Tall Man Riding

by Ray Hogan

western

160 pages, Library Binding

First published April 1, 2003

About the author

Ray Hogan (1908-1998) was born in Missouri but spent his life in New Mexico.
His father was a Western marshal and lawman.
He has written over 100 books. His work has been translated into 16 languages and filmed.

Reviews

[Jerimy Stoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique western story. This book is very short and encompasses misunderstandings, family feuds, and explores what compels people to do things for their families even when they are misunderstood by them. I identified with the protagonist a great deal. His family hated him, yet they needed him. When he agrees to help them his way, things go wrong, and the family is quick to blame him for it. Instead of giving up on his family he tries hard to clear his name at the peril of his own life, and in the end, finds some acceptance, but he knows he can't be the man they need him to be and he must find his own way.

I understand this character and have lived my life estranged from my family, with the exception of very occasional awkward phone calls. Yet I am still invited to family get-togethers once a year. If I do show up these get-togethers are very awkward for everyone. It would probably be better if I didn't bother, but I am for reasons unexplainable to me, expected to show up. My family asks me to tell my experiences and then misunderstand them all and think I am lying to them. They have a version of me in their heads from when I was very young and they can't believe I have grown or experienced anything beyond my childhood of over thirty years ago. Yet they are family, and blood is thicker than water, or so I have been reminded.

This novel has taught me that there are plenty of people just like me, and the average family likely exhibits this type of behavior to any of their members who choose to venture into life on their own without family approval. This is a great story about what it's like to be the black sheep, and yet still remain loyal (at a distance) to one's roots. The novel also shows that there is more to life than a person's immediate family, and it is okay to live one's own life, in one's own way without having the approval of those who would consider themselves kin. There is also enough action in the book for those seeking a good shoot 'em up western.