Hondo

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Not Your Standard L’Amour Horse Opera

Many Louis L’Amour western novels are so formulaic–a strong slow-speaking cowboy, a beautiful woman, a few bad guys, and maybe a good horse.  Hondo uses that same recipe, but with enough enhancements to stand apart. 

It’s actually a war story.  The US has broken treaties, and as a result, the Apache have declared war.  Hondo tells the story of a group of people caught up in the conflict.  There are heroes and villains on both sides as well as friendships and rivalries that cross the boundaries between the two combatant nations. 

The title character is likeable, principled, doesn’t expect others to think the same as he does, and has a real soft spot for his mongrel dog. The woman is admirable, strong, intelligent, independent, and thinks on her feet.  The key supporting characters aren’t always one-dimensional, and they are always interesting.

L’Amour’s style is easy and conducive to making this a genuine page-turner if you get into the story.

Of course, Hondo shows its age.  Writing in 1953, L’Amour uses terms that today are considered offensive.  Within the context of the story, however, they aren’t used in an intentionally derogatory manner.  In fact, the object of one of the terms is referred to only with respect and affection.

Hondo the book is actually a novelization of the film of the same name.  The film was a vehicle for John Wayne, and is often considered one of his better movies.  If you haven’t seen the film, you may want to wait until you’ve read the book.  With a few minor variations, they align quite closely.

If you don’t like the western genre, you won’t like this book.  But if you enjoy westerns or are even indifferent, Hondo must have a place near the top of your reading list.

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