As I read “The Winter Family,” a Western noir about a group of violent men in a cross-country jaunt over three decades in 1800s America, there were several times when I thought about calling it quits.
But I was unable to abandon the story, and the band of ruthless outlaws took me hostage on the ride across the American frontier.
Let me say this. The Little House on the Prairie it’s not.
The Winter Family, a saga drenched in blood and bone chilling perversion, is not for the faint of heart.
Nonetheless, I persevered. I’m actually a fan of the Western genre and I have enjoyed works by Larry McMurtry and Cormac McCarthy, among others. I believe an authentic tale of the Old West should be grim and gritty.
I would expect a group of ruthless outlaws to commit murder and other atrocities to overcome their enemies, or gain status, or simply be feared by all who come before them. Or to make a living. Or for no reason at all.
Meet The Winter Family
The Winter Family was what they called themselves, this band of depraved thugs who left murder and rampage in their wake. Their story begins at the time of the Civil War in Atlanta and ends in the prairies of the Oklahoma Territory.
Headed by the cruel and sadistic Augustus Winter, son of an abusive preacher, and joined by sociopathic liar Quentin Ross, the two dim-witted Empire brothers, alcohol-soaked Bill Bread and inscrutable ex-slave Fred Johnson, the group provides a service for a price. They burn Atlanta for General Sherman. They fix an election in Chicago for the Republican Party. They get rid of the Indians in Oklahoma for the land barons.
What distracted me was not so much the bloodshed, of which there is plenty, but more what was missing. Where was the humanity, even a shred? How can anyone be so thoroughly evil and sustain it for so long?
There were virtually no women in The Winter Family, nary a brassy barmaid or loving girlfriend who could have softened the grimness and provided a context for the characters’ motivations.
However, the reason I stuck with The Winter Family — and recommend it –is that as historical fiction it succeeds, masterfully. A bleak commentary on the human condition, yes, but an honest portrayal of our civilization — or lack thereof — in lawless times long ago.
I am happy to be able to give away a copy of The Winter Family. Please leave a comment below and a winner will be chosen randomly. US addresses only, please.
I received a copy of The Winter Family from Doubleday for an honest review, which is the only kind of review I write.
We have no idea what life was like in the days of the Wild West. I’m sure it was difficult, at best, with loads of violence and unspeakable acts going on every day for survival. And then there were those as portrayed in this book. I, too, have enjoyed several books about life in the West. It sounds like a good read, Helene.
Cathy Chester recently posted…The Comic Who Had Two Career Choices And Took Them Both
Thanks, Cathy. Appreciate your comment!
This book definitely doesn’t sound like it’s for the faint at heart. It certainly has a diverse plot and characters.
Like others in the genre, it does not sugarcoat the way things were in that era.
My husband loves historical fiction, so I think he would really enjoy this book. I will tell him about it.
That’s awesome, Robin!
I may just like this book. I am a little more hard core than Little House On The Prairie. But who knows, it might be too much for me
Definitely worth a try, Terry. Thanks!
When my family moved from Flint, Michigan to Tucson, Arizona when I was 5 years old….everyone thought we were going to the wild west! To this day, my 95 year old Mom watches westerns — all day long! I shall add this book to my reading list.
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For some reason this reminds me of the TV show, Deadwood, which also portrayed the toughness of the Old West.
Carol Cassara recently posted…I’ll never let go
Very true, Carol. Many similarities.
I am a big fan of anything western themed, especially the historically accurate (or close.) I love the show Hell On Wheels, it can be brutal but at least there are women and a few shreds of hope.
Doreen McGettigan recently posted…It could happen to anyone…
This book might be right up your alley then, Doreen.
Drenched in blood and bone-chilling perversion? Count me out!
Noted!
I think I am quite glad that no women existed in the book because given the bent can you imagine where THAT would have went. I do enjoy historical fiction though…
Shelley Zurek recently posted…$195 Giveaway+ Jackets for a Northern Spring, Janska Durango
Introducing a couple of sympathetic female characters would have made this a softer story, and obviously that was not what the author was going for. Thanks, Shelley.
Wow this sounds really intense and interesting. It would be great to read a historical fiction that doesn’t glorify the protagonist’s life, but shows a real, grim perspective.
Liz Mays recently posted…Ham and Egg Salad Club Sandwich | Easter Leftover Ideas
Exactly, Liz. There were no heroes in this book.
My hubby and son would love this. They like this type of thing. I haven’t read in so long!
Thanks, Jeanine!
I’ve read a few Western genre books that I’ve liked. This one sounds thrilling, but I don’t know if I could stomach it!
Give it a try, Pam. I’m glad I stuck with it til the end.
I appreciate your honest review. It’s not a book that I would stick with BUT I have a few people I know that would appreciate it I believe.
Claudya recently posted…The Past Walks into the Present and This Is Not a Joke
Thank you, Claudya!
I have actually read two books this year and I feel like I should pat myself on the back. I haven’t done that in a long time. This is definitely my type of book.
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Then maybe it will be #3 for you, April!
I’m looking for a new book for my upcoming trip. Will check this one out.
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Awesome, Amber!
There is definitely a buzz about this book. I’m going to have to get this for a long car trip I’m taking.
thelesleyshow recently posted…Mynt Core 8-Week Challenge – Day 28
Great idea, Lesley!
SOunds interesting. I’m a huge Little House on the Prairie fan so I probably wouldn’t read this but I’d love to see the movie!
WendysHat recently posted…Strawberry Cream Cheese Muffins
It would be a great movie, Wendy.
This definitely sounds like a great read. I would not want to put it down!
Exactly!
This looks like a great read. I will have to check it out. Thank you for the chance to win
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Oh, my! This sounds like a great gift for guy readers who like Western movies!
Anne | HealthySouthernMama.com recently posted…Family Travel Celebration and Giveaway Coming in May! #nttw
Absolutely, Anne!
You’re welcome!
This sounds like an interesting book. I will have to take a look at it on my next trip to the book store.
Great, Ann!
This sounds like a great read. I don’t read much but I am pretty sure my DH would love reading this book.
Babita recently posted…Eat Damned Good Food in Hell’s Kitchen Minneapolis
Mine too, Babita! It’s on his list.
Sounds like a great read, I love those western environments!
Me too!
No wonder they call it the Wild West. Do you think the fact that their are no female characters makes it an even more brutal read? Looks compelling.
Pat recently posted…In Memoriam – Illinois State University Redbirds
I do, Pat. And perhaps that is what the author intended.
Sounds like a great book to read – I probably need to add this to my list.
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