74 pages • 2 hours read
Larry McmurtryLonesome Dove
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read 
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Summary
Background
Part 1, Chapters 1-5
Part 1, Chapters 6-10
Part 1, Chapters 11-15
Part 1, Chapters 16-20
Part 1, Chapters 21-25
Part 2, Chapters 26-30
Part 2, Chapters 31-35
Part 2, Chapters 36-40
Part 2, Chapters 41-45
Part 2, Chapters 46-50
Part 2, Chapters 51-55
Part 2, Chapters 56-60
Part 2, Chapters 61-65
Part 2, Chapters 66-70
Part 2, Chapters 71-74
Part 3, Chapters 75-80
Part 3, Chapters 81-85
Part 3, Chapters 86-90
Part 3, Chapters 91-95
Part 3, Chapters 96-102
Character Analysis
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools Beta
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry follows former Texas Rangers Augustus McRae and Woodrow Call as they lead a cattle drive from Texas to Montana, exploring themes of loyalty, freedom, family, and the harsh realities of the American West. Augustus, Call, and their crew, including a young man named Newt, face numerous challenges and tragedies on their journey. The novel depicts sexual assault, graphic violence, and characters with racist biases and contains offensive stereotypes of Indigenous American characters.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Larry McMurtry's Lonesome Dove is celebrated for its rich character development, vivid portrayal of the American West, and compelling narrative. Critics praise its immersive storytelling and emotional depth. However, some readers find its length daunting and the pacing uneven at times. Overall, it remains a distinguished work in the Western genre.
Who Should Read Lonesome Dove?
Readers who relish epic tales of the Old West with rich character development and gritty realism will love Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry. Fans of Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian or Charles Portis' True Grit will appreciate its vivid storytelling, adventurous spirit, and complex portrayal of friendship and survival.