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Literature & Fiction |
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Appaloosa
written by Robert B. Parker
Studio : Wheeler Publishing
by Wheeler Publishing
Publisher : Wheeler Publishing
Released : 2005-07-12
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9781597220002
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 71 reviews)
List Price : $32.95
Our Price : $25.00
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Product Description |
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A New York Times Bestselling Author This is a richly imagined novel of the Old West, as spare and vivid as a high plains sunset, from "one of the world's most talented performers" (The San Diego Union-Tribune). Simultaneous publication with G.P. Putnam's Standard Print Edition. |
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Interesting read, but not outstanding |
I have read a lot of the reviews for this book and they range from outstanding, to nothing special. I have to agree with both sides.
I went and saw the movie when it came out and was extremly impressed. I had to buy the book to see where Ed Harris drew this amazing story. Needless to say, I was somewhat disapointed.
This book is very, let me repeate that, VERY simplistic. It reads closly to what I would imagine a screenplay would. It does create an interesting flavor with the strong silent type of narrative in Everett Hitch's voice, but really if I didn't have the movie itself in mind it would have only been a mediocre novel at best.
Buy it only if you are a fan of the author or want another look at the movie. |
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Reality Based Western! |
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Robert B. Parker writes in his book, Appaloosa, of a time during the past days of the American west. The "old west" is a relatively short period of American history that has been romanticized time and again. Mr. Parker, however, belongs to that small group of writers that choose to tell a more realistic story. It focuses on two men who found each other by chance and whose personalities suited so well, became a team. The author shows us a glimpse into the historical past where certain friendships and teamwork were necessary for survival. He gives us a picture of when having a particular skill meant a career choice where few legal occupations were found. The author has chosen his characters well. First we have, Everett Hitch, an educated man. He has been to West Point, served as an officer during the Civil War, and then finds himself on the open plains chasing the Native Americans. He soon discovers that he is tired of this work option and fortunately, finds a colleage with a similar work ethic. This man turns out to be Virgil Cole. Though Virgil lacks formal education, he has, in abundance, what we would call "street smarts". Together they compliment each other using their skills to help small settlements become civilized towns by working as the local lawmen. Needless to say, as the town becomes more civilized, Virgil and Everett are usually out of a job. There is also the usual bully landowner versus the town, but this time it ends with an unusual twist. Again Mr. Parker entertains us. By throwing into the mix something the two partners have not encountered previously, they must face their own friendship and loyalty. Neither has any view of a long life expectancy because of the type of work they do, but when a relatively young woman searching for someone to keep her happy, safe, and secure appears, the option of perhaps a longer life is something to consider. This picture of an era where the free-roaming days of wild times are coming to an end, makes an excellent backdrop for this tale of two men who developed a technique that raises them above the ordinary. The characters also retain a good dose of humor in their life that reminds the reader of another pair of western lawmen, made famous as Texas Rangers! Mr. Parker goes even farther by giving his characters the comman sense to realize that they walk a fine-line of morality. Their humanity keeps them on the right side of the law when their skills could easily push them to a darker line of work. Overall, Mr. Parker does an excellent job of using the courage, dignity, and compassion of his characters to write a story that could be found on a modern-day police drama today. There is a sequel to this story that promises to be just as good and perhaps, Mr. Parker can be persuaded to evlove these characters into a series. Well done, Mr. Parker! Please give us more! SherryMAirey |
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Appaloosa |
The book is an exact match of the movie. Hitch is a the storyteller in the third person. Cole is the main character and Hitch is Cole's partner.
Cole and Hitch are lawmen for hire with a strict code made of Cole's laws.
Cole is attracted to Mrs. French (Allie) after she came to the town of Appaloosa. It turns out that Allie is attracted to Cole because he is the top person in town. Her attractions change if another accends to the top.
A conflict develops with Bragg over Allie that Hitch settles for Cole by challenging Bragg to a gunfight. Hitch does not want his friend hurt in the relationship with Allie. In so doing , Hitch violates the code and leaves Appaloosa. |
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Fine Western |
I am not a great Western fan, however, reading about the new movie with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen, based on Robert B. Parker's novel, I had to check out the book; and I was not disappointed. The characters were developed and drew me straight into the story. The storyline, while predictable, was always engaging. Best of all were the dialogs between Hitch and Virgil, sparse yet utterly entertaining.
The subtraction of one star is for the somewhat disappointing and strange ending.
Although the movie was quite enjoyable, it did not do the book justice. If you have only seen the movie, buy or borrow the book and read it. You should not be disappointed. |
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The Western Returns! |
"Appaloosa" Reminds you of those Saturday Matinees with Randolph Scott shooting it out with the bad guys in the Saloon and the Good Guy gets the girl. Yet it's not all black and white. The good guys have flaws as well, it makes them human.
Parker puts good and bad on a western canvas colored with frailty. |
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