Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 4/14/2023 + 1183 more book reviews

I really loved this book. Of course I have seen both movie versions (which I enjoyed) but the book is on a whole other level. I would consider it an American classic which Donna Tartt does in her afterword comparing it to the likes of HUCKLEBERRY FINN and THE WIZARD OF OZ. For anyone who doesn't know, the novel is told in the first person by fourteen year old, Mattie Ross. Her father was shot down in cold blood by Tom Chaney who robs him of his horse, $150 in cash, and two California gold pieces. Mattie is out to avenge her father's blood and travels to Fort Smith, Arkansas where she is pointed in the direction of Rooster Cogburn, the meanest U.S. Marshall available. After hooking up with Cogburn, promising to pay him $300, a Texas Ranger named LaBeouf also joins them as he is also searching for Chaney. They pursue the killer into Indian Territory and what ensues is a great adventure, full of poignancy and humor, and is a straight forward, unflinching look at frontier justice in the 1870s.

Portis is a very masterful writer and is able to pull off Mattie's point of view to a tee. The novel is told as if it were written 30 years after the events and Mattie is able to switch between the two time periods to give the story a perspective from later years. Very high recommendation!

I now want to rewatch both the 1969 movie version starring John Wayne and the 2010 version with Jeff Bridges. Fortunately, I'm pretty sure both versions are available for streaming so I will be doing that sometime real soon!

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details