Anyone Want to Talk About Lonesome Dove (Book)?
- Thread starter shannerdrake
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SO7mm
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Definitely one of my favorites. I've read it a couple of times and it's my go to audio book if I'm having trouble sleeping. The conversations throughout the book don't seem to get old. I was in college when I saw the movie and loved Call. After reading it a couple of times and getting older myself It's interesting how that has changed.
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shannerdrake
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Call was an interesting character. This is part of McMurty's genius. Call was at first cast as the hero, but wasn't he really the villain? We could debate this, but I am hesitant to list my evidence as to why as it would be a spoiler for those who haven't finished it.
However, I'm reminded of my favorite quote from Legends of the Fall:
"I thought Tristan would never live to be an old man. I was wrong about that. I was wrong about many things. It was those who loved him most who died young. He was the rock they broke themselves against."
The same could be said of Call.
SO7mm
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Great comparison. I hadn't thought of those two characters being so similar but I see it now. When I was young I was all about getting things done and I don't remember acknowledging the downside of Call to myself. He was just the hero.
Boone by Robert Morgan? Excellent read.
geetar
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Call didn’t seem as certain of his own legend as others did.
BrentD
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It's been 30+ yrs since I read the book, but I recall that I really liked it, and that I was surprised that I liked it. I believe it was the dialog that I liked most. Maybe I should read it again.
One thing is certain, he passed his wordsmithing chops along to his son, James.
One thing is certain, he passed his wordsmithing chops along to his son, James.
2rocky
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I think Lonesome Dove epitomizes a St. Teresa Quote I heard last Sunday (without meaning to) " I felt that I would have laid down a thousand lives to save a single one of all the souls that were being lost there."
Think of all the people who died along that journey to Montana, and who benefitted...
Point for discussion:
To me Call is the epitome of the Code of the West.
CODE OF THE WEST
1) Live each day with courage.
2) Take pride in your work.
3) Always finish what you start.
4) Do what has to be done.
5) Be tough, but fair.
6) When you make a promise, keep it.
7) Ride for the brand.
8) Talk less and say more.
9) Remember that some things aren't for sale.
10) Know where to draw the line.
Think of all the people who died along that journey to Montana, and who benefitted...
NEWT was the one whose Soul was Saved. HAd he stayed in Lonesome Dove, he would have become shiftless , a drunk, an outlaw..who knows...But he now had something to build and create...
One could also argue Call's "soul" was saved through service to his friend Gus. But really he had just outlived his time.
One could also argue Call's "soul" was saved through service to his friend Gus. But really he had just outlived his time.
Point for discussion:
To me Call is the epitome of the Code of the West.
CODE OF THE WEST
1) Live each day with courage.
2) Take pride in your work.
3) Always finish what you start.
4) Do what has to be done.
5) Be tough, but fair.
6) When you make a promise, keep it.
7) Ride for the brand.
8) Talk less and say more.
9) Remember that some things aren't for sale.
10) Know where to draw the line.
noharleyyet
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RobertD
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Neat old hardcover copy someone gave my dad. He loaned to me. I want to read it badly but that's the case with about fifty other books I own, too.
Irrelevant
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Sure but he lived by the code to a fault and failed miserably as a father, which I would argue trumps all his good deeds.
2rocky
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But Newt was "raised by a village" better than just looking to one man for his role model....And yes TO A FAULT is a very good term.
Irrelevant
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better? Not knowing who is dad was, then knowing and his Dad not even acknowledging his existence as a son... you can't convince me any of that is better in any way, shape, or form.
When I read the book I basically hated Call and everything he claimed to stand for.
BrentD
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better book than movie, imo. but both are very good.
That’s generally the case. Can’t believe that I’ve never gotten around to it. Just placed a hold on it at the library.
noharleyyet
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I don't think sacrificing ideals during character development a detriment to the story...the fact that we are steered to dislike a character is a device the author has used to steer us. Yes, Call had a major flaw, yet many offsetting values. He was by far my favorite.
2rocky
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The "flawed character" is a classic device in literature. You seldom see a main character who is perfect except in pulp novels. Unforgiven is another good example.
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