Brian Barker

A European roller coaster ride, but a beautiful book that made me reflect of my parenting skills of twenty odd years ago. Very hard to put down.

Exceptional, until the last thirty pages, where I think he found it difficult to deliver an ending that topped what had gone before. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books as he is clearly a brilliant talent.

I had only read one cowboy book previously, which was of course Shane. Is this a cowboy book? Well yes and no. It is more of a love story set in cowboy times. It is an epic book full of humour, but sad in the way it portrays how cheap life was as brave settlers set out for a new life, and the terrible conditions the cattle herders endured, not to mention the ever present danger from the indigenous population. It is a Pulitzer Prize winner and I can see why. Mcmurtary had me laughing out loud at times and I actually sobbed at times. I can honestly say this is the best book I have ever read and have also enjoyed his others. R.I.P Larry.