Book Review:
Appaloosa
By Alain Burrese, J.D
*Robert B. Parker, who passed away recently, had been acknowledged as the dean of American crime fiction.
His novels featuring the wise-cracking, street-smart Boston private-eye Spenser earned him a devoted following and reams of critical acclaim.
But his Western novels are equally good and well worth reading.
I really enjoyed the movie "Appaloosa" with Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen and Renee Zellweger. In the extra features, Harris talks about reading the book and then wanting to make the movie. So naturally, I picked up the book to read. I'm glad I did.
I found the book to be a fast paced entertaining read. It's one of those books you read when you want quick fun entertainment. It's not a deep book, or something you have to work at understanding. It's a simple story of two men, their relationship, and a series of events that transpire in the town of Appaloosa.
It's not a unique plot, and many westerns have similar story lines. However, Parker does a very good job at keeping the story moving and the reader engaged. I especially liked the relationship and dialog between the two main characters, Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch. Theirs is a relationship that is told by the "sidekick" if you will, Everett Hitch. I also liked how the author explored the lines of "law" and "justice" with simple killing.
The story has a traditional "bad guy" in the character Randall Bragg, but more interesting was the female romantic interest of Virgil Cole, Allison "Allie" French. The relationship between the two is different to say the least, and more complicated than Hitch's simple relationship with the prostitute Katie Goode. The conclusion of the story shows just how deep a relationship Cole and Hitch have. It really is a story about their friendship.
It saddens me that I write this review so shortly after the passing of Robert B. Parker. He entertained countless readers with his stories, and he will be missed. I'm sure his books will be read for many, many years to come. It you want an enjoyable quick western, "Appaloosa" fits the bill.
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*Alain Burrese, J.D. is an author and speaker. He combines his military and martial art background with his business and law degrees to write and teach about a variety of topics under the theme of Living with the Warrior's Edge. You can read more articles and reviews and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com and http://www.aikiproductions.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alain_Burrese ***** *Editor's Note: If you enjoy reading Appaloosa, be sure to read the second in the series, Resolution, and Brimstone, the third (and sadly last) of bestselling author Robert B. Parker's western thrillers in which rogue lawmen Virgil Cole and Everett Hitch swoop in and carry Virgil's former heartthrob, Allie French, away from her disheartening work at a brothel.
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