"Down the Long Hills" by Louis L'Amour tells the story of seven-year-old Hardy and three-year-old Betty Sue who escape a massacre of a wagon train, leaving them stranded in the wilderness of Wyoming. With only a horse named Big Red and a few supplies, the children must navigate through harsh conditions, evade dangers like wolves and a lone warrior, and find a way to reach safety. The book is praised for its tension-filled plot, the portrayal of a young boy's courage and resourcefulness, and the engaging storytelling style of Louis L'Amour.

The narrative revolves around the journey of Hardy and Betty Sue as they face various challenges, including surviving in the wild, outsmarting adversaries, and finding their way to Fort Bridger where Hardy's father resides. The book combines elements of survival, adventure, and coming-of-age themes, showcasing the resilience and determination of the young protagonists in a setting filled with danger and uncertainty.

Characters:

The characters are primarily children demonstrating resilience, along with adults and other travelers who contribute to the journey.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is direct and concise, focusing on action and survival while providing rich descriptions of the environment.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around the survival of two children after a violent attack on their wagon train, highlighting their challenges and adventures as they seek safety.

Setting:

The setting encompasses the American West, specifically the rugged and expansive landscapes of Wyoming.

Pacing:

The pacing is brisk, maintaining engagement through a mix of action and dialogue.

WHEN HARDY COLLINS woke up, Big Red was gone. Hardy had picketed the stallion himself, and with sudden guilt he remembered that in his hurry to return to the supper fire he had struck the picket-pin o...

Notes:

Down the Long Hills is unique because it's told entirely in third person.

This book features shifting points of view with characters including a seven-year-old boy and a toddler girl.

The story centers around two children, Hardy and Betty Sue, who are the only survivors of a wagon train massacre.

Hardy must navigate the wilderness of Wyoming while caring for three-year-old Betty Sue and their horse, Big Red.

The plot includes challenges like starvation, outlaws, and wild animals, showcasing their survival skills.

This book is shorter than many of L'Amour's works, with about 180 pages, and can be read in a few hours.

It's described as a coming-of-age story as the boy learns survival skills and takes responsibility for his sister.

Though far-fetched, readers find the story entertaining and enjoyable.

L'Amour uses a straightforward writing style, focusing on action rather than deep character development.

The novel has been a favorite across generations, often recommended to younger readers.

From The Publisher:

After the massacre Hardy and Betty Sue were left with only a horse and a knife with which to face the long battle against the wilderness. A seven-year-old boy and a three-year-old girl, stranded on the limitless prairie. They were up against starvation, marauding Indians, savage outlaws, and wild animals. They were mighty stubborn, but the odds were against them- and their luck was about to run out.

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About the Author:

Our foremost storyteller of the American West, Louis L'Amour has thrilled a nation by chronicling the adventures of the brave men and woman who settled the frontier. There are more than three hundred million copies of his books in print around the world.

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Down the Long Hills

Louis L'Amour

Book 6 in the series:Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures