Author: Louis L’Amour
Publisher: Bantam (1953)
Pages: 178
ISBN: 1582880638
Genre: Western
It’s the 1870’s and Hondo Lane is a scout for the US Army. He is scouting the Apaches led by Chief Vittoro in southeastern Arizona. Hondo is a mystery man and a loner, traveling alone except for his mangy wild dog, Sam. While out on a scouting mission he comes across a ranch in a small valley. It is here Hondo meets Angie Lowe and her six year old son, Johnny. Hondo can tell that the man of the ranch has been gone for long time even though Angie tries to conceal the fact. Hondo stays the night and does a few small jobs around the ranch before heading back to the fort for his duties.
During Hondo’s stay Angie is drawn to his strength and Johnny looks up to him because his father has been missing in his life. When Hondo returns to the fort he has a run in with Ed Lowe. Not long after the run in Hondo discovers that Ed is Angie’s husband and he is a no good gambler that has all but deserted his family at the ranch. With an Indian war on the horizon Hondo decides to ride back to the ranch to check on Angie and Johnny.
On his journey back to the ranch Hondo comes across Ed Lowe. At first Hondo saves Ed’s life during an Indian attack and then Ed turns on Hondo and Hondo is forced to kill him. He is then captured by the Apache, tortured, and then through an odd twist of fate is reunited with Angie and Johnny after Vittoro learns of the time Hondo has spent living with other Apaches. Hondo learns when he was gone that Chief Vittoro has made Johnny his blood brother and how Hondo must help raise the boy in the ways of the Apache. Hondo and the Apache know a war is imminent forcing Hondo to decide what to do.
To me this is a classic western. The unsettled western frontier, good guys, bad guys and lots of gun play. We have Hondo who is a tough and honest man, Angie who is a good hardworking woman, a no good gambling husband and as always, there are dangerous Indians. There is no gray area for the characters in the book. They are clearly good or bad. Of course, the good guys win and the bad guys die.
I have read a lot of comments about Louis L’Amour’s writing talent or lack of talent. From what I have read about him this is his first full length novel. This book was made into a movie by the same name starring John Wayne. The plot was very straightforward and he wasted no words telling the story.
The story was full of action and fast paced. There was a lot of gun play and death but no graphic details. The romance between Angie and Hondo could appeal to fans of that genre but women may find this story offensive because it is implied a woman needs a man to survive. Native Americans may find also be offended because they are portrayed as savages, however, the story also shows the Apache as very noble and brave.
This book was a quick read and kept my attention. It had everything I think a western fan would want in this genre. When I think westerns, I think of John Wayne. The cover of the book had a quote from him and he says “Best western novel I have ever read” and when it comes to westerns I don't want to argue with the Duke.
No, don't argue with the Duke even after he's gone.
ReplyDeleteYes, L'Amour's work usually had all the things you list. Always entertaining and usually has some geography and history thrown in.
Check out his 'Fair Blows the Wind' which is not a western but has all the same atributes.
Dave
www.dmmcgowan.blogspot.com
When it comes to Westerns - I wouldn't even argue with the Duke but on other topics, most definitely, I'd wrangle with his ghost. But then that would be a mystery. Or would it be horror.
ReplyDeleteI think many readers, including myself, like this idea of good and evil being very clear with no shades of gray (all puns intended) because we know in reality nothing in life is that simple.