McMurtry described this book as "Jules et Jim on the plains" which is accurate - two blokes in love with the same gal, Molly, who loves them but in a different way. It feels very much of the world of Horseman Pass By - it's set in the same town Thalia - with its endless monotonous work, cattle, cowboys, driving, etc
There's some great quotes about the love hate relationship you have withe the place that you grew up in that's yours- I related to this, and it would explain why McMurtry kept going back to Archer City.
I liked this book a lot. Because it's in three sections, each of the leads gets a chance to be fleshed out. It also has epic sweep.
Tony Perkins must've been so miscast in the film version. It would make a great movie if done well. Mind you hard to cast actors in such time jump roles.
McMurtry likes to write about dodgy marriages - here is one, well, several. Gideon keeps seeing Molly even though married to Melanie; Molly marries Eric despite loving Gideon and Johnny. No one who loves each other marries each other just like Chekov. People should travel more!
The bit about Molly and Gideon's son revealing in a letter that he's into dudes feels like a shock factor bit put in - but I might be being unfair. McMurtry later expressed regret he never thought of writing a day cowboy story before adapting Brokeback Mountain.
I loved the stuff with Gideon and his wise but cranky dad. The violence of the town is well conveyed as is the work and atmosphere. This has real heart.
You can feel McMurtry's blood, sweat and tears more in these novels.
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