Lonesome Dove – Book of the year.

Warning – Spoilers.

Mad to think I almost DNF'd this book , in fact I already had until someone pointed put it picks up at a hundred pages or so. Very glad I picked it up again for I choose it as my book of the year 2025.

I love books that are character driven and it surely delivered. This book's elements are in such sync that the characters, the dry humour, the vivid description , the in and out POVs seemed to weave seamlessly to come up with this majestic piece of a western world classic. The description does not feel excessive nor scarce.

Upto a certain point, I had not pinned down my favourite character yet. Perhaps Gus is likeable and justifiably so in my opinion. Gus was consistent enough to make an impression. His resourcefulness, determination, style , aura and iron will is admirable. The last one might have led to a disaster but still.

Earlier in part I , I thought a lot about Lorie and her purpose in the story and to the plot. I always thought it would come to blows and perhaps a bloody gunfight over her later in the story where a bunch of cowboys would die. How wrong I was. Her journey and experiences in the novel is a lesson of choice , risk and pain.

In a story filled with sadness , tragedy and death , at least some people get happy endings. The boys in Montana most of all. Newt deserved to hear it from Call's mouth though.

I am fairly certain I'll reread this book in the future. And the ending? Absolutely loved it. What goes around, comes around.

TL;DR: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry balances all aspects of story telling to create a near perfect novel.