The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

by Ron Hansen
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 8475
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-24
  • ISBN: 9780285641075
  • Publisher: Souvenir Press
  • Published: 2012-01-20
  • Reviews: 4

In this captivating retelling of a classic Western tale, Jesse James emerges as a multifaceted character, blending the roles of a family man, a farmer, and a stone-cold killer. His interests in parapsychology and alternative medicine add an intriguing layer to his persona, making him a figure of both fascination and infamy. The narrative delves into the complexities of James' life, exploring his relationships, his crimes, and the eventual events leading to his assassination by Robert Ford. This book offers a fresh perspective on a legendary figure, blending historical fact with compelling storytelling to create a vivid portrait of the American West.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2026-01-24
immersive 3.50

The book is more biographical than exciting, with a focus on setting the scene and making the words come alive. It is appreciated for its detailed and immersive storytelling.

This reviewer appreciates the author's ability to set the scene and make the words come alive, creating an immersive reading experience. The book is seen as more biographical than exciting, with a focus on the detailed and nuanced portrayal of the characters and their interactions. The reviewer finds the novel to be a compelling and thoughtful exploration of the Jesse James story, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known historical figure. The slow pacing is noted, but the reviewer appreciates the detailed and immersive storytelling, finding the book to be a compelling read despite its slower pace.

Quick quotes

    Hansen is so good at setting the scene and making the words come alive.

    The book is not as exciting as one would hope. It is more biographical in nature.

    I found the movie to be excellent and appreciated the tragic nature of it.

The Storygraph · 2023-01-01
thought-provoking 3.50

While the book is praised for its poetic and epic qualities, it is noted that the movie adaptation might have surpassed it in impact. The novel offers a unique perspective on the Jesse James story, focusing on the complex relationship between James and his assassin.

This novel is often compared to its film adaptation, with some suggesting that the movie might have captured the essence of the story more effectively. However, the book stands on its own with its poetic prose and epic storytelling. It delves into the intricate relationship between Jesse James and his assassin, Robert Ford, exploring themes of power, betrayal, and the mythologizing of outlaws. The novel's strength lies in its ability to humanize both characters, making their story resonate with readers on a deeper level. While it might not reach the same heights as the film, it offers a rich and thought-provoking reading experience.

Quick quotes

    One of the rare books that isn't quite as good as the movie adaptation, maybe because there's more of a poetry and epic quality to Dominek's film.

    As a bond forms between the two men, Ford realizes that the only way he'll ever be as powerful as his idol is to kill him.

    In this retelling of one of the great classic tales of the American West, James comes across as a complex character, a new age type with an interest in spirituality and philosophy.

BookLit · 2007-11-14
enjoyable 4.00

The novel's dialogue and descriptions are particularly enjoyable, feeling realistic and vivid. The pacing, however, is slow, which may not appeal to all readers.

This reviewer particularly enjoyed the author's way with dialogue and description, finding each word spoken to feel realistic and the descriptions to be vivid. The slow pacing of the novel is noted, which might not appeal to all readers, but the reviewer appreciates the detailed and immersive storytelling. The book is seen as a thoughtful and well-crafted exploration of the Jesse James story, with a focus on the intricate details of the characters and their interactions. The reviewer finds the novel to be a compelling read, despite its slower pace, and appreciates the author's ability to bring the historical figures to life through their writing.

Quick quotes

    What I particularly enjoyed about this novel was Hanson's way with dialogue – each word spoken felt realistic – and description.

    I found the movie to be excellent and appreciated the tragic nature of it.

    Hansen is so good at setting the scene and making the words come alive.

MUSE - Johns Hopkins University Press · RE Morsberger · 1985-01-01
complex 3.50

The book de-romanticizes Jesse James, presenting a complex character who is both a devoted family man and a ruthless outlaw. The narrative is intricate, blending historical facts with artistic interpretation.

This review highlights the author's effort to strip away the myth surrounding Jesse James, portraying him as a multifaceted individual. The reviewer appreciates the detailed and nuanced character study, which contrasts the romanticized image of James with a more grounded and complex portrayal. The narrative style is described as intricate, effectively blending historical facts with the author's artistic instincts to create a compelling and realistic account of the outlaw's life and eventual assassination. The reviewer finds the book to be a thoughtful and engaging exploration of a historical figure, offering a fresh perspective on a well-known story.

Quick quotes

    Yet Hansen is at pains to de-romanticize Jesse James, giving us a complex character — a devoted father and husband who could shoot in the back mem bers of his ...

    Hansen works with the facts and uses them, along with his own instincts like a painter creating ...

    This less successful western faction along the lines of that old TV show You Are There--dramatizing the Jesse James story with well-written, artful ...

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