Customer Reviews

The Newton Boys: Portrait of an Outlaw Gang

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I thouroughly enjoyed reading this book. In it it gave a fascinating first hand view into how the Newton brothers entered the life of bank and train robbers. The story was written based on a number of interviews with Willis and Joe Newton. The brothers discussed their feelings on how they were viewed, and how when there was ever any robbery, the Newton brothers were the number one suspects. I also enjoyed the humor in which the brothers were able to look back on thier escapades and run ins with the law. Some of the best parts of the book, I think, were when the Newtons described how they outsmarted the law, and escaped from prisons numerous times. The decriptions in the book provided vivid detail into life during the turn of the century. Each brother described in the book had very different interests and tastes, from Willis, a strong headed boy who was smart and determined,to Jess, the lazier of the brothers. In all, this book provided me with new insight into an era that has long since passed, and into the lives of criminals. I thought this book was an excellent read.

The reason I bought this is that I was from a small town in the book and heard of the bank robbery over the years. I enjoyed the book as well as the movie. The Newton gang were just good ole boys until they turned robbers. Good true story.

I loved this movie. I am not into violence so this was refreshing to watch a type of an "outlaw" movie without all the blood and guts. Rented it first then bought it (Amazon cuts out a lot of the movie on their rentals I found out). All the Newton boys were lovable characters. Have watched it many times.

Considering The Newton Boys are my relatives I think this book is extraordinary! The detail is play by play as it happened. There is no middle ground. Willis Newton was a scoundrel no doubt but I love him anyway. It can be difficult to read because it is written in the way they use to speak back in the 1900 country. Enjoy!
Nancy Newton