"So Brave, Young, and Handsome," by Leif Enger

Some months ago, I read Leif Enger's prize-winning 2001 novel Peace Like a River, which I liked very much.  I wanted to read more by him.  I recently finished his 2008 book, So Brave, Young, and Handsome and heartily recommend it.  Set in the early 20th-Century West, this is the story of a likable outlaw, Glendon Hale, who is fleeing the relentless pursuit of a wily and determined Pinkerton detective, Charles Seringo. Accompanying Glendon on his meandering journey throughout the western U.S. is the narrator, Monte Becket, a Minnesota writer of a successful western novel. Becket decides to take off with Glendon when he experiences severe writer's block while at work on his next novel.  Becket tells us the fascinating tale of the cat-and-mouse game that Hale and Seringo have been playing for years, with more than the usual amount of collateral damage.  This is an epic western story, and Leif Enger tells it with astonishing skill.  His writing is extraordinary, his command of tone and vernacular admirable.  ★★★★★

Comments

[Tor Hershman]

Hey! Was that titled after moi???