Lonesome Dove

by Larry McMurtry
Lonesome Dove cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Historical Fiction
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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: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781451606539
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2010-06-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4

Lonesome Dove is a Pulitzer Prize-winning classic that captures the essence of the American frontier. The novel follows the adventures of retired Texas Rangers Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, facing numerous challenges and encountering a vivid cast of characters along the way. The story is richly authentic, beautifully written, and filled with themes of love, loss, and the unyielding spirit of the West. /n/nCelebrating its 40th anniversary, this edition includes a new foreword by Yellowstone co-creator Taylor Sheridan, adding to the timeless appeal of this epic tale. The novel's detailed portrayal of the landscape and the people who shaped it makes it a must-read for anyone interested in the history and mythology of the American West.

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.

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

Reddit · 2018-01-01
excellent 4.50

The book is described as one of the best books the reviewer has ever read, highlighting its humor and style. They appreciate the somber and lonesome tone of the book, which they feel adds to its depth.

A Reddit user describes Lonesome Dove as one of the best books they have ever read, praising its humor and style. They appreciate the somber and lonesome tone of the book, which they feel adds to its depth and makes it a memorable reading experience. The reviewer also notes that the book's characters are well-developed and the narrative is engaging, making it a standout piece of literature. They feel that the book's ability to balance humor and somberness is what makes it truly special.

Quick quotes

    The book, despite having so much humor and style, is terribly somber and, well, lonesome

    It won a Pulitzer for a reason

    The characters are well-developed and the narrative is engaging

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