Customer Reviews

Outlaw

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you like stories about the west, you should read Outlaw. The story tells the the tale of the adventures of Lee Garland, a cattle thief turned war hero turned entrepreneur. Throughout, Garland maintains his principles and, refreshingly, his perspective on what matters in life. Yet,Garland does have some demons. I have read it more than once and I have turned on many friends to this book. They have all loved it. I read quite a few westerns. Unlike most, this story actually bridges the 19th and 20th centuries and adds color to an era made black and white by the photography of the era. Outlaw is not cowboys and indians. Garland reinvents himself with every major event of the era yet through his eyes we do not lose the connection between the events of the day and the past. The book gives us a very real cast of characters we would all like to have met and his relationships with women go way beyond those typically found in this type of story. I loved it. It would make a great movie, but with few exceptions, the book is always better.

Lee Garland is in his nineties now, and he's telling things this one last time - mostly for his grandson - about the only kin who's ever showed interest.

He begins with the massacre of his parents, and with the Mexican family who took him in and raised him at their place at Eagle Nest. They're dirt poor, and at fourteen he sets out to find his way, at first as a thief.
Time passes. He makes friends; pureblood Pawnee Tom Isbell; Mountain Moore; Marshall Ben Butler; and the mentor-like Luna who saves Lee's life and helps set him straight. Ultimately, Lee is able to buy the ranch at Eagle Nest, where he's now come to make his last stand.

He's always stood up for things that were right, and now he's about to do something a heck of a lot more Americans ought to - fight for what he believes. In this case, the enemy is the federal government. They've come to take away his beloved Eagle Nest and make it into a test range. They'll only do it by carrying him out feet first.

From storming San Juan Hill with the Roughriders to an unwanted career as a land owner and banker, Lee's adventures show life at the turn of the century the way it really was. For those who enjoy their history first hand, Lee Garland's story is a fascinating slice of Americana not to be missed.

I've reread this book many times. It's a true keeper.

Art Tirrell is the author of the 2007 adventure novel, "The Secret Ever Keeps", of which reviewer Meg W. said, "...Simply put, the best underwater scenes I've ever read." See the full review at Amazon.com /gp/product/1601640048

Short and sweet. If you decide to read this book, you won't be disappointed. I've only read a few Westerns in my life and I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised by all of them. Either I've done a great job in making my selections or the modern Western has become a genre that's attracting some talented artists. And Warren Kiefer is one of the best.

I am a reader-I loved this book. I have given it to several friends who don't read and they loved it as well. Try it, you'll like it.

This was a terrific novel which spanned an exciting changing time in American history. By the way, it was written before Lonesome Dove.

First of all, many readers will want to compare this book to "Lonesome Dove". Great! McMurtry can share the spotlight, and this is one story deserving of the priveledge. Kiefer takes the reader on a ride through some of the most exciting times in American history and does it in a way that will cover the many ranges of our emotions. Indeed, even though the story takes place in a much earlier period of our nations history, it is quite easy to see the parallels to what is happening around us today, from unscrupulous business dealings of high financiers, to Federal Government intrusion on the individual citizen. All in all, a darn good read thats hard to put down, and one that will keep you thinking for a few days after you do.

Compare to McMurty? Compare him instead to Greg Matthews, which is a much greater compliment. The battle at San Juan Hill is incredibly well written. I was dodging bullets in my sleep for weeks. You will love this book!

Incredible story! If I have ever read a book that deserves being made into a movie, this is it! Robert Duval, please read this!!!

Absolutely superb book. I don't believe Warren Kiefer is trying to write like anyone except Warren Kiefer. And that is better than good enough. It is not a Western in the traditional sense, it is more like the better of the James A. Michener (The Drifters) or James Clavell (Shogun) novels. It is a epic novel that spans a time in history from when people rode and used horses for transportation to an era of almost space flight. It is a story of characters who make good and bad decisions and live with them, all on a backdrop of very accurate history. When you get to the Spanish American War in Cuba, for example, you will learn more about what actually happened there than most people have a clue about. Superb characterization; you are quickly involved, and you stay that way. This is one of those unique great sleeper novels that never caught public's eye, but should have, in the same sort of way that "The Deepest Sea" didn't achieve the fame (on a lighter note) that it should have. It starts in the Western United States but doesn't stay there. If I had to just have a few books, this book, along with selections from Louis L'Amour, Elmore Leonard,Robert Heinlein,and George Fraser MacDonald would be there. If I could just have three all time favorites, they would be "Outlaw","The Deepest Sea" and "The Complete McAuslan". Try it, I believe you will like it.

Although Kiefer has not quite risen to the writing capability of McMurtry(whom he is obviously trying to duplicate)he creates a joyful novel with memorable characters that take you on a carnival ride through American History. If history reading was always this fun I probally would of paid more attention in school.