All The Pretty Horses (by Cormac McCarthy)
Cormac McCarthy is one of those writers I’ve always heard great things, but just didn’t think the settings of his books would fit my taste. I figured it was finally time to find out. In years past, I took a chance on Larry McMurtry and absolutely loved the books I read, so I had a feeling I would like McCarthy too.
I didn’t know what to expect with All The Pretty Horses. I simply read the description and started listening. I purchased the audiobook from Audible. The narration by Frank Muller is an excellent tone and accent for the characters. I increased the speed to accommodate my preferred listening pace.
All The Pretty Horses is the first book in The Border trilogy. It’s set in Texas, during the 1940’s. As the story opens, we meet John Grady Cole, a 16-year-old, attending his grandfather’s funeral. He learns his parents are divorced and the ranch he grew up on has been sold. He seems to have a close relationship with his father, while his mother has run off and doesn’t seem all that interested in being a mother. It’s clear that Cole is lost and trying to find himself. Quite a feat for any 16-year-old, let alone one who feels like he just lost everything.
Cole and his best friend, Lacey Rawlins, take off on horseback to northern Mexico. On their journey, they make a friend in a younger, also lost, boy. They meet an interesting Mexican family and Cole falls in love. McCarthy’s story took me on an unexpected journey and I had no idea there was an end in sight. I mean this in the best possible way. Just like Cole and Rawlins, I didn’t know what adventure, tragedy, or romantic moment awaited around the next bend. One moment I’m laughing at the sarcastic humor. Next, I’m appalled at the violence and feeling fearful for Cole and Rawlins. Later, I’m lost in an abuela’s traumatic story. Then, I’m rooting for Cole and the girl he loves, despite the abuela’s objections. As the story closes, I feel a bit emotionally exhausted and not yet ready to say goodbye to these characters.
So yeah, I love this book and Cormac McCarthy’s storytelling. All The Pretty Horses is a beautiful piece of work.
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