Customer Reviews

Last of the Duanes

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I have read many Louis L'Amour westerns and although I love his books I have to say this book by Gray is better than anything I have read by L'Amour.

Buck Duane is an interesting character with a lot of depth and showed considerable development throughout the novel, unlike most westerns with generic characters who show little development. Duane is a dark, brooding and character who struggles with violent impulses - the emotional and mental battle portayed in Duane's head were very believable and not a litle disturbing.

The plot itself was interesting and had plenty of action. Highly reccommended.

Zane Grey, a prolific writer who actually spent years in the American West in the early 1900's, drew upon stories from the lips of men who knew Billy the Kid and other famous westerners. Owen Wister did too, but produced only one significant book of the early west, The Virginian. As a contrast, Z. Grey's love of the outdoors and his talent in writing meaningful action created a huge outpouring of books. Most are Western Gothics, powerful stories as vibrant with details of real life on the western frontiers as they are full of psychological depth. If you have a taste for romance and action, he merits a look-see. However, please note, he did not write Lorna Doone, set on England's northern border. Also, stolid John Ridd, Lorna's champion, is a different sort from the deadly gunfighters that Grey describes so well. However, like Lorna Doone, some of his heroines are brutalized by relatives and their evil hangers-on until being freed by a courageous outsider.

I really enjoyed the story of Buckley Duane, and of how his unmerited misfortune turned to his favor. Mr. Grey did a fantastic job making his main character come alive to the reader. I intend to read more books by this author.

I have read nearly everything Zane Grey ever wrote but this was a new one for me - Great!

This was a great book. I read a minimum of (1) western novel per month and have done so for years. I have read works from most of the well known writers. I have saved Zane Grey for last. Boy what I have missed. This book is fast paced and the character is so interesting that the pages just fly by. Don't miss this one.