Lonesome Dove

Overview of "Lonesome Dove" by Larry McMurtry

"Lonesome Dove" is a novel by Larry McMurtry, published in 1985, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1986. The book is set in the late 1870s and follows the journey of four former Texas Rangers on a cattle drive from southern Texas to Montana.

Plot Summary

The story centers around Captain Augustus "Gus" McCrae and Captain Woodrow F. Call, two aging Texas Rangers who embark on a perilous cattle drive. They are joined by two other former Rangers, Pea Eye Parker and Deets, and a young cowboy named Newt Dobbs. The journey is fraught with challenges, including harsh weather conditions, violent encounters with outlaws, and personal conflicts among the characters. Along the way, they encounter various historical and cultural elements of the American West, such as the plight of Native Americans and the decline of the buffalo herds.

Key Themes

1. Violence and Betrayal: The novel is characterized by its depiction of violence, faithlessness, and betrayal. McMurtry aimed to create a narrative that is "a poor man’s Inferno," filled with the darker aspects of human nature.
2. Character Studies: The book is renowned for its richly authentic and beautifully written character studies. The characters are flawed and often struggle with being decent or honest with each other. The novel explores themes of aging, loneliness, and the decline of the Old West.
3. Historical Context: McMurtry provides a detailed historical context, touching on key events that shaped the American West. This includes the conflict between settlers and Native Americans, as well as the impact of the cattle industry on the land and its inhabitants.
4. Place of Women: The novel also explores the limited roles available to women in society during that era. Characters like Lorena, Clara, and Elmira are portrayed as having limited choices between marriage and prostitution, highlighting the societal constraints faced by women.

Critical Reception

"Lonesome Dove" has received widespread critical acclaim for its vivid storytelling, well-developed characters, and historical authenticity. Here are some key points from various reviews:

• Goodreads Review: The book is described as "richly authentic, beautifully written, always dramatic" and capable of making readers laugh, weep, dream, and remember. It is noted for its fast-paced narrative despite its 750-page length, which keeps readers engaged until the resolution of the complex story.
• Book Review: One reviewer noted that the violence in the middle part of the book was intense, requiring a break from reading. However, the harsh conditions faced by the characters, such as swarms of locusts and blinding hail storms, added to the novel's dramatic impact.
• LitCharts Summary: The plot summary highlights the central characters and their journey, noting that the book is more than just a story about a cattle drive. It delves into the broader historical context and the personal struggles of its characters.

Overall, "Lonesome Dove" is celebrated for its masterful storytelling, detailed historical context, and complex character studies, making it a significant work in American literature.