So Brave, Young, and Handsome

by Leif Enger

Once upon a time, Minnesotan Monte Becket wrote a bestselling novel, Martin Bligh. Unfortunately, that was the only novel he could write. Time after time, Becket starts new novels and is unable to complete them.

His luck changes when he meets Glendon Hale, a mysterious outlaw. Since our story takes place in 1915, it should be no surprise that the men head west for a little adventure. Along the way, they meet several interesting folks, including Charles Siringo, a former Pinkerton who’s still looking to capture Hale.

Enger has taken the western genre and elevated it. Part adventure, part character study, So Brave, Young, and Handsome will capture the reader’s imagination and hold it until the very last page.

Very enjoyable.

12/8/10