Lonesome Dove

by Larry McMurtry
Lonesome Dove cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Western
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Paperback • £12.99
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Format • £12.34
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Technical
  • ID: 1554
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781439195260
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 1986-01-01
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 4

Lonesome Dove follows the epic journey of former Texas Rangers Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges and characters, including outlaws, Native Americans, and old flames. The novel is a sweeping tale of adventure, friendship, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier. /n/n Written by Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that has been praised for its richly drawn characters and vivid depiction of the American West. The book is the first in the Lonesome Dove series and has been adapted into a successful television miniseries.

Reviews
Scott Semegran's Blog · Scott Semegran · 2025-10-24
great 4.00

The novel is praised for its humor and the way the characters interact with each other. The reviewer finds it both entertaining and deeply moving.

Scott Semegran's review of 'Lonesome Dove' highlights the novel's unique blend of humor and depth. He particularly enjoys the way the characters razz each other, creating a lively and engaging dynamic. The humor is balanced by the somber undertones, making the story both entertaining and deeply moving. Semegran appreciates the way McMurtry weaves together different emotions, creating a rich tapestry of human experience. The novel is seen as a testament to the author's skill in crafting memorable characters and compelling narratives.

Quick quotes

    The first thing I noticed, almost immediately and enjoyed for the entirety of the novel, was just how funny it was, the way the characters razzed each other.

    It's a novel that balances humor and somberness beautifully.

    McMurtry's characters are so well-drawn that they feel like real people.

Literary Hoarders · 2025-05-12
remarkable 4.50

The book is a gripping adventure with remarkable character development. The vivid scenes and emotional attachments make it a standout read.

The reviewer at Literary Hoarders praises Lonesome Dove as a gripping adventure that also serves as a remarkable character study. They highlight the stunning detail in the scenes, which make the story come alive and create a deep emotional connection with the characters. The reviewer particularly appreciates the depth of Gus, Call, and Lorie, among others, and how their journeys unfold in a way that keeps the reader engaged. The novel's blend of action and introspection is noted as a key strength, making it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    It's a gripping adventure and a remarkable character study.

    The scenes will play out for you in stunning detail and you'll get so attached to the characters.

    The novel's blend of action and introspection is noted as a key strength.

Luke Harkness · 2024-06-09
great 4.00

The reviewer enjoyed the book despite its length, finding it to be a compelling and enjoyable read. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the adventure that the book offers.

Luke Harkness, who had never read a true cowboy book before, found Lonesome Dove to be a compelling and enjoyable read. Despite its length of over 800 pages, they were able to finish it and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. Harkness appreciates the depth of the characters and the adventure that the book offers, making it a memorable experience. They also note that the book's humor and style add to its overall appeal, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Lonesome Dove is the first true cowboy book I've read and is over 800 pages long

    It took me a while, but I finished it and overall, I really enjoyed it!

    The characters are well-developed and the adventure is engaging

The Guardian · Geoff Dyer · 2021-04-16
brilliant 4.50

The book is described as a gift of reading itself, highlighting its immersive and engaging nature. The reviewer appreciates the depth and richness of the storytelling.

Geoff Dyer finds Lonesome Dove to be a profound and immersive reading experience, likening it to the gift of reading itself. He is captivated by the depth of the characters and the richness of the narrative, which he feels makes the book a timeless classic. Dyer's enthusiasm for the book is evident as he praises its ability to transport the reader into the world of the frontier, making it a memorable and enjoyable journey. He also notes that the book's humor and style add to its overall appeal, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry is like the gift of reading itself

    I'm in the rereading phase of my life. Just finished Shirley and now I'm on to Lonesome Dove

    It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page

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