***3.5 stars ***I have a confession: while I enjoyed this book, I am more looking forward to the upcoming movie that stars Tommy Lee Jones and Hillary Swank. Why? My 3.5-star rating really relates to my preference in writing style. I’m a fan of challenging sentences, dripping with imagery and metaphor.But if you’re looking for a book that is a quick, easy read (despite heavy topics – ones that I admit brought tears to my eyes multiple times), this is a fabulous book. In fact, I’ll be discussing it at book club soon and am interested in the group’s reaction.The premise – a woman trekking across the Nebraska plains during the 1800s in a wagon, transporting four pioneer women who have lost their minds - is fabulous (and rooted somewhat in history, but also largely in the author’s interpretation of scanty journals from the time). The characters of Mary Bee Cuddy and Briggs were well drawn. I loved, loved, loved the story itself and the courage of Cuddy to deliver these women to family members in the east, who might take them (or in the worst case, place them in asylum). This is a book that will make you stop and think about the impact of social isolation and just what it took for settlers to build their lives in the west – specifically the burdens placed on women. Originally published in the 80s to high acclaim and award, it has been re-released to coincide with the movie debut (and includes a note from the author’s son about the research that took place over nearly a decade in the writing of the novel).My book club is planning to see the movie when it comes out (I think there will be a limited release Nov. 14, so not sure how much longer we’ll have to wait)! It’s always fun to compare the story to the movie interpretation. The Homesman is a literary work of art that just happens to be set in the American West during an almost forgotten decade of a great time in our history—the 1850’s. Miles Swarthout, Glendon Swarthout’s son, in the Afterword, explains how Glendon uncovered the premise for this story by looking at the largely untold stories of the lives of those pioneers who did not succeed in the unsettled West. Those who lost everything and returned to the comfort of their homes back east, damaged and broken.In this unique and unusual story, the author skillfully brings together George Briggs, a man of dubious character, and Mary Bee Cuddy, a good-hearted and well-meaning spinster, to escort four demented women back east. The women, all driven insane by unbearable conditions that beset them manage to expose the best and worst in both Briggs and Cuddy.The writing style and dialogue are superb. The storyline is unique and compelling. If you’re looking for a formulaic Western, skip this one. If you enjoy literary fiction, a great story, expertly crafted characters, and an unvarnished look at humanity, The Homesman is a must read. Director/actor, Tommy Lee Jones thought enough of this story to invest a lot of money to bring it to the big screen. Good choice, Mr. Jones.
What do You think about The Homesman (2014)?
Really started to like this story but took a very disappointing turn. This book was rubbish period.
—EliasCabj
Interesting story. Quick read. Fell kind of flat for me on characters though.
—Natnat
Disappointed. Interesting history, but not well told.
—tutis
