Synopses & Reviews
A stunning successor to his best selling novel
Peace Like a River, Leif Enger's new work is a rugged and nimble story about an aging train robber on a quest to reconcile the claims of love and judgment on his life, and the failed writer who goes with him.
In 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket has lost his sense of purpose. His only success long behind him, Monte lives simply with his wife and son. But when he befriends outlaw Glendon Hale, a new world of opportunity and experience presents itself. Glendon has spent years in obscurity, but the guilt he harbors for abandoning his wife, Blue, over two decades ago, has lured him from hiding. As the modern age marches swiftly forward, Glendon aims to travel back to his past heading to California to seek Blue's forgiveness. Beguiled and inspired, Monte soon finds himself leaving behind his own family to embark for the unruly West with his fugitive guide. As they desperately flee from the relentless Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who's been hunting Glendon for years, Monte falls ever further from his family and the law, to be tempered by a fiery adventure from which he may never get home.
Review
"So Brave, Young, and Handsome is an enthralling romp, appealing to fans of Peace Like a River to anyone, that is, who loves a good story." Charlotte Observer
Review
"A belated follow-up to a popular debut finds the Midwestern novelist in fine storytelling form....Though Becket laments that he 'can't write a(nother) book that anyone will want to read,' Enger has." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)
Review
"[A] sharp and brainy redemption tale, with all the twists and turns and thrills of a dime-store western....[Enger has] laid claim to a musical, sometimes magical and deeply satisfying kind of storytelling." Los Angeles Times
Review
"So Brave, Young, and Handsome is affable and humane as all get out, homespun and sophisticated at once, wise and knowing about the ubiquity of the human condition and the vagaries of the human heart." The Chicago Tribune
Review
"[A] superbly written, utterly compelling story of self-discovery and redemption disguised as a cracking good adventure tale....After reading the final page, don't be surprised if you find yourself shaking your head and murmuring, 'Wow. What a good book.' You undoubtedly won't be the only one." Minneapolis Star Tribune
Review
"So Brave, Young, and Handsome lurches forward fitfully but ultimately uncorks enough surprises and vivid characters (like a handsome blond desperado and a female sharpshooter) for a bumpy but satisfying ride in. (Grade: B)" Entertainment Weekly
Synopsis
A stunning successor to his best selling novel
Peace Like a River, Leif Enger's new work is a rugged and nimble story about an aging train robber on a quest to reconcile the claims of love and judgment on his life, and the failed writer who goes with him.
In 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket has lost his sense of purpose. His only success long behind him, Monte lives simply with his wife and son. But when he befriends outlaw Glendon Hale, a new world of opportunity and experience presents itself. Glendon has spent years in obscurity, but the guilt he harbors for abandoning his wife, Blue, over two decades ago, has lured him from hiding. As the modern age marches swiftly forward, Glendon aims to travel back to his past--heading to California to seek Blue's forgiveness. Beguiled and inspired, Monte soon finds himself leaving behind his own family to embark for the unruly West with his fugitive guide. As they desperately flee from the relentless Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who's been hunting Glendon for years, Monte falls ever further from his family and the law, to be tempered by a fiery adventure from which he may never get home.
Synopsis
A stunning successor to his bestselling novel Peace Like a River, Enger's new work is a rugged and nimble story about an aging train robber on a quest to reconcile the claims of love and judgment on his life, and the failed writer who goes with him.
About the Author
Leif Enger was raised in Osakis, Minnesota and has worked as a reporter and producer for Minnesota Public Radio since 1984. He lives on a farm in Minnesota with his wife and two sons.