Customer Reviews

The Unforgiven (Leisure Western)

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

 

 

Alan LeMay is a master writer and would have been a superb practitioner in any genre he chose. His instincts as a writer, ability to induce spine-tingling drama, character definition, and incomparable knowledge of native American and pioneer ways set him apart. Any book that can entertain a reader is worthwhile. But this story goes beyond entertainment; it is a book of knowledge and wisdom. It explores the depths of human courage/weakness, prejudice and family ties. LeMay has captured what it meant to be a rancher in 1860's Texas and has left us a textbook on how tough people survive tough times. His portrayals of native American tribes and their interactions with their white neighbors are well-drawn and totally realistic. This sophisticated book should be required reading in schools across America to inculcate into young people what it took to make America - but my guess is this will never happen, as the novel includes language and stereotypes of an earlier day that would "offend" some of our touchier brethren who would take it out of context. If you ever feel that life has you down and need some inspiration to push on and triumph, this book might just supply it.

The movie is great and the book is much better. In fact, book and movie have little in common; the book is much more complex and sophisticated.

The movie is a love story embroidered with racism. The book is a love story in the context of a world where everyone wants to use any event to further their agenda or reinforce their beliefs.

Its well written and researched, engrossing, action-filled, and better than most Westerns.

Alan LeMay is a gifted writer and I've loved all his books, short stories and pretty much all his work adapted to the big screen.

this is no different, it is not your usual western, it is more real and a bit off center compared to Zane Grey, Max Brand and Loius L'Amour and I think it makes a better read for those who really love the west and the early period of western settlement.

If you liked the Movie "The Searchers" with John Wayne, you should really read the books by Alan LeMay, including this one, The Unforgiven, it is not your run of the mill cookie cutter western, good guy wins girl and only bad guys die.

Give it a try.

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