Callaghen is one that I've only read one or two times, and those times more than twenty years past. Released in 1972, it is well-crafted. It's a very thoughtful and thought-provoking read. I'm up to Chapter Thirteen, and enjoying it immensely. It reveals LL's affinity for the desert, his appreciation and understanding of tactics and the Wars of the late 1840s/1850s, and the dynamics of personality clashes. Callaghen is portrayed as a "patient" Irishman... which is to say, he tries to be patient, but foolish men just won't let him be.
There is a Lost Treasures Postscript to Callaghen that dives pretty deep into the on-site research that Dad did. You might find a copy and take a look.
Thanks for the heads up. When I was younger, I tended towards the Coming Of Age stories, and this one didn't capture my interest as much. I'm really enjoying his editorial comments and factoids dropped in about Afghanistan, the Sahara, and historical figures. In today's world, these drop-ins catch my attention.
Since the above post, I read The Daybreakers for the umpteenth time, and found it to be better than the last time I read it. I reread Showdown at Yellow Butte, a better story this time around as well. I also read Where the Long Grass Blows.
Today, I took an hour or so and read High Lonesome, another in the category of Callaghen, that I read as a young man and gave short shrift. Another desert tale, it reads more like a screenplay for a 50s/60s Western Theatre tv show like Death Valley Days. It is more action oriented, with less introspection by the main characters, and less of the LL philosophy than usually is found. It's one of the few LL stories featuring an outlaw as the main character. Still enjoyable and worth the time. The action all takes place within 3 to 4 days, which is why it felt more like a screenplay.
High Lonesome is my absolute favorite. You're certainly right that it is action-oriented, yet I found it surprisingly nuanced and deep. That scene wherein the sheriff finally reaches High Lonesome and figures out that his old partner in crime is still there, yet refuses to turn him in, is masterful. I thought it was a terrific parable about loyalty and friendship.
Good to hear from you Dan, been a while. Hope you've been well. Me, I'm doing better. Had go sell my Silverado a Couple of weeks ago. The last time I tried to get in it I feel to the ground, and I mean hard!Lol Didn't hurt me though. I'm still tough as nails.😁 What hurts me is I had to give up my apt. Well my family is looking after me and I'm getting better. I've been mightily blessed. Well, take care old son and don't stay away so long. Later, amigo!☺
Tennessee Dave
"Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God" Author unknown
Good to hear from you, sir! I hope you're doing better. Sorry to hear about your apartment, friend. I hope you're adjusting happily to your new set of circumstances. I'm hanging in there. Thanks for checking in, buddy. What a pleasure to hear from you, as ever.
High Lonesome is a "novelization" of the movie Four Guns to the Border which, in turn, was adapted from Dad's short story In Victorio's Country. So it having a touch of "movie style" to it makes sense.
Your comment about having read Calleghen one or two times makes we wonder. How many other authors have as many fans who have read their books as many times as LL? It's kind of like sitting down with an old friend and listening to tales of the old West. And, even though they are about the old West, they are in many ways timeless and lose nothing in being read and re-read today. I have read a lot of books but, I have never read any books more than once except for those by LL and one other author.
