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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

Character List

Captain Augustus “Gus” McCrae

A former Texas Ranger and co-owner of the Hat Creek Cattle Company, known for his love of debate, charming demeanor, and whimsical nature.

A taciturn and dutiful former Texas Ranger, who prioritizes getting the job done and maintains a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.

A young cowboy who is likely the son of Captain Call, experiencing the cattle drive as an adventurous opportunity for growth and independence.

A loyal and slow-thinking companion of Gus and Call, who is content with following orders and easily confused by Gus's antics.

A handsome and charming former Ranger with a penchant for gambling and womanizing, whose actions inadvertently set off a series of tragic events.

A skilled Black tracker and ranch hand noted for his kindness and mysticism, who serves with Gus and Call for many years.

Gus's primary love interest, an intelligent and pragmatic woman who manages her farm and family with strength and resilience.

A beautiful woman seeking new beginnings, whose interactions with Gus and Jake influence her journey toward self-realization.

A ruthless and cunning antagonist known for his vengeful and violent tendencies, posing a significant threat to the protagonists.

A diligent sheriff who embarks on a quest for justice, facing numerous challenges that test his endurance and determination.

July's cold and indifferent wife, whose actions complicate July's life and influence the unfolding events of the narrative.

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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