Rating: 
Summary: Classic Louis
Review: You could review this book critically detail by detail, but in the end this is classic L'Amour. I don't believe he ever wrote a bad book. No, I'm sure he never did. Some of the books are similar, some are vastly different. He proved himself able to write more than "just westerns". Louis' depth is seen in books like Last of the Breed, The Walking Drum, and Hills of Homicide.The book is interesting in that the lead role, Johannes Verne, is without full time adult supervision from a very young age and with the help of friendly indians must provide for himself. From my recollection this is the youngest character of L'Amour's to "go it alone". In this way, this book is similar to Reilly's Luck ( another youngster alone). This book seems to take a look at eternal things. There is mention of God and the story line is developed along the idea that many gods have existed through time. Men come and go and their gods are left behind with no one remembering who they are or what purpose they served. Unlike God, they are lonesome and left with no followers or those that look after their shrines. Johannes Verne identifies with them out of pity for there lonliness. Although somewhat predictable, I say "who cares". L'Amour's work is excellent. The reasons we love it are the imagery, storytelling, and the close bond we feel with the characters.
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