The Ruthless Gun by T.C. LewellenMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
What seemed to be a typical revenge yarn turned out to be so very much more with prose that is both elegant and hard-boiled, and vivid characters, all of them somehow damaged and searching for something - be it redemption, security, or maybe even love. This is a dark novel, taking place entirely during a relentless rain, when a man who was maimed and left for dead returns after seven years to cause events for those involved earlier, and the people around them, to unfold in life altering or life affirming ways. The prose is ambitious and exceptionally well written with many insightful observations on human nature as the haunted characters struggle with painful memories and moral, or immoral obligations. Surely one of the best Westerns that I have read. It should be on everyone’s list of books to find and read. Highest recommendation.
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I quote "In toto" your review. One of the best western novels I read. This is the unique contribution by the late T.C. Lewellen (a famous ethnologist) to the genre. All the characters are losers and our sympathy and human pity goes indistinctly to them all. A top-notch western though underestimated by the fans.
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Tiziano Agnelli
Yep. The Paperback Warrior podcast this week has a feature on T.C. Lewellen. They also mention your post on Lee Goldberg's blog. You've influenced some readers.
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