I haven't read any new southwestern hardboiled here recently
but I would repeat my recommendation of Cormac McCarthy. His
BLOOD MERIDIAN is spectacular. I guess a disclaimer should go
with it. It's extremely violent and brutal. He's been
criticized for his florid style, too, but my feeling is that
it was done purposely to contrast with the plot, and it does
an effective job. I'd like to see a movie adaptation.
Some have pointed to it as a commentary on the United States'
policy of western expansionism, but I think they're way off.
It is an unflinching and unapologetic comment on the nature
of man. Through all the ugly, nasty stuff, there's a majestic
beauty and elegance to BLOOD MERIDIAN.
He's also written a western trilogy, which I haven't read but
Mario says is good. I saw the movie of the first book, ALL
THE PRETTY HORSES. It wasn't bad. Penelope Cruz was certainly
looking good.
McCarthy has some other books which lean more towards
Southern Gothic than southwestern. I've read CHILD OF GOD,
and it's good, too, but not even close to BLOOD MERIDIAN. I'm
planning on reading SUTTREE some time this summer.
miker
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