Hondo is likeable, principled, doesn’t expect others to think the same as he does, and has a real soft spot for his mongrel dog.
High Point: It’s a good yarn that treats all its characters with respect.
Low Point: The story loosely follows L’Amour’s standard formula.
Author: Louis L’Amour
Publication Date: 1953
Genre: Western
Many Louis L’Amour western novels are so formulaic–a strong slow-speaking cowboy, a beautiful woman, a few bad guys, and maybe a good horse. Hondo uses that same recipe, but with enough enhancements to make it a little different.
Not Your Standard Western
It’s actually a war story. The US has broken treaties, and as a result, the Apache have declared war. Hondo tells the story of a group of people caught up in the conflict. There are heroes and villains on both sides as well as friendships and rivalries that cross the boundaries between the two combatant nations.
The title character is likeable, principled, doesn’t expect others to think the same as he does, and has a real soft spot for his mongrel dog. The woman is admirable, strong, intelligent, independent, and thinks on her feet. The key supporting characters aren’t always one-dimensional, and they are always interesting.
L’Amour’s style is easy and conducive to making this a genuine page-turner if you get into the story.
A Product of its Time
Of course, Hondo shows its age. Writing in 1953, L’Amour uses terms that today are considered offensive. But in the context of the story, they aren’t used in an intentionally derogatory manner. In fact, the object of one of the terms is referred to only with respect and affection.
Like any book, Hondo may not be for everyone. But if you enjoy the genre, this book may be towards the top of the list.
Movie/TV Adaptation
Hondo (1953)
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
