Jack Schaefer (1907–1991)

Schaefer is most well known for [Shane], especially with the famous film version. This diminutive read tells the story of Little Bear, who is a bit of a willing outcast because of his unusual perspective on warring with other tribes. He lights out for a coming of age ritual and experiences a vision. in a starving and sleepless fog, he falls into an undiscovered canyon and breaks his leg. Over the next few months, he recuperates and proves himself to himself. Eventually, he makes his way back to his band where he carries a mystical quality and proves himself to the others. He returns to the canyon with his bride and starts a family there. Soon, he learns that the canyon was less important in his life than his own identity.

The book was enjoyable and well-written. But it gets the fourth star for the detailed understanding Schaefer of the culture Schaefer communicates. it's hard to say whether Schaefer's understanding is accurate, as I'm unfamiliar with the details of this tribe's culture at the time. And I suspect Schaefer would suffer in these modern times from cultural appropriation criticism. But he exhibits an uncommon empathy for the people and an easy demonstration of the shared human condition regardless of the specific ethnicity of the characters.

4 bones!!!!… (més)

A lyrical view of the old west of the cattle drive days, and of the life of Monte Walsh, a good man on a horse. Monte is both a good man, and as good as anyone can be at breaking and riding horses and wants little more than to do whatever work can be done from horseback, preferably with his good friend Chet who enjoys the excitement Monte's streak of inventive mischief delivers to life and takes care of Monte through the consequences. But the west ages, as do Chet and Monte and Chet finds something more to life with which Monte can't find a fit. And though we only hear of it from his final neighbors he does eventually find a community where his qualities are appreciated. Episodically told, we are never really in Monte's head and sometime only know by it's inclusion at the end of a chapter that the tale of cowboy antics is about him.… (més)

I loved this book. It took me quite a long time to finish it, but I wasn't in any hurry. Each time I opened it up I was so looking forward to another adventure, another character, another story and I was never disappointed. Jack Schaeffer drew me in each time and carried me out West to where the cowboys were. I laughed and I cried and I got angry and I got happy. I fell in love with the flawed Slash Y characters. I couldn't wait for the next reading, but I didn't want the book to end. This book is a masterpiece.… (més)