Will it never end? That’s what you may be asking yourself as you plow through Alan Le May’s The Searchers. And that’s a good thing.
High Point: The last few chapters up to and including the conclusion are much more suspenseful and satisfying than the movie’s ending.
Low Point: There are a few instances when the narrative becomes rather monotonous and dry.
Author: Alan Le May
Publication Date: 1954
Genre: Fiction – Western
Will it never end?
That’s what you may be asking yourself as you plow through Alan Le May’s The Searchers.
And that’s a good thing.
The story follows two cowboys during their six-year search for a young girl kidnapped by the Comanche in 1870s Texas. You’re meant to feel their frustration and growing desperation as they follow fruitless leads and box canyons.
For the most part, Le May maintains your interest with little subplots that pop up during the pursuit. But given that the narrative covers several years, you should expect a few instances when it gets a bit dry. You might be tempted to skip over the monotony, but don’t. You’ll miss a surprise or two that way.
Le May wrote a number of western novels and screenplays, although he never realized the level of success of the Grey or L’Amour. This one and The Unforgiven were adapted to major motion pictures in the 1950s. As in most cases, this book is considerably better than the movie—especially the conclusion.
Be aware that the novel is a product of its time. It uses terms and portrays certain attitudes that are generally no longer acceptable.
The Searchers has an absorbing plot, interesting character development, and a satisfying conclusion. If you’re into western literature at all, this one must go on your reading list.
Movie/TV Adaptation
The Searchers (1956)
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
