Because we are dedicated to honest customer opinions Across the High Lonesome (James McNay Brumfield) (Paperback), we have also included Amazon's customer reviews for this item (of which 3 are displayed below). Amazon customers have given Across the High Lonesome (James McNay Brumfield) an average rating of 3.5/5.
Top Amazon Review
Not what I expected!. From the cover of the book I was expecting a typical western but nothing could be farther from the truth. This is a modern day story set in the wilderness of California's high Sierra. Its the story of a young lady searching for herself and finding herself working for a pack station (A pack station is a buisness that transports wilderness visitors on the backs of mules and horses). Being a green horn she has no idea what she is in for, and this forms much of the early humor in the book. There is also something of a love triangle between her and two of the guides. As the story progress we meet more of the eccentric crew that works at the pack station and are introduced to the amazingly beautiful country. This book has it all Salty Characters, action, humor, and a little sex. I was sad when I turned the last page and had to say good by to all my new friends.....
Customer Review 1
Really didn't like it!. I bought this because of the rave reviews and the reference to Larry Mcmurtry, who happens to be one of my favourite authors. I do realise that everyone's taste is different, however I disliked this book so much that I didn't finish it. Maybe the last half of the book improved.
In essence: I found the characterisation superficial and, quite frankly, boring. Two-dimensional, flat, no good interraction or anything to drive the story along.
The plot is boring. The most interesting thing I gained from the book is that I now have more knowledge of how to load a mule than I ever wanted to know. In the book, mules carrying tourist gear sometimes shed their loads and have to be properly reloaded. This happens over and over. Some characters are good at loading, some bad, some are learning. Each time a great deal of detail is used in describing the process. Once is enough! There you go, that's about it.
She likes him but he's playing hard to get or is she? Meanwhile he likes her but she's only using him, he's an enigma who doesn't appear to like anyone much, while he's too young to be of any account yet. Occasionally sex happens. All are 'proving themselves' in ways only known to mule-loaders everywhere.
Leaden prose. A basic 'and then this happened, and then that happened' kind of style.
Feels like J McN Brumfield wanted to write himself into a book, and in retrospect the Larry McMurtry quote/review sounds more like him encouraging an emerging/struggling writer.
I really wanted to like this book. But I really didn't.
Customer Review 2
Thank you Larry McMurtry!. The only reason I decided to give this modern day western a chance was because of the praise it received from Mr. McMurtry. And I am sure glad I did. This book is a look into the world of one summer at a pack station. The characters jump off the page as real people and the authors descriptions of the high country made me want to saddle up and go along for the ride! The book has a little bit of everything, drama, adventure, romance, and some western humor. The book takes the reader along for the highs and the lows as the characters give up much to live the life they love. One minute I was laughing hysterically and the next I'd be crying, and sometimes I was doing both at the same time! If you are looking for something different, a realistic look at a slice of western life, then I highly recommend this book!
