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Lonesome Dove

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

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Book Brief

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Larry Mcmurtry

Lonesome Dove

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Details
Pages

843

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wild West • 1870s

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry follows former Texas Rangers Augustus McRae and Woodrow Call as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, exploring themes of loyalty, freedom, family, and the harsh realities of the American West. Augustus, Call, and their crew, including a young man named Newt, face numerous challenges and tragedies on their journey. The novel depicts sexual assault, graphic violence, and characters with racist biases and contains offensive stereotypes of Indigenous American characters.

Gritty

Adventurous

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.7

220,284 ratings

91%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove is celebrated for its rich character development, vivid portrayal of the American West, and compelling narrative. Critics praise its immersive storytelling and emotional depth. However, some readers find its length daunting and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it remains a distinguished work in the Western genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lonesome Dove?

Readers who relish epic tales of the Old West with rich character development and gritty realism will love Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Fans of Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian or Charles Portis' True Grit will appreciate its vivid storytelling, adventurous spirit, and complex portrayal of friendship and survival.

4.7

220,284 ratings

91%

Loved it

7%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

843

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Wild West • 1870s

Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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