I just returned from a long, lazy vacation in Arkansas, visiting my old Great-Aunt Mattie Ross. We sat on the front porch swing, drinking sweet tea in the sticky southern air. My eyes drifted to moss-covered trees as she told me a great story of how she avenged her father’s murder. I don’t even remember what precipitated the telling of this tale; perhaps it was when I asked her why she never got married. Regardless of why she started to tell it, I couldn’t wait to see how it ended. My Great-Aunt Mattie was sometimes so stern she frightened me, but she was strong and I admired that about her. This adventure explained why she was the way she was.
***Okay, back to reality.***
Everyone I know has seen the John Wayne movie, but I haven’t. Supposedly this book had been out of print for decades until the Cohen brothers’ remake came out last year, and I had the rare benefit of reading this book having not seen either movie. I’ve heard that the new movie is much more true to the book in voice, grit, and dark humor, so I’m excited to see it. I also happen to love the Cohen brothers, so that’s a bonus.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s short and a quick read, but it is rich with both history and suspenseful storytelling. The dialogue is genuine. It feels exactly like I imagined 19th century America to be, and the ending is heartbreaking in a way that makes it impossible to believe that it’s not a true story. This is a great work of literature, and Charles Portis has been described as the "most overlooked great American writer”. This was the first book of his I’ve ever read, but I think I already agree with that statement.
Take advantage of the fact that this book is back in print. Even if you’ve seen one (or both) of the movies, read the book anyway. If you’ve not seen either movie, read this first. I haven’t seen the movies either, but I know that the book is always better than the movie. (Except with the “Twilight” saga… but that’s only because Stephenie Meyer is a terrible writer.) So get to your library or your bookstore NOW! I’d offer to lend you my copy, but I know I’ll have to read it again after I rent the movie. Sorry.
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