49 pages • 1 hour read
Riders of the Purple Sage
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Book Brief
320
Novel • Fiction
Utah • 1870s
1912
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
Set in 1871, Riders of the Purple Sage follows Jane Withersteen, a Mormon woman persecuted for refusing to marry church leader Elder Tull and for her relationships with non-Mormons. She is aided by gunman Jim Lassiter, and her Gentile lover Bern Venters discovers a masked rider in league with cattle rustlers who turns out to be a woman named Bess. This book includes depictions of assault, murder, violence towards children, religious discrimination, gendered violence, sexual assault, and persecution of members of the Mormon faith.
Adventurous
Gritty
Romantic
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
19,443 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage is heralded for its vivid descriptions of the American West and complex characters. While some critics praise its rich narrative and pioneering spirit, others note occasional melodramatic elements and dated cultural depictions. Overall, its influence on Western genre fiction remains significant.
Who Should Read Riders of the Purple Sage?
Fans of classic Westerns with rich descriptions and action-packed narratives will relish Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey. Similar to readers who enjoy Louis L'Amour's Hondo or Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian, these readers appreciate tales of frontier justice, rugged landscapes, and intricate character dynamics.
19,443 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jim Lassiter
Jim Lassiter
A former Texas Ranger with a reputation as a gunslinger, whose search for justice unveils his deep moral code and builds his connection with Jane.
Bern Venters
Bern Venters
An outsider to the Mormon community due to his non-Mormon status, his involvement with Jane and a mysterious rider leads him on a journey of love and self-discovery.
Elizabeth “Bess” Erne
Elizabeth “Bess” Erne
A mysterious masked rider associated with a rustler gang, her true identity and relationship with Venters reveal an innocent character seeking freedom and love.
Elder Tull
Elder Tull
The primary antagonist, a Mormon leader driven by his desire for Jane’s wealth and property, his actions set off the central conflicts.
320
Novel • Fiction
Utah • 1870s
1912
Adult
14-18 years
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