Customer Reviews

Nobody's Angel

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

His charachters seem alot more California than Montana. For example, the main charachter in this book, a supposed cowboy, spends alot of his time shopping, preparing meals of high culinary merit, cleaning the floor, shower, ect. Come on,a Montana cowboy is supposed to be out there tearing the testicals off sheep with his teeth and what-not, not acting like Martha Stewart. And no-one really has a job, at least the main charachter doesn't.They live in a world of self-indulgent make believe that seems alot more California than Montana, which is about grit of Western Code, not Williams Sanoma and Whole Foods.

I had never heard of this writer until someone recently recommended him to me (along with his contemporary and fellow Montanan Jim Harrison). The novel was short, with many short chapters--it was easy to read and finish. Strewn with suicides, drunken stupors, horses, cowboys, dead fathers and angry grandfathers--I would describe the writing as muscular/male/macho--McGuane tends to lead you up to a tragic event--stops just short of it--and then picks up at the subsequent funeral. I doubt I will try any of his other works, but do not regret reading this one. I did like one line so much I wrote it out " When your father dies he becomes terrific through the magic of death". Wish I wrote that.

McGuane's use of the language and astonishing situation construction made this book a source of constant wonder and intense interest. Loved it. He's almost a Montana-based Patrick O'Brien.

Karen Robards did a good job of telling her story about a family in the deep south in 1769. Most of us have little knowledge of the eveyday life during that time so Robards did a good job of researching her subject. Religion plays a big part in the family life of a southern preacher. His four daughters are who the story centers around. Susannah is the key person who shows southern hospitality and sweet innocence in the matter of the heart. The scene is ripe for her to be swept off her feet by a young dashing--reprobate. Robards spins her yarn telling how these two opposites' paths cross and love blossoms. This was a quick and interesting read. It has a wonderful twist on the prince charming subject. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about southern comfort, history, sibling rivalry and the rags to riches theme.