Shane
Shane
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1949
Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Wyoming • 1880s
1949
YA
12-18 years
870L
Super Short Summary
In Jack Schaefer's Shane, Bob Starrett, the young son of a Wyoming homesteader, narrates the story of a mysterious gunslinger named Shane who rides into their valley in the summer of 1889. Shane's presence brings both safety and tension to the Starrett family as they face off against a wealthy, aggressive land baron named Fletcher. As Fletcher's threats escalate, Shane's heroic actions in defense of the family ultimately lead to a climactic and violent standoff.
Gritty
Emotional
Adventurous
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
16,292 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Shane by Jack Schaefer is praised for its compelling narrative and strong character development, particularly the enigmatic protagonist Shane. Readers appreciate its exploration of themes like justice and redemption set against a vivid Western backdrop. However, some find the pacing slow and the dialogue dated. Overall, it remains a classic in Western literature.
Who Should Read Shane?
A reader who enjoys Jack Schaefer's Shane is likely to appreciate classic Western tales of heroism and frontier justice. They would also enjoy novels like Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian and Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove for their rich historical settings and complex characters. This reader values themes of morality, loyalty, and the rugged individualism emblematic of the American Old West.
16,292 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
176
Novel • Fiction
Wyoming • 1880s
1949
YA
12-18 years
870L
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