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Summary: One of the best westerns ever written!
Review: This book is full of details of how the great American West really was. It is full of all the hopes and dreams that built America. If it hadn't been for people like the men and women portrayed in this novel, America wouldn't be what it is today. It is full of strengths and weaknesses that are impossible for us today because we didn't go through what these people did. Truth to tell, I wish I could have lived in the great American West as it is portrayed in this fabulous novel.
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Summary: L'Amour at the top of his game
Review: This is LL's answer to revisionist historians. He makes that clear from the dedication page: "To the hard-shelled men who built with nerve and hand that which the soft-bellied latecomers call the 'western myth.'" In the story he shows us the hardships those 'hard-shelled men' faced and the grit and character they displayed. Unlike typical westerns this not about a single wandering loner-- Bendigo Shafter is a builder in a community of builders. In this the book is closer to the true history of the west than is the typical Hollywood movie.There is plenty of action. L'Amour knows how to make a story MOVE. Shafter has to contend with rustlers, outlaws, Indians, blizzards and politics. All in all, this western fan was well-pleased.
Rating:
Summary: L'Amour at the top of his game
Review: This is LL's answer to revisionist historians. He makes that clear from the dedication page: "To the hard-shelled men who built with nerve and hand that which the soft-bellied latecomers call the 'western myth.'" In the story he shows us the hardships those 'hard-shelled men' faced and the grit and character they displayed. Unlike typical westerns this not about a single wandering loner-- Bendigo Shafter is a builder in a community of builders. In this the book is closer to the true history of the west than is the typical Hollywood movie. There is plenty of action. L'Amour knows how to make a story MOVE. Shafter has to contend with rustlers, outlaws, Indians, blizzards and politics. All in all, this western fan was well-pleased.
Rating:
Summary: L'Amour at the top of his game
Review: This is LL's answer to revisionist historians. He makes that clear from the dedication page: "To the hard-shelled men who built with nerve and hand that which the soft-bellied latecomers call the 'western myth.'" In the story he shows us the hardships those 'hard-shelled men' faced and the grit and character they displayed. Unlike typical westerns this not about a single wandering loner-- Bendigo Shafter is a builder in a community of builders. In this the book is closer to the true history of the west than is the typical Hollywood movie. There is plenty of action. L'Amour knows how to make a story MOVE. Shafter has to contend with rustlers, outlaws, Indians, blizzards and politics. All in all, this western fan was well-pleased.
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Summary: Thomas Neal's Bendigo Shafter Review
Review: Until this past month, I hadn't picked up a Louis L'amour book in over fifteen years. While in high school, I read many of the Sackett books and some of the "stand-alones" but slowly drifted away from L'Amour's writing style. For some odd reason, while browsing through Amazon awhile back, I came across Bendigo Shafter and remembered that it was one of those books I always meant to read, but never did. Anyhow (to spare you the remainder of my life story), I purchased a copy and WOW am I glad! To be completely honest,out of the hundreds of books I've read - from Fantasy to Thriller - I don't remember many that have kept me this interested, entertained, and captured. I have truly savored each chapter of this book and felt disappointment each time I had to set it down. It's hard to express exactly how this book makes you feel, but you just seem to get a warm, comfortable feeling as you read it - much like you might get if you were sitting on your grandfather's lap, in front of a fire as he tells you stories of days long ago. Do yourself a HUGE favor and read this book. It is simply wonderful.
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Summary: A wonderful, entertaining read!
Review: Until this past month, I hadn't picked up a Louis L'amour book in over fifteen years. While in high school, I read many of the Sackett books and some of the "stand-alones" but slowly drifted away from L'Amour's writing style. For some odd reason, while browsing through Amazon awhile back, I came across Bendigo Shafter and remembered that it was one of those books I always meant to read, but never did. Anyhow (to spare you the remainder of my life story), I purchased a copy and WOW am I glad! To be completely honest,out of the hundreds of books I've read - from Fantasy to Thriller - I don't remember many that have kept me this interested, entertained, and captured. I have truly savored each chapter of this book and felt disappointment each time I had to set it down. It's hard to express exactly how this book makes you feel, but you just seem to get a warm, comfortable feeling as you read it - much like you might get if you were sitting on your grandfather's lap, in front of a fire as he tells you stories of days long ago. Do yourself a HUGE favor and read this book. It is simply wonderful.
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Summary: Should young men carry 1 book with them for life, it is this
Review: While no author of the western spins a yarn with as much accuracy as L'Amour, I consider this piece the finest ever penned about the frontier and the men who shaped this country thereby shaping themselves. The growth of Bendigo Shafter parallels that of America and as he learns, we see how the country learned. As he hurts, sweats, loses, gains, wishes, etc. so does this great land. Bendigo is a sentimental character with respect and appreciation for every moment of significance in his life. The God that watches over our country would see the pioneering spirit as the trusting, abiding, loving one of his own and L'Amour allows Shafter to show that heart. My sons will read this book many times as will theirs.
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Summary: This is a realistic look at the trials of the pioneer.
Review: You will find this book to be one of his most diffinitive that he has ever written. He discribes the trials and tribulations that the average family going west face. He also descibes in detail the hardships that a town on the frontier face. the action is fast paced and final. The characters have a depth that is not usually found in his other books. You will find this as one of his best novels.
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Summary: An excellent book to read plan on reading it again here soon
Review: You will just have to read it. It's more then just a store about Bendigo Shafter it has to do with a woman that had a lot of courage and was a backbone to the wagon train...
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