TL;DR
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that chronicles the epic journey of retired Texas Rangers driving a cattle herd from Texas to Montana.
What is Lonesome Dove about
Lonesome Dove, written by Larry McMurtry, is an epic tale set in the dying days of the Old West. The novel centers around the adventures of several retired Texas Rangers who embark on a perilous cattle drive from the small town of Lonesome Dove, Texas, to the wilds of Montana. Themes of friendship, unrequited love, aging, and mortality are intricately woven into the storyline, making it a richly authentic and beautifully written masterpiece. The book captures the ruggedness of frontier life and portrays a variety of unforgettable characters, both heroic and villainous.
Lonesome Dove 6 Key Takeaways
Retired Rangers
The story begins with retired Texas Rangers Woodrow F. Call and Augustus 'Gus' McCrae living a sedentary life in Lonesome Dove, Texas. They decide to embark on one last adventure by driving a cattle herd to Montana, seeking new beginnings and reliving their glory days.
The Journey Begins
Call and Gus gather a motley crew of cowhands and set off on their arduous journey. Along the way, they face a myriad of challenges, including harsh weather, treacherous terrain, and hostile Indians, all while battling their own internal conflicts.
Unrequited Love
Lorena Wood, a beautiful and complex woman, joins the group, hoping to find love and a better life in Montana. Her unrequited love for another member of the group, Jake Spoon, adds emotional depth to the story.
Tragic Losses
As the journey progresses, the group faces significant losses and tragedies. The death of key characters serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life on the frontier.
Reaching Montana
After enduring numerous hardships, the group finally reaches Montana. However, the journey's end brings both relief and sorrow, as they reflect on the lives lost and the personal growth they have experienced.
Friendship and Legacy
The novel concludes with a focus on the enduring friendship between Call and Gus. Their camaraderie and mutual respect highlight the deep bonds formed through shared experiences and hardships.
Top Lonesome Dove Quotes
- “It's a fine world, though rich in hardships at times.”
- “The older the violin, the sweeter the music.”
Who should read Lonesome Dove?
Lonesome Dove is ideal for readers interested in richly detailed historical fiction, Western adventures, and stories that explore deep themes such as friendship, love, and mortality. It appeals to those who appreciate well-developed characters and vivid storytelling.
Lonesome Dove Best Reviews
- “Lonesome Dove is the grandest novel ever written about the last defiant wilderness of America. It is an epic in every way, a love story, and an adventure that is both richly authentic and intensely dramatic.” – The New York Times
- “Larry McMurtry’s storytelling is nothing short of magnificent. He brings to life the ruggedness of the frontier, and his characters are as memorable as they are diverse.” – Los Angeles Times
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Lonesome Dove FAQs
What reading level is Lonesome Dove?
Lonesome Dove has an ATOS book level of 5.8, making it suitable for upper grades (9-12). It has a word count of 365,712 and offers 58 AR points.
Is Lonesome Dove a standalone book?
Yes, although Lonesome Dove is part of a tetralogy that follows the exploits of Texas Rangers, it can be read as a standalone novel.
Is Lonesome Dove a long book?
Yes, Lonesome Dove is a lengthy novel. The average reader will spend approximately 14 hours and 24 minutes reading this book at a speed of 250 words per minute.