'Dead Man's Walk' is a prequel to the renowned 'Lonesome Dove' series, chronicling the early adventures of young Gus McCray and Woodrow Call as Texas Rangers. The book delves into the challenges faced by the inexperienced Texas Rangers as they navigate through Comanche and Apache territories, with a writing style that vividly portrays the brutal realities of life on the frontier.

Characters:

The characters are vividly characterized, with Gus and Call representing youthful exuberance and discipline, while other supporting figures add depth to the narrative, showcasing both sides of the conflict.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style combines character-driven storytelling with humor and serious undertones, featuring mature language and vivid descriptions that enhance the brutal realities of the setting.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot chronicles the early adventures of young Gus and Call as Texas Rangers, detailing their treacherous missions, their encounters with Native American tribes, and their evolving friendship amidst danger.

Setting:

The setting is vividly portrayed, reflecting the harsh realities of 1840s Texas and New Mexico, against which the characters must navigate dangers presented by the landscape and its inhabitants.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally brisk, though some readers find repetitive elements due to the journeying aspect, it effectively sustains tension and combines action with moments of reflection.

MATILDA JANE ROBERTS WAS naked as the air. Known throughout south Texas as the Great Western, she came walking up from the muddy Rio Grande holding a big snapping turtle by the tail. Matilda was almos...

Notes:

Dead Man's Walk is a prequel to Lonesome Dove.

The story follows young Texas Rangers Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call.

The main characters first meet in San Antonio before their adventures begin.

Gus and Call join a small troop of Texas Rangers to find a route from San Antonio to El Paso.

Matilda Roberts, a whore, accompanies them, hoping to reach California.

The group faces danger from the Comanche chief, Buffalo Hump.

Gus has a fierce encounter with Buffalo Hump, getting injured but escaping to camp.

The story showcases Gus and Call's developing friendship throughout their adventures.

Their first expedition ends in tragedy with several Rangers killed.

Gus falls for Clara Forsythe while in Austin, leading to humorous mishaps.

The group embarks on a dangerous trek that includes crossing a desert called Dead Man's Walk.

They face various perils including prairie fires and capture by a Mexican officer.

The Mexicans put them through a brutal test with black and white beans deciding their fates.

Gus and Call manage to survive and escort Lady Carey, a leprosy victim, back home.

McMurtry is praised for his unique character development, not just for the main characters but also for minor ones.

The book touches on themes of violence, survival, and the grim conditions of 19th-century Texas.

Some readers find it more violent and less charming than Lonesome Dove, with graphic depictions of death and suffering.

Despite mixed reviews, many continue to enjoy the story as part of the series.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are significant content warnings for graphic violence, including scalping and death, as well as themes of torture and murder.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance present, particularly regarding Gus's interest in Clara, as well as the relationships between other characters.

From The Publisher:

The first of Larry McCurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning Lonesome Dove tetralogy, showcasing McCurtry's talent for breathing new life into the vanished American West through two of the most memorable heroes in contemporary fiction: Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call.

As young Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call ("Gus" and "Call" for short) have much to learn about survival in a land fraught with perils: not only the blazing heat and raging tornadoes, roiling rivers and merciless Indians, but also the deadly whims of soldiers. On their first expeditions-led by incompetent officers and accompanied by the robust, dauntless whore known as the Great Western-they will face death at the hands of the cunning Comanche war chief Buffalo Hump and the silent Apache Gomez. They will be astonished by the Mexican army. And Gus will meet the love of his life.

Ratings (7)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (2)
Liked It (1)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (19):

Read It (7)
Want To Read (9)
Not Interested (3)

What can you read after
Dead Man's Walk?

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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.

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Dead Man's Walk

Larry McMurtry

Book 3 in the series:Lonesome Dove