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Cormac McCarthy

No Country for Old Men

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy, Sheriff Ed Tom Bell investigates a series of murders in Texas linked to a botched drug deal. Vietnam vet Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon the aftermath, taking a case of money, which sets off a deadly pursuit by a ruthless hitman and drug cartels. Sheriff Bell struggles to protect Moss and his wife while reflecting on the moral decay he sees in society. The novel contains depictions of extreme violence.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men captivates with its stark prose and compelling, morally complex narrative. Critics praise its tension and rich characterization. However, some find the violence excessive and the minimalist style challenging. Despite this, it stands as a poignant exploration of fate and morality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read No Country for Old Men?

Readers who enjoy dark, existential themes, morally complex characters, and stark, lyrical prose will appreciate Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men. Fans of McCarthy's other works or books such as William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying and Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea will find it compelling.

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Book Details
Pages

309

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

HL610L