it. A lengthy story that is obviously well-researched, well defined characters and well written
Massive tome. Western, with a lot of action, family drama and a cattle run.
The finest Western ever penned. This is without a doubt a top-tier literary work. The book is somewhat graphic for my tastes, but the plot and the characters are fascinating. Pulitzer winner.
This is easily in my top five favorite novels. This was the first western book I've ever read, and it definitely left me wanting to read more.
I read it after watching the miniseries on TV. What an amazing story! Un-put-downable!
What can you read after
Lonesome Dove?
About the Author:
Larry McMurtry (1936-2021) was the author of twenty-nine novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove, three memoirs, two collections of essays, and more than thirty screenplays. He lived in Archer City, Texas.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
