61 pages • 2 hours read
True Grit
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
•
Western•
Action & AdventureAmerican Old West • 1870s
•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Perseverance1968
Adult
14-18 years
800L
Super Short Summary
In True Grit, 14-year-old Mattie Ross seeks justice for her father’s murder by hiring grizzled U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn. Together with Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, they track the killer, Tom Chaney, into Indian Territory. Their journey tests their resolve and grit as they face numerous obstacles and danger. The story is narrated by an older Mattie, reflecting on her past. Instances of violence and explicit descriptions may be present.
Gritty
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
69,485 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
True Grit by Charles Portis has garnered acclaim for its sharp prose, memorable characters, and engaging narrative. Reviewers praise its blend of humor and brutality, with many highlighting the protagonist's strong voice. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a celebrated novel in Western literature.
Who Should Read True Grit?
Readers who enjoy True Grit by Charles Portis are fans of classic Westerns, strong-willed protagonists, and moral exploration. Similar to Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, they appreciate adventure-filled narratives and richly drawn characters navigating rugged landscapes.
69,485 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Novel • Fiction
•
Western•
Action & AdventureAmerican Old West • 1870s
•
Emotions/Behavior: Courage•
Perseverance1968
Adult
14-18 years
800L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 9,100+ additional titles.