Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry follows former Texas Rangers Augustus McRae and Woodrow Call as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, exploring themes of loyalty, freedom, family, and the harsh realities of the American West. Augustus, Call, and their crew, including a young man named Newt, face numerous challenges and tragedies on their journey. The novel depicts sexual assault, graphic violence, and characters with racist biases and contains offensive stereotypes of Indigenous American characters.

Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove is celebrated for its rich character development, vivid portrayal of the American West, and compelling narrative. Critics praise its immersive storytelling and emotional depth. However, some readers find its length daunting and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it remains a distinguished work in the Western genre.

Readers who relish epic tales of the Old West with rich character development and gritty realism will love Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Fans of Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian or Charles Portis' True Grit will appreciate its vivid storytelling, adventurous spirit, and complex portrayal of friendship and survival.

Gritty / Adventurous / Melancholic / Bittersweet / Nostalgic

Larry Mcmurtry

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Lonesome Dove and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Lonesome Dove Summary and Study Guide

Background

Lonesome Dove Background

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section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Chapters 1-5

Lonesome Dove Part 1, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 6-10

Lonesome Dove Part 1, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 11-15

Lonesome Dove Part 1, Chapters 11-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 16-20

Lonesome Dove Part 1, Chapters 16-20 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 21-25

Lonesome Dove Part 1, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Part 2, Chapters 26-30

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 26-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 31-35

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 31-35 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 36-40

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 36-40 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 41-45

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 41-45 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 46-50

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 46-50 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 51-55

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 51-55 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 56-60

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 56-60 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 61-65

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 61-65 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 66-70

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 66-70 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 71-74

Lonesome Dove Part 2, Chapters 71-74 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Part 3, Chapters 75-80

Lonesome Dove Part 3, Chapters 75-80 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 81-85

Lonesome Dove Part 3, Chapters 81-85 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 86-90

Lonesome Dove Part 3, Chapters 86-90 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 91-95

Lonesome Dove Part 3, Chapters 91-95 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 96-102

Lonesome Dove Part 3, Chapters 96-102 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Lonesome Dove Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Lonesome Dove Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Lonesome Dove Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Lonesome Dove Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Lonesome Dove Essay Topics

Lonesome Dove

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Lonesome Dove?

Reading Age

Book Details