Lonesome Dove is Larry McMurtry’s greatest literary achievement. It’s an epic masterpiece that won the Pulitzer Prize for its sweeping scenery, loveable characters and epic storyline. McMurtry is the master of the American West. Most, if not all of his novels are dedicated to the subject.
Synopsis of Lonesome Dove
Gus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call are retired Texas Rangers living in the barely on the map town of Lonesome Dove running the Hat Creek Cattle Company. With them is faithful Pea Eye Parker and Deets, along with young Newt who adores both Gus and Call.
Through a series of events (stealing cattle and horses from Mexico, mainly) and a off hand idea from friend, Jake Spoon, Gus and Call round up a herd of cattle and a herd of rowdy cowboys and head north to Montana.
Lonesome Dove is the story of Gus, who lusts after whores and reads scripture while he’s baking his famous biscuits. He’s a genuine cowboy, sharpshooter, card sharp and charmer. It’s also the story of Call, who is looking for fulfillment after a lifetime of adventure. This cattle drive is the perfect opportunity for him to have something to do because he’s a natural born leader.
On the way to Montana, they meet with hostile Indians, old friends and lovers and a variety of decisions to make. Gus visits his old sweetheart, Clara, and realizes that he’ll always love her but can’t give her what she needs. Call comes to the realization that Newt probably is his son and own up to it.
But, it all changes after Gus is attacked by Indians and Call has to find him.
Love for Lonesome Dove
An epic novel such as Lonesome Dove cannot be summarized in such a short review. However, readers and fans of the American West who are looking for a beautiful representation of the West to read, Lonesome Dove will not fail you. McMurtry manages to capture the essence of one of the greatest eras in American History through his rough and tumble cowboys, the whores they fall in love with and an epic cattle drive that changes all of their lives forever.
Larry McMurtry uses Lonesome Dove to paint a vivid picture of the real American West. His characters have no delusions and he gives them no outside agenda. Basically, what you see is what you get with McMurtry. Lonesome Dove transports readers to Texas, Nebraska and Montana in such a way that’s never been done before. Before long, readers will have a lasso in their hands wanting to follow Gus and Call to the ends of the earth.
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