Customer Reviews

Two for Texas

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

 

 

More of a long short story than a novel, this 1982 Burke effort does not have the depth of plot and characters that the latest Burke novels offer. Basically two escaped convicts, one old one young, exit a Louisiana hell hole of a prison and move south into Texas ending up with Sam Houston's near the Alamo. The young convict is a Holland, the great-grandfather of Billy Bob from Heartwood.

This is another great James Lee Burke novel. There is alot of Texas history in the story. And as always James Lee Burkes writing style makes the story very realistic. In this book a story is told of two guys who are running from the law in Louisiana and head for Texas. They are looking for and find Sam Houston just before the battle for Texas independence. The story is told as only James Lee Burke can tell it. Fast reading and holds your interest. If you like James Lee Burke, you like Two for Texas.

If you think (like me) that JL Burke is America's finest writer, then buy "In the Electric Mist" or "Laying down my Sword", both of which were superbly crafted (or any of the Robicheaux novels, for that matter). "Texas", though, is brief, thin, and unBurkean. I'd give his other books 5 stars, but this one doesn't even deserve a 1.

Hard not to like and enjoy a James Lee Burke book. This is really more of a short story full of action in the period of the Alamo. One can see the genesis of the future Burke works. Wonderfully descriptive phrases, fully drawn characters and the ever present feeling of danger. As a James Lee Burke fan I am glad it has been reissued...it's well worth taking the time to explore his origins...and it's got lots of action and thrills.

For the money not a good buy.The book is old and can be bought at any used book store for a quarter.I love everything he has wrote and bought this book when it came out.It started me on the Burke bandwagon.Good book but way over priced.Save your hard earned money and buy USED.

Most readers will know James Lee Burke from his Dave Robicheaux novels-- they're among the best regional mysteries around. Extremely well-written, they get under your skin and stay with you. I hadn't known Burke had written this western novella and was pleased to trip over it. A lot happens in its 150 pages: the writing is crisp (as always with Burke) and the two protagonists feel real. When they form an alliance in a hellish prison camp and pledge to escape or die trying, the plot takes off at a gallop and doesn't really let up. It's around 1834, and the two men make their way to Texas as the struggle for Texian freedom is in the wind. While they're mostly concerned with just staying alive and ahead of the men who are searching for them, they become enmeshed in the looming conflict.

The eye-witness history is fun, but it's the characterizations and situations that really work here. This is as good a western as you're likely to find, as sharp in places as some of McMurtry's best. Recommended, even if you don't generally read westerns.

I've read most all of Mr. Burke's books, don't know how I had missed Two for Texas but glad I found it. (Thanks Amazon!) Although short compared to his other novels I think it is by far the best of them all. Perhaps because I'm a native of the area, but as I read I truly felt like I was there! Great read!!

I read Two For Texas after having read another Billy Bob Holland novel, and the strengths of Billy Bob are evident when you read this tale of his great-grandfather. The setting in Western Louisianna and East Texas is right in the center of James Lee Burke's other works, and he doesn't stray too far from the areas his readers have become familiar with. This is a lively and entertaining story that leads into the territory and psyche of Burke's later character, Billy Bob Holland.

This was a gift so I can not review the book. The person I got it for, did like the mystery and is a fan of the author.

I found this to be a good historical read. As a story written at the beginning of his career as a writer, James Lee Burke establishes himself and a line of characters who will run through his other following writings. "Two for Texas" has much to commend it, as it follows the adventures of two Louisiana convicts who escape prison and make their way to Texas where they meet Sam Huston shortly before the battle for the Alamo.

I particulary enjoyed how Burke wrapped his novel in and around Texas history, which makes the reading all the more enjoyable particularly if you are a history buff who likes a fast read that really holds your interest. Particlarly interesting is the development of characters in this novel whose relationships arise in future writings. The plot is understandable, and acceptable. The characters are well developed and the historical impact is handled in an realistic and acceptable manner.

E.J. Walden, author of "Operation Snow Owl"