r/LonesomeDove • u/LMNOPandZ • 17d ago

Reading Lonesome Dove and wondering if I should keep going/ when it picks up?

I began Lonesome Dove a few weeks ago as it’s on so, so many must read, favorites, and 5 star lists. I’m not into Westerns at all but thought it must be good and I’ll give it a go. I’m on chapter 16 and I’m still waiting for something to happen. The writing is fantastic but I’m having a hard time keeping interest… does it pick up soon or is this kind of how it is?

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28

u/Lopsided_Drive_4392 17d ago

Well, it certainly picks up, but honestly the characters are more of the attraction than the plot. If you're not feeling a real strong interest in the characters, then it might not be for you 

14

u/_wedontrentpigs_ 17d ago

You’re not the first person to say this. It’s character-driven, not plot driven. Give it a bit more but if you don’t feel a strong connection to the characters, particularly the Hat Creek group, then you may not get as much out of it.

If so, that’s cool, it’s not for everyone.

1

u/Tidewater_410O9 10d ago

I love the nuance in language. How the names shift (Gus, Captain McCrae, Augustus, Mr. Gus) depending on which character is being spot lit.

I also love the subtle repetition as the moment is experienced by different characters.

7

u/Proof-Guess-349 17d ago

Keep going. It takes a bit for them to leave the ranch, but once they do, you’ll have forgotten why you ever wanted to put the book down.

4

u/candlecrone 17d ago

Hold on! It’s definitely a long one, but there’s good action coming!! There’s two fights in particular you’re not going to want to miss, had me hootin and hollerin.

2

u/moneysingh300 16d ago

Just power through because that ending pulls on the heart strings

1

u/BeautifulDebate7615 11d ago

If you're not into it by now, you'll never be. When I picked it up, I think I read the whole thing over the weekend and it's a very long book. I couldn't put it down.