Saddle up! Six books that help explain why everyone's reading Westerns again
A great Western offers much more than dusty cattle ranches and shootouts at saloon bars. Discover why readers are once again falling for their rugged charms.
Traditionally set in the nineteenth-century western frontier of the United States, the overriding image of the Western is often of a gunslinger alone in the desert, off to dispense some direct justice. And that's not to say this image is wrong – but it's not complete either. Far from simplistic tales of wildness vs civilisation, the most celebrated Westerns delve deep into human nature, exploring complex themes of survival, morality, and the untamed spirit. The literary Western is currently experiencing a resurgence, with a new generation of readers heading out to the Wild West, be it the original frontier, or a more modern iteration. Don't let any preconceptions put you off. Here are six great examples that demonstrate just how powerful and versatile this genre can be.
Lonesome Dove
by Larry McMurtry
Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove is an essential read for anyone revisiting the Western genre. This Pulitzer Prize-winning epic is a powerful and immersive tale of cowboys on a perilous cattle drive. McMurtry masterfully creates nuanced characters and explores the gritty realities of the nineteenth-century American Frontier. Transcending a simple adventure story, Lonesome Dove offers a profound look at the human spirit and the determination to survive against all odds. If you're looking to discover a true Western literary masterpiece, this is it.
All the Pretty Horses
by Cormac McCarthy
The first in his acclaimed Border Trilogy, All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy, introduces readers to sixteen-year-old John Grady Cole, the last bewildered survivor of long generations of Texas ranchers. McCarthy's evocative prose paints a landscape both beautiful and brutal, exploring themes of innocence lost and a vanishing American era. Hailed by The Guardian as ’one of the greatest American novels of this or any time,’ it's a profound and essential modern Western.
Walk Me to the Distance
by Percival Everett
For a fresh and brilliant take on the genre, Percival Everett's Walk Me to the Distance is a must-read. This taut and thrilling novel follows a solitary sheriff on the trail of a dangerous drifter in the unforgiving Wyoming mountains. Everett masterfully reworks Western tropes, exploring profound themes of justice, love, and loneliness with his signature wit and style. It's a classic that questions what exactly makes a Western a Western, perfect for anyone wanting to explore a new side of the genre.
True Colours
by Kristin Hannah
An absorbing tale of love, rivalry, and forgiveness, True Colours offers a refreshing female perspective in a genre often dominated by male narratives. Set on a sprawling ranch, this powerful drama delves into the complex lives of the Grey sisters as they navigate a terrible crime that threatens their community. Kristin Hannah masterfully explores the intricate bonds of family while painting a vivid rural backdrop, capturing the stark beauty of the American plains. For those seeking a compelling, character-driven Western that explores the dynamics of a family, True Colours cannot be missed.
The Shepherd's Hut
by Tim Winton
We’ll admit to bending the rules a little with this one! Tim Winton's The Shepherd's Hut captures the spirit of the American Western, in the Australian outback. This powerful novel follows a young man fleeing across a harsh, unforgiving landscape after a devastating loss. Though it's not set in the US, its raw themes of solitude, survival, and the brutal beauty of the wild will feel right at home to any reader of classic Westerns. Winton’s fierce prose captures the essence of what makes this genre so compelling, making it a necessary, if slightly unconventional, read.
Untamed Heart
by Gemma Morr
Now for something a little different. . . While we're celebrating the enduring power of the Western novel, Gemma Morr's Untamed Heart introduces a delightful new frontier: the cowboy romance. This subgenre is absolutely booming with modern romance readers, proving the appeal of the Western reaches far and wide! This modern, slow-burn romance follows city girl Lottie Wright as her life takes a wild turn on a Wyoming ranch. It's a charming tale of banter, tension, and unexpected attraction, perfect for those seeking a lighter read with a guaranteed happy ending. If you love cowboys but prefer a dash of swoon with your spurs, this book is for you!
