Forlorn River

By Zane Grey

Book Overview

"Forlorn River" is a classic Western novel that captures the rugged spirit and untamed beauty of the American frontier. The narrative follows the story of Ben Ide, a misunderstood wanderer who has retreated into the wilderness to hunt for a legendary wild stallion known as California Red. Set against the backdrop of the majestic and lawless borderlands, the work explores themes of honor, redemption, and the struggle for survival in a harsh environment.

As Ben navigates the perils of the Forlorn River country, he must contend with dangerous cattle rustlers and the complexities of a blossoming romance with Ina Blackwood. Zane Grey's evocative prose brings the landscape to life, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those who sought to carve out a life in the West. "Forlorn River" remains a definitive example of the Western genre, blending high-stakes action with a deep emotional resonance. This compelling tale of independence and resilience serves as a testament to the enduring allure of the American wilderness and the characters who inhabit it.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102542428X
• ISBN13: 9781025424286
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 346 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

When Wild Geese Fly North

For my money "Forlorn River" is the better of the two books that comprise the story about Jim Lacy, the other being its sequel, "Nevada". "Nevada" is the more well known and the critic's choice, perhaps because Nevada was on the list of the first paper backs ever to be printed by Bantam books, and stayed on their list perpetually. But the story of Ben Ide, a young man who is at odds with his father over whether Ben was going to amount to anything because Ben loved to chase wild horses, and Ina Blaine, the second daughter of Hart Blaine, who thinks his daughter's four years at college has given her some strange ideas, and who will not be forced to marry Sewell McAdam, the son of a business partner of her father, makes for a rare good time in reading. When Ben is accused of cattle rustling he is forced to abandon his ranch, so he sets out to find who the real thieves are, but becomes side tracked because he is given the opportunity to catch "California Red" the fastest, most magnificent piece of horseflesh known in four states. Nevada, as Jim Lacy is known, had arrived at Ben's ranch and without any questions or seeming curiosity Ben takes care of his physical needs and let's Nevada stay on, again without knowing in the least who he is. Very quickly they become fast friends, and Nevada the go-between for Ben and Ina because their fathers do not get along due to some deal in which Ina's father took advantage. This story ends with Ben marrying Ina, and Ben's sister Hettie pining away for Nevada who leaves. But that is NOT the end of the story; you have to read the sequel, "Nevada" to get that. This is an excellent book I highly recommend you read.