Tag Archives: The Mammoth Book of Westerns

Blood on the Sun by Thomas Thompson

November 5, 2020Book ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Westerns, Thomas Thompson, Westernsskyebjenner

Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: Blood on the Sun
Author: Thomas Thompson
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 10th October 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1954
5th sentence, 74th page: The other two gunmen were standing back, letting the thin man do all the talking.

The Preacher is a man who once rode into camp covered in blood. Having survived, he’s led a peaceful life. That is until the brother of the woman he loves starts to think about how much he likes guns…

I really, seriously and thoroughly enjoyed this short story. It was a really great western, and filled with the kind of characters and story line that I really love. It was also a great anti-violence, or at least attempting anti-violence kind of story. Something that I think was a great, and much needed break from too many stories about gunslingers just going to town and taking the law into their own hands…

I thought that The Preacher was a great character. Alright, I had a few flashes to another character called Preacher (Virgin River series). But I found him to be seriously likeable and a really great version of just what the good guys could do. I also loved that there was some good mystery surrounding his character that slowly got un-tweezed as the tale unfolded.

I thought this was a really cool story in the ways that Ted learnt a few needed lessons. It might have been a slightly more brutal manner in which he learnt them, but I think that they were most definitely needed. And, ultimately, they led to a good, Happily ever After at the very end. 😊

<- River Polak

Beecher Island ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

River Polak by Mari Sandoz

October 30, 2020Book ReviewMari Sandoz, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: River Polak
Author: Mari Sandoz
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 2.5 (Readable, but not worth reading again)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 30th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1959
5th sentence, 74th page: He rambled on, but Yonak did not hear.

A story of life on the Frontier for Poles and all of the intricacies that go along with it.

This was a very calm and relaxing story. I actually quite enjoyed it, but gave it a lower rating because, as I sit here trying to write a review, I really don’t remember much. And the notes that I wrote while reading it? Less than useless…

A very calm and relaxing story.
Felt like daily life on the frontier
Little bit sad, but felt kind of hopeful for Yorvak

That’s it. That is apparently what I thought while reading this relaxing story. And I’m not even sure if I spelt the last word properly… oh well, it was still apparently a pleasant way to pass the time.

<- Emmet Dutrow

Blood on the Sun ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Emmet Dutrow by Jack Schaefer

October 29, 2020Book ReviewJack Scahefer, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: Emmet Dutrow
Author: Jack Schaefer
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 29th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1951
5th sentence, 74th page: His voice rolled at its deepest.

Emmet Dutrow was an odd man. If you want to know just how odd, you’ll have to read the words of his neighbour in this kind of unsettling Western short story.

This, for me, highlighted just what it is about Christianity that I tend to find so disturbing – the belief that we are all sinners and somehow unforgiveable. Don’t get me wrong, I know that’s not how everyone follows their faith. But it’s the part that scares me the most. And to find it in a western short story. Well, it was somewhat surprising. But also helped to expand on my general discomfort.

I love that one of the messages in this short story is the idea that letting someone have their own experiences and make their own mistakes can actually save them from a far worst mistake. That, and, ultimately, everyone is responsible for the decisions that they choose to make in their lives. Even if there is a bit of a difficult situation that drove Jess to his actions – he was still ultimately responsible for them. And most definitely had to pay the price in the end.

Even though I quite enjoyed this story, it was really tragic. Just a reminder that when you have children, you can quite easily mess them up. And sometimes it’s done with the best of intentions (which, although the father in this freaked me out big time, he also tried). Just a truly tragic and somewhat uncomfortable short story that I’ve now experienced.

<- Great Medicine

River Polak ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Great Medicine by Steve Frazee

October 11, 2020Book ReviewSteve Frazee, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: Great Medicine
Author: Steve Frazee
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 17th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: He looked at his medicine then, solemnly.

Little Belly thinks that the white men have great medicine. So he steals it. Things go downhill from there…

I like that this short story touches upon issues of power, medicine and mercy. How power can be a number of things. And the symbolic importance people attach to objects in order to understand the division of power.

Having said that, I really didn’t get sucked into this. I’m truly understanding the fact at this point that although I’m going to finish the The Mammoth Book of Westerns collection, I’m really not that into Western short stories. I just find them a bit “eh” to follow and sink into.

This may not be my favourite short story. But it’s also not my least favourite, and not that bad either. It was just a pleasant, albeit forgetful twenty minutes to wile away the hours.

<- A Man Called Horse

Emmet Dutrow ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

A Man Called Horse by Dorothy M. Johnson

October 5, 2020Book ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: A Man Called Horse
Author: Dorothy M. Johnson
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 10th September 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: She complained loudly that her daughter had let herself go too cheap.

He wanted to become a man. But, instead, he became a horse.

I actually wouldn’t mind seeing the film that apparently exists because of this short story. It’s a nice, interesting and pleasant journey. Nothing that would completely change my world. But definitely enjoyable and probably worth seeing. In fact, I think that this is probably my favourite short story in the The Mammoth Book of Westerns collection so far. There was just something intriguing and fun about it.

I’m not really sure why I find this such a cheerful easy read – it’s a little dark considering the man called horse is kidnapped and there’s death and murder. And just all sorts of nonsense. But something about it just felt easy and comfortable. Definitely the kind of story that isn’t overly cheerful, but I still felt was weirdly comfortable (we just won’t read too much into that).

The part of the story that I think stuck with me most in this short story was the way in which Horse is able to grow. This is a pretty unique and intriguing coming of age story at its roots are in an experience that is not at all expected or typical. But it was most definitely enjoyable. I love how Horse grows from a boy who wants to be a man to a man who is just comfortable with who he is.

<- The Colt

Great Medicine ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Colt by Wallace Stegner

September 29, 2020Book ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Westerns, Wallace Stegner, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: The Colt
Author: Wallace Stegner
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 27th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: Hello, Bub.

This short story is about a colt that is dearly loved. But maybe not quite destined for a happily ever after…

I was kind of expecting a bit of a happy ending here. After all, this is a whole short story about a boy and his colt. And I was thinking that his love for the horse would be one of those that overcame all obstacles. That wasn’t the case. The end of this was a bit sad and gross. But it was still a good little short story.

I did struggle a little to get through this. I kept on getting confused as to how the colt broke his legs in the first place. I may have to read this again to make sure I didn’t just completely miss the point. But I honestly probably won’t. I love that this was about a boy and his horse (effectively), but I’m not really that emotionally engaged like I would have been normally.

This was a somewhat nice and cute short story. But it wasn’t really one that I felt was unforgettable and glorious. It was just… pleasant. Even though it ended kind of sadly.

<- Burn Him Out

A Man Called Horse ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Burn Him Out by Frank Bonham

September 21, 2020Book ReviewFrank Bonham, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: Burn Him Out
Author: Frank Bonham
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 2 (Managed to read it… just)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 19th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: Standing there, he felt moisture strike his hand and angrily straightened.

A western filled with discussion and just a little violence.

I honestly just couldn’t concentrate too much on this short story. It just wouldn’t quite catch my interest. Which was quite disappointing. But not all stories can be favourites…

This story seemed to be mostly about fighting. And it was just eh.

Having said all of that, I did enjoy the writing style of this story. It might not have been exactly the kind of story that I loved. But it was a style that I enjoyed.

<- Command

The Colt ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Command by James Warner Bellah

September 9, 2020Book ReviewJames Warner Bellah, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: Command
Author: James Warner Bellah
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 13th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1946
5th sentence, 74th page: It pleased Flint Cohill to be able to think Santee Sioux instead of plain Sioux, as everybody usually did back in the States.

Moving up the chain of command can be difficult. Especially when you’re not sure if you’re fighting for the right side or not…

I like that some of this short story is about questioning the whys and the whats of the war against the Indians. Or at least, that was my understanding of who the war was between. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure because I don’t know that much of the American West and the different groups which were in play during the time…

This story highlights all of the battles and horribleness which take place on the Western Front. It wasn’t exactly a nice, warm or fuzzy story. But it was a nice one that made me stop and think a little about the ways in which disagreements and war on a frontier would work and how some of the soldiers and those in command may feel.

This short story is all on horseback, with a constant internal monologue playing through the story. I think that once I know a little bit more about American history, it might be something that draws me in more fully. But, for now, it was pleasantly enjoyable and something that I would like to read again.

<- The Big Sky

Burn Him Out ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

September 1, 2020Book ReviewThe Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: The Big Sky
Author: A.B. Guthrie
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 6th August 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 1947
5th sentence, 74th page: “That was for beaver.”

This extract from a bigger Western story feels just like being dropped into daily life on the frontier.

This short story just felt like being dropped straight into a scene from daily life. It’s not necessarily an enthralling, impossible to forget short story. But it was one that left you feeling really contented and comfortable. That left you thinking about all the trials and tribulations of daily life. In a way that most stories don’t tend to do.

That being dropped into the middle of daily life feeling kind of makes sense when you think about the fact that this short story is an excerpt from part of a bigger novel. Actually, the comfort and simplicity of this made me kind of want to add this book to my shelves… even if I wasn’t totally enthralled. It’s nice to have something that is just comfortable on your shelves sometimes…

Many of the stories that I’ve been reading lately have left me feeling somewhat uncomfortable, unsure and a little bit thought-dwelling. This is not one such story. It just left me feeling weirdly content and complete. I couldn’t tell you what truly happened in this story. But I can tell you that I enjoyed my time in this world. It felt something like sitting in a friend’s living room over a nice, big cup of tea….

<- The Young Warrior

Command ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

The Young Warrior by Oliver La Farge

August 20, 2020Book ReviewOliver La Farge, The Mammoth Book of Westerns, Westernsskyebjenner

Title: The Young Warrior
Author: Oliver La Farge
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 23rd July 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: His power would be destroyed, his eyes dimmed, his medicine would not protect him.

The young warrior of the plains is about to face a battle… wil he win?

This was an easy, light and pleasant read. It was a nice break within my reading of bigger, more complex books. The journey is fun, it’s easy to understand what is happening and just a generally well-written diversion. I didn’t find the story line intense and unforgettable (hence the lower star rating). But I did find the whole adventure very fun.

This is quick, sharp and shiny. Perfectly enjoyable and fantastically written. Something that I love in a good short story. You’re thrown into the action from the very beginning and pulled through the young warriors battle and journey. It’s a little open ended and in conclusive. Which is something that I do enjoy in a good short story.

You can imagine at the end of this story that the warriors continue on to battle yet another fight. Another day on the plains. Another moment in which they have to fight for a better future.

<- When You Carry the Star

The Big Sky ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: The Mammoth Book of Westerns

Blood on the Sun by Thomas Thompson

River Polak by Mari Sandoz

Emmet Dutrow by Jack Schaefer

Great Medicine by Steve Frazee

A Man Called Horse by Dorothy M. Johnson

The Colt by Wallace Stegner

Burn Him Out by Frank Bonham

Command by James Warner Bellah

The Big Sky by A.B. Guthrie

The Young Warrior by Oliver La Farge