This book details the story of a young man, a fictional character, Clem Barnett, during the late 1940's and 1950's, raised as a boy in the mid-west with dreams and visions, based on romantic books and... This description may be from another edition of this product.
A Journey, A period Novel, A Landscape, A Personal view from one who knows
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Mr Dunbar paints a picture of the West in a time when it still harbored the reality of some of its myths--Tom Mix and Buffalo Bill, Chief Joseph and Sitting Bull, the isolation, the qualities of a dreamscape wherein one can discover oneself--all of these great myths set somewhat in the truth. Set in the late 40's through the 50's this novel exposes the real business of Cattle and cowboys and open range riders--the last of them. The depth that bears mentioning here is the reality of the central character who voyages with the forging of personal relationships, the difficulty of war, and his final realization--Mr. Dunbar's paintbrush colors both fine and broad showing a time wherein the outside world intruded more and more on the insular US West--finally extinguishing the life of the true range riders as they became farmers and ranchers running the business of cattle--but Dunbar exquisitely details the central character's personal development from single tumbleweed, a damaged war veteran, and his healing transformation and reintegration into the loving culture the West still offers--a landscape wherein dreams are realized and a special type of person can find healing and transformation. Mr. Dunbar's straightforward and clear prose link well with the descriptive reality of places like the Centennial Valley--spare but expansive, simple characters and words opening the "big sky". Mr. Dunbar's exceptional literary detailing comes from his obvious experience with the US west and the world at large. We all lament the passing of the "Last Cowboy" and hope to hear more from this obviously talented chronicler of the reality of the Great American West.
A Young Man Goes West!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
I thoroughly enjoyed Mike's book. I grew up in Northern California, reading Zane Grey and dreaming of riding the purple sage. Mike's take is more modern and realistic, but just as inspiring. His descriptions of wilderness, and humans need and love for it, are excellent. I felt as if I was out on the trail and gazing at the shimmering aspens. Mike describes very well the sadness we all feel facing the aging and demise of loved ones. He also knows we have to move on. I loved the surprise ending. I thought I knew where the story was heading. It's a great story that will make you feel good about life. I hope he writes many more and keeps the wilderness theme through them all.
Realistic depiction
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Dr. Dunbar's depiction of Clem Barnett paints a realistic portrait of the American cowboy in the 20th century. Far from the romanticized gunslingers of the "old west," Clem represents the hardworking, honest cowboy of a more modern era, clinging to the ideals that seem to be fading into antiquity. Dunbar's depiction of a young man trying to find his way in a changing world, convinced he was born 100 years too late, provide a thoroughly enjoyable read. The vivid descriptions of the West highlight Dunbar's knowledge of the region, making the setting realistic without going overboard. Clem's participation in the Korean War highlight the realities of the time period in which the book is set. The only other comment I would add is that I don't think the American cowboy is gone from the West. In the words of Chris LeDoux: "He's still out there ridin' fences....you just can't see him from the road." Thanks for keeping the dream alive.
Great New Western Author
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Rarely does a new author of western-style novels come around who can put you in time and space of the vast and beautiful landscape of the American West so vividly as Dr. Dunbar has been able to do. His colorful descriptions of the vistas/landscapes, riding horse back on mountain trails, hunting trips, working the tough and lonely ranches of his characters bring to mind first trials by authors such as McMurty, Walsh & L'Amour. The "Cowboy" image has become tarnished over the years with bad Hollywood movies, and worse television melodramas, but Dr. Dunbar enlightens and guides us through his writing with a story that continues to hold the "cowboy" in high regard not only as a symbol, but as a real person. I can only hope his next novel will continue in the same vein of writing and creativity.
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