Initial Impressions: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry-June/July 2021

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I've not got to that bit yet Judith

[Sue]

Wish I hadn’t read that bit yet.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

This is initial impressions thread, let's not give anything away. I have removed your comment Judith, but you can discuss it further in the final impressions section.

[Judith]

So sorry! Didn’t realize till already posted.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I'm a big fan of the blue pigs

[Sue]

They do have a presence, don’t they, Dave. I wonder if they close out the novel the way they began it. It would be difficult to top that opener.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Yes, the pigs! You have to love them, and the horses too.

[Sue]

The animals seem to have as much personality as the people.
The descriptions of the cattle drive are exciting and scary to read. I can’t imagine being part of one.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Sue wrote: "The animals seem to have as much personality as the people.."

I'm not sure if I will ever forget the scene with the snakes in the river.

[Sue]

That was horrible. I’m still only a third into the book, but I have read that.

Dave, have you read that scene yet before I say more?

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Yeah just passed that bit. Wow. Powerful writing.
There's a snake scene in The Land Breakers that's equally scary. I've never had a problem with snakes but now I'm having to reconsider

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I watched the mini-series in the 80's for the first time, and the snake scene has never left me. Reading about it was even more horrific. Dave, The Land Breakers incident was memorable as well, and horrifying.

[Laura, "The Tall Woman"]

The land breakers, oh my word, in the dark, in your own bed, seems safer than a River. But, oh no, horrific.

[Sue]

I’m not re-reading The Landbreakers right now, but what a great book that is too. We worry about a fox or coyote in our yard in the suburbs now, not numbers of snakes (and no cures), marauding bears, etc. And we can call the police or animal control.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I think the snake scene in Lonesome Dove was very sad too. Young Sean, a sweet boy, dying a grisly death and dying so far from the home he missed so much.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

I've been reading the The Land Breakers for a week now and am starting to get into it. No snakes yet, though.

[Sue]

Roscoe just met Louisa! What an encounter. Loved reading this chapter.

[Lori]

Louisa was one of my favorite, feisty females! She’s a gem!

[Sue]

She is something else and definitely says what’s on her mind!
These characters all feel so real. Somehow it seems as if one would have to be a bit eccentric, in addition to having some strengths, to survive that rough a life. I’m glad I didn’t have to try.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Sue wrote: "Roscoe just met Louisa! What an encounter. Loved reading this chapter."

I've only just passed that bit and I totally agree. Louisa is definitely one of my favourite characters thus far...

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

I'm definitely loving the blue pigs more than Blue Duck.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I wondered how Blue Duck got his name, but I don't think it was explained, unless I missed it.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

It's a book that starts off passively and then pick ups speed. It's going through the gears now. I'm about 550 pages in and there's so much going on. Despite quitting my job I'm still not getting quite enough time, but why rush?

[Sue]

You’re ahead of me now Dave. I’m reading a few books now. I just checked and I’m at about 360 so quite a bit behind. Hopefully I can pick up some this weekend. I have my new glasses as of today and if I adjust to them ok that should help a lot.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

OK Sue I'll try not to say too much. I've got a couple of other books on the go but they've taken a back seat until I finish this one. It is getting better and better though and it's flying by now.

[Sue]

No problem Dave. If you say a small thing, it won’t probably interfere much. I will try to pick up a bit. These are such interesting people and so much is happening.

[Sue]

I have now met Blue Duck. Nothing has been mentioned about his name at all which I found a bit odd since Gus always makes comments. Maybe the fact that nothing is said is a statement about how much respect they have for how dangerous he is.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Blue Duck is dastardly and he's incurred my displeasure. I've not noodled out where his name comes from.

[Sue]

I’ve read about 100 pages more. Now Janey has joined the story. She is really something. Perfect companion for Roscoe.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

Roscoe did find the best people.

[Lori]

Ok I have to amend my previous comment about Louisa. Now that you’ve brought up Janey - she’s the little girl- I got those two mixed up. Louisa was crazy! Janey is a gem!

[Sue]

Perfectly described, Lori. Louisa has gem-like moments but equally crazy ones. Janey is wonderful. Can’t imagine the degree of deprivation that has led her to be that resourceful.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Have you got to the end Sue?

[Sue]

I’m nearly there. At 87% or page 822 of my copy. It says I have 3 hours left. I plan to finish this weekend for sure. I imagine you’re finished.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Yeah I finished a few weeks back. Tremendous stuff

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

And Sue I was really sad to get to the end.

[Sue]

I just finished and, yes, it’s sad in so many ways. I want to read on, know more of what happens to everyone. And some of the story is so sad. But then I think that makes it real too. No sugarcoating of the frontier life, or the people who lived it. What an amazing book. I’m very glad to have finally read it.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

One of my favourites ever Sue, a truly wonderful journey and thanks for sharing it with me

[Lori]

I'm so glad you both finished and it left such a mark on you as it did me. It is unforgettable. That ending. just wow! It's worth watching the miniseries if you can track it down. Dave, I'm not sure where you can stream it in the UK but it's on STARZ in the US.

[Sue]

Thanks Lori. It was a great trip.

I don’t subscribe to Stars but maybe this library will have it.

[Sue]

Dave, I’m glad I had your company in the late stages. Thanks for checking back too.

[Sara]

((sigh)) Goodreads is dropping my comments. In fact, I am only hoping this one manages to post. I had typed quite a lot, but will just say now that I am happy both of you finished and enjoyed this remarkable novel. I don't think there is another one out there that makes you more invested in even the most minor characters. Like you lived it instead of read it.

[Sue]

Oh so true, Sara. Janey made such an impact on me in spite of her short arc in the story. Wonderful book. I’m glad your comment came through. I think there are a lot of issues on GR lately.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Lori wrote: "I'm so glad you both finished and it left such a mark on you as it did me. It is unforgettable. That ending. just wow! It's worth watching the miniseries if you can track it down. Dave, I'm not sur..."

Sue wrote: "Oh so true, Sara. Janey made such an impact on me in spite of her short arc in the story. Wonderful book. I’m glad your comment came through. I think there are a lot of issues on GR lately."

I couldn't agree more Sue. Janey (and Roscoe) were fantastic characters despite their brief contribution.

[Dave, "Red Sammy"]

Lori wrote: "I'm so glad you both finished and it left such a mark on you as it did me. It is unforgettable. That ending. just wow! It's worth watching the miniseries if you can track it down. Dave, I'm not sur..."

Thanks Lori I'll spend the autumn looking for it, I'm sure it'll be easy enough to track down.

[Sue]

As I know others have said, even the animals had individual characters.
And as I think of some of the minor players, I’m reminded of Lippy and how I wondered what he looked like but didn’t really try to envision him. Just one of so many.

I guess I’m having difficulty letting this book go.

[Diane, "Miss Scarlett"]

I have a new mantra Sue. What would Gus do?

[Sue]

Love that, Diane. I can imagine him lounging back against almost anything, chewing on something, waxing philosophical about anything and everything. With a glass of whatever’s available in his hand, or maybe a bottle.

He usually chooses what is right, not necessarily for him, but for the people involved, like Lorie and Newt, and others I’ve forgotten. And ultimately for himself. Call couldn’t imagine life without him, but Gus couldn’t live that kind of life.

[Cathrine ☯️]

Diane wrote: "I have a new mantra Sue. What would Gus do?"

Oh, that's too good. Love it.

[Cathrine ☯️]

The book that just keeps on giving :-D