The Assassination of Jesse James by Ron Hansen - 3 stars

[Joy D]

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford: A Novel by Ron Hansen - 3.5 stars

Historical fiction of the last few crimes of the James Gang, the death of Jesse James, and the subsequent struggles of those involved in his death, particularly the man who pulled the trigger, Robert Ford. I had purchased this book thinking it was non-fiction; however, it is clearly historical fiction. From subsequent research, it appears to be based on facts. The dialogue, which obviously had to be invented, is believable. James is portrayed as a complex personality. He is simultaneously a remorseless killer and a family man.

Hansen provides a vivid picture of life in the late 1800’s in scenes such as:
“It was March then and the weather was nasty and the road was ice and muck and scrambled wagon ruts. Their saddles creaked with every movement and their two horses were morose: their nostrils were frosted and their manes were braided with icicles and if they rested the animals their coats would steam in the cold.”

This book highlights one of the first celebrity obsessions. Robert Ford is fixated on Jesse James and believes he will become a celebrity himself by association, especially by the act of killing him. It excels as a portrait of two complex men of historical significance, but I am not sure it entirely succeeds as fiction, as it does not provide rationale for James’ choice to pursue a life of robbery and murder, nor does it explain the entrancing appeal James exerts on his followers. Hansen’s writing style occasionally slips into one more associated with narrative non-fiction. Recommended to those interested in the American West of the late 19th century, the life of notorious outlaws, or the origins of celebrity adulation.

Link to My GR Review

[Booknblues]

I read this several years ago and I'm not sure if I rated it 3 or 4 . Like you, I couldn't figure out James' appeal as he was clearly not a very nice man.

[Joy D]

Booknblues wrote: "I read this several years ago and I'm not sure if I rated it 3 or 4 . Like you, I couldn't figure out James' appeal as he was clearly not a very nice man."

I would give it 3.5 if we had the ability to do so. I'm glad Hansen wrote him as the bad guy he clearly was. Some westerns tend to glorify the outlaw. I did find it interesting that he compartmentalized his family life from his outlaw life.

[Booknblues]

Joy D wrote: "Booknblues wrote: "I read this several years ago and I'm not sure if I rated it 3 or 4 . Like you, I couldn't figure out James' appeal as he was clearly not a very nice man."

I would give it 3.5 i..."

I ended up giving it a 4, but I suspect it was a round up.

[Joy D]

Booknblues wrote: "I ended up giving it a 4, but I suspect it was a round up."

I thought about rounding up, but I usually decide by looking at a list of other books I've rated to see where it falls. This was really good, though, in many ways.

I understand the movie is exceptional, but I haven't seen it.

[Hebah]

Joy D wrote: "I understand the movie is exceptional, but I haven't seen it."

It's a gorgeous movie. Pretty languorous pace and gorgeous shots of scenery with a soundtrack I still listen to. All of which is to say, it's more more an artsy movie than an action one.

[Joy D]

Sounds right up my alley!