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843
Novel • Fiction
Wild West • 1870s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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
220,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
220,284 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Captain Woodrow Call
A taciturn and dutiful former Texas Ranger, who prioritizes getting the job done and maintains a strong sense of responsibility and purpose.
Newt Dobbs
A young cowboy who is likely the son of Captain Call, experiencing the cattle drive as an adventurous opportunity for growth and independence.
Pea Eye Parker
A loyal and slow-thinking companion of Gus and Call, who is content with following orders and easily confused by Gus's antics.
Jake Spoon
A handsome and charming former Ranger with a penchant for gambling and womanizing, whose actions inadvertently set off a series of tragic events.
Deets
A skilled Black tracker and ranch hand noted for his kindness and mysticism, who serves with Gus and Call for many years.
Clara Allen
Gus's primary love interest, an intelligent and pragmatic woman who manages her farm and family with strength and resilience.
Lorena Wood
A beautiful woman seeking new beginnings, whose interactions with Gus and Jake influence her journey toward self-realization.
Blue Duck
A ruthless and cunning antagonist known for his vengeful and violent tendencies, posing a significant threat to the protagonists.
July Johnson
A diligent sheriff who embarks on a quest for justice, facing numerous challenges that test his endurance and determination.
Elmira Johnson
July's cold and indifferent wife, whose actions complicate July's life and influence the unfolding events of the narrative.
843
Novel • Fiction
Wild West • 1870s
1985
Adult
18+ years
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