Western novels are considered good by many people because they often feature interesting characters, thrilling plots, and captivating settings. They often tell stories of adventure, courage, and survival in the rugged frontier of the American West, which many find appealing and engaging. Additionally, the genre has a long history and a rich literary tradition, which has allowed for the development of many classic works that continue to be widely read and admired today.
In this video Rex Hooper goes through his top 5 Western novels. He talks through the reason he likes them and why they deserve a place on this list. He also gives some quotes from each of the books and tries to make an analysis of what each novel is about. For each novel Rex also talks about what kind of movie adaptation would be good for these novels.
01:03 - The Virginian by Owen Wister
03:42 - The Son by Philipp Meyer
06:29 - Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
08:59 - The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt
13:30 - Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
"The Virginian" is a novel written by Owen Wister and is widely regarded as one of the first works of American Western fiction. The novel was published in 1902 and is set in the Wyoming Territory in the late 19th century. It tells the story of a cowboy known simply as "The Virginian" who works as a ranch foreman on a large cattle ranch.
One of the key themes in the novel is the idea of the American frontier and what it means to be a cowboy in the West. The Virginian is depicted as a man of strong moral character and unwavering loyalty, who embodies the ideal of the rugged individualism and frontier spirit that was associated with the American West. Throughout the novel, Wister uses the character of the Virginian to explore larger questions about what it means to be a man, to have honor and integrity, and to be a part of the frontier community.
"The Son" is a novel by Philipp Meyer that was published in 2013. The novel is a multi-generational saga that spans over 150 years and follows the life of three generations of a Texas ranching family. The narrative moves between past and present, weaving together the family's history with the larger history of Texas and the American West.
One of the central themes in the novel is the idea of power and how it is acquired, maintained, and passed down through generations. The main character, Eli McCullough, is born in 1836 and is taken captive by the Comanches as a young boy. He learns the ways of the Comanche and eventually rises to become a powerful and successful rancher. Throughout the novel, Meyer examines the relationship between power, violence, and wealth and how these factors shape the lives of the characters and the world they live in.
"Lonesome Dove" is a novel by Larry McMurtry that was published in 1985. The novel is a classic work of Western fiction and is widely considered to be one of the greatest Western novels of all time. Set in the late 19th century, the novel follows the lives of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus "Gus" McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana.
One of the key themes in "Lonesome Dove" is the idea of the American West as a place of both adventure and danger. Throughout the novel, the characters face many challenges and obstacles, from dangerous weather and hostile terrain to attacks from bandits and Indian tribes. Despite these obstacles, the characters remain determined to complete their journey and to claim their place in the West.
"The Sisters Brothers" is a novel by Patrick DeWitt that was published in 2011. The novel is a dark comedy set in the American West in the 1850s and follows the adventures of two notorious assassin brothers, Eli and Charlie Sisters. The novel is told from the perspective of Eli and is a character-driven story that explores the relationships between the two brothers, as well as their relationships with the people they encounter on their journey.
One of the central themes in "The Sisters Brothers" is the idea of violence and its effects on those who use it. DeWitt portrays the brothers as complex and flawed characters who struggle with their own morality and the impact that their actions have on others.
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