Sign in with Facebook
Dolors's Reviews > All the Pretty Horses
All the Pretty Horses (The Border Trilogy, #1)
by
by
Set in 1949, between the frontier lands that separate Texas from México, McCarthy introduces the legendary John Grady Cole when he is barely sixteen years of age. Destitute of state and home after his grandfather’s death, the boy starts a journey of personal growth that will bring him face to face with the harsh violence and crudity of life among bandits, cowboys and outlaws.
“All the pretty horses” is my first contact with the epic Cormac McCarthy, and even though I can’t deny the rugged artistry of his dry and somewhat archaic style, I confess I won’t hurry to read the following installments of the “Border Trilogy”.
Don't mistake me. There are noble sentiments in this novel that shine naturally by the sheer force of its characters. Honor, courage, romantic love and loyalty are ever present in spite of the hopelessness that seems to rule McCarthy’s world, a world that is fading out in front of the reader’s eyes. Still, I was left with the feeling that John Grady was chasing something all the way down from Texas to México that he couldn’t find; a place, an ideal, a dream that was never found or accomplished. There is only a kind of calm desperation, an accepted surrender to one’s place in a senseless world, a silent admission that life is worthless, that happiness or contentment can’t exist in a world where violence and abuse are so random, so arbitrary.
As a reader, I am generally uncomfortable with such a dark, despairing vision of life, but at the same time, I marveled at McCarthy’s sensitivity in portraying the profound connection that man can develop with nature, which in this book is represented by horses. These majestic, elegant animals are somehow presented as superior to man, they provide spiritual dimension to McCarthy’s characters and evoke the Native American ancestral belief that man and horse can merge into a single soul through exertion and suffering.
And so, there you have beauty even in the gloomiest portrayal of this conflicted, incongruous world. The shadow of man and horse united against fate, standing tall and dignified, never defeated, ready to keep walking relentlessly towards the setting sun. Who can resist such an iconic sculpture? Not even me.
“All the pretty horses” is my first contact with the epic Cormac McCarthy, and even though I can’t deny the rugged artistry of his dry and somewhat archaic style, I confess I won’t hurry to read the following installments of the “Border Trilogy”.
Don't mistake me. There are noble sentiments in this novel that shine naturally by the sheer force of its characters. Honor, courage, romantic love and loyalty are ever present in spite of the hopelessness that seems to rule McCarthy’s world, a world that is fading out in front of the reader’s eyes. Still, I was left with the feeling that John Grady was chasing something all the way down from Texas to México that he couldn’t find; a place, an ideal, a dream that was never found or accomplished. There is only a kind of calm desperation, an accepted surrender to one’s place in a senseless world, a silent admission that life is worthless, that happiness or contentment can’t exist in a world where violence and abuse are so random, so arbitrary.
As a reader, I am generally uncomfortable with such a dark, despairing vision of life, but at the same time, I marveled at McCarthy’s sensitivity in portraying the profound connection that man can develop with nature, which in this book is represented by horses. These majestic, elegant animals are somehow presented as superior to man, they provide spiritual dimension to McCarthy’s characters and evoke the Native American ancestral belief that man and horse can merge into a single soul through exertion and suffering.
And so, there you have beauty even in the gloomiest portrayal of this conflicted, incongruous world. The shadow of man and horse united against fate, standing tall and dignified, never defeated, ready to keep walking relentlessly towards the setting sun. Who can resist such an iconic sculpture? Not even me.
Sign into Goodreads to see if any of your friends have read
All the Pretty Horses.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
July 18, 2019
– Shelved
July 21, 2019
–
Started Reading
July 23, 2019
–
42.38%
""He rode with the sun coppering his face and the red wind blowing out of the west (...) like a man come to the end of something.""
page
128
July 30, 2019
–
Finished Reading
August 1, 2019
–
100.0%
""He thought that in the beauty of the world were hid a secret. He thought the world's heart beat at some terrible cost and that the world's pain and its beauty moved in a relationship of diverging equity and that in this headlong deficit the blood of multitudes might ultimately be exacted for the vision of a single flower." Devastating."
page
302
Comments Showing 1-50 of 50 (50 new)
date
newest »
newest »
You read my thoughts, Ray. I was thinking that McCarthy's prose isn't easy-going. The lack of punctuation marks and the cowboy's jargon are messing with me!
Great review, Dolors. He's not a great fan of the human race, is he?
With enough study and life one is bound to become an at least part time misanthrope.
Even if you have read a novel on a world which feels entirely alien to me, your review is invariably a treat to read, presenting elements of beauty or shining a light on profound human truths and dimensions, Dolors. And yet, in the bleakness you portray, you end with such a brilliant image of the man and the horse, a image familiar to me in a far less serious context (every last page in the Belgian comics series of Lucky Luke).
Having just finished reading his book The Road, I understand your reluctance Dolors, the Hemingway style needs time to get used to...However I am sure to read more in the future from this talented writer; but need a break first...
Violet wrote: "Great review, Dolors. He's not a great fan of the human race, is he?"He isn't Violet! He is a good writer though, and knows how to create tension without overdoing it. Can't say the same about the movie adaptations!
J wrote: "With enough study and life one is bound to become an at least part time misanthrope."I have to agree J, even if I don't like it. Not becoming a misanthrope is the real challenge, but I have a weak spot for hopeful fools, I might be one myself.
Ilse wrote: "Even if you have read a novel on a world which feels entirely alien to me, your review is invariably a treat to read, presenting elements of beauty or shining a light on profound human truths and d..."That's such a generous comment, Ilse. Thank you so much. I tried not to be overly subjective about my reaction to this novel. The writing was good. The atmosphere was greatly created. The characters had personality. The pace was slow but full of silent tension. And yet. And yet. I wasn't vibrating with every word. There were a few memorable passages though, generally involving horses, which will stay with me. I might not be the most suited reader for this kind of Western, but I can sill appreciate a good writer when he comes across. What a pleasure to have friends who not only get me, but who give wings to my half-baked thoughts!
Oh...and the smile your recollection of Lucky Luke painted on my face is priceless. I used to love reading comics of the famous cowboy, and the Dalton Brothers are among my favorite villains of all times! ;P
Henry wrote: "Having just finished reading his book The Road, I understand your reluctance Dolors, the Hemingway style needs time to get used to...However I am sure to read more in the future from this talented..."
Oh yes, now I understand why I have never been so keen on Hemingway! ;P
You're right, Henry. Of course. I will return to McCarthy's bleakness in due time, only a bit more prepared this time. And I will wait for your review of "The Road", as I am not ready to plunge into that one yet...
A fine review Dolors ........ an author I’m looking forward to trying.
I'm reassured by your reivew. I love the harsh beauty of The Road, but was so repulsed by Outer Dark, I was very wary of more McCarthy. Perhaps I should (as long as there aren't gorily-murdered babies).
No more murdered babies in the other books, from memory at least. I liked suttree, and no country for old men is a great take, but a little gory
An excellent review, Dolors. You express your thoughts with such clarity! The only McCarthy I've been 'brave' enough to read was The Road and and found it rather remarkable, but also depressing. There was a glimmer of hope in it that encouraged me to want to read more of his writing. This one has been waiting for the right time :)
...beauty even in the gloomiest portrayal...What a powerful thought to face this conflicted world of ours. It reminds me of Proust somehow and his real voyage of discovery which consist in having new eyes (whenever possible?).
I don't have good memories of McCarthy but it's been such a long time that I should revisit his work someday. Your splendid critique brought him closer today.
I've read four or five McCormack's novels so far, this one included, and have to say that the bleakest and most brutal to me felt Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West. But I thought it was epic, breathtaking and brilliant all the same. His novels can be cruel and depicted world full of violence and meanspirited creatures, but, boy, he can write definitely. Very well expressed review, Dolors, and also a reminder that I still haven't read the rest of the Border Trilogy. Like you I'm no in rush but in a good time I wan't say no the harsh beauty of McCormack's prose.
Lisa wrote: "Superb review!"Thanks a lot for reading and for your kind words, Lisa!
Richard wrote: "A fine review Dolors ........ an author I’m looking forward to trying."Thanks for your kindness, Richard. I will be interested to hear your thoughts whenever that is. Timing is important, I think, to be in good terms with McCarthy, though. You need a certain mood to embark on his dark novels.
Cecily wrote: "I'm reassured by your reivew. I love the harsh beauty of The Road, but was so repulsed by Outer Dark, I was very wary of more McCarthy. Perhaps I should (as long as there aren't gorily-murdered bab..."Geez Cecily, I couldn't stand gorily-murdered babies at this stage in my life. So Outer Dark is out of range at this moment for this reader. There is no such violence in this novel, but quite detailed descriptions of torture in Mexican prisons that could have been less explicit. But I guess violence is part of McCarthy's vision, and either we like it or not, it's also inherent in human beings… so it's more about how much we can bear to "visualize" through McCarhy's harsh prose.
Ray wrote: "Tale"That's good to know, Ray. As I mentioned in my review, I am in no particular hurry to read more McCarthy for the moment, but I might do so in the future. Thanks!
Candi wrote: "An excellent review, Dolors. You express your thoughts with such clarity! The only McCarthy I've been 'brave' enough to read was The Road and and found it rather remarkable, but also depressing. Th..."That's also good to know, Candi. You are the second of my GR friends that speaks well of "The Road". I know there was a movie adaptation that I never saw that was quite popular. I bet the book is way better.
Timing is everything with writers so particular in style and themes, I think. One needs to be ready to enter such a gloomy vision of the world, knowing no redemption will come to leave a sweet taste in the reader's mouth when the last page is turned.
Thanks a bunch for your support and kindness!
Florencia wrote: "...beauty even in the gloomiest portrayal...What a powerful thought to face this conflicted world of ours. It reminds me of Proust somehow and his real voyage of discovery which consist in having ..."
Only you can come up with a connection between McCarthy and Proust and offer a new angle to this story, Flo. You nail it. It's all about the eyes that look at the same picture, right? Or the glasses we wear? No need for them to be rose-tinted, but maybe a bit hopeful for this mostly hopeless human race of ours…
*Sigh* thank God for humans like Proust though, who remind us that we are still worth fighting for...and thanks for your unique, perceptive comments!
Agnieszka wrote: "I've read four or five McCormack's novels so far, this one included, and have to say that the bleakest and most brutal to me felt Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West. B..."Well, I will avoid those novel for the time being, Agna...but who knows, I might feel bloodthirsty in the future, and then I'll know exactly where I have to turn my eyes to.
Jokes aside, McCarthy is a great writer, no doubt or discussion about that. Epic is a fantastic adjective to describe his greatness and knowing a bit of your literary tastes it comes as no surprise that you might like his dark but painfully consistent vision of the world. Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts, Agna!
Lovely review, although I'm not sure either if the story of bandits and despair will prompt me to read. What's interesting are those symbols used to highlight senselessness and despair, while also showcasing beauty. Interesting summation, Dolors. It's great to see your review in my feed again (I'm sure it hasn't been that long but it feels like it).
Agnieszka wrote: "I've read four or five McCormack's novels so far, this one included, and have to say that the bleakest and most brutal to me felt Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West. B..."I agree with you on this one. It was relentlessly bleak, but there was a stark beauty to it too
Gorgeous review, Dolors! McCarthy does portray a dark vision like none other (though this book I'd say was his most ... gentle?), but he always manages to incorporate beauty somehow. It's quite amazing.
Cheryl wrote: "Lovely review, although I'm not sure either if the story of bandits and despair will prompt me to read. What's interesting are those symbols used to highlight senselessness and despair, while also ..."Well Cheryl, I feel the same way! One of the few good things of going back to work is to have my routine back, and therefore, my breaks with the reviews of GR friends to keep me company.
McCarthy was everything I expected, and a bit more. A good writer, definitely. But not the kind of author I would strongly recommend. Timing and expectations play an important role with his words, I am afraid!
Thanks for your visit, Cheryl. You've been missed! :)
Robin wrote: "Gorgeous review, Dolors! McCarthy does portray a dark vision like none other (though this book I'd say was his most ... gentle?), but he always manages to incorporate beauty somehow. It's quite ama..."Thanks, Robin! Hah, I actually started with this novel because it was said to be his "softer" work, so I can only imagine what his gory ones might be like…
My only consolation is that I will be fully equipped for my next trip to the bloody West, I might bide my time though.
Robin wrote: "Gorgeous review, Dolors! McCarthy does portray a dark vision like none other (though this book I'd say was his most ... gentle?), but he always manages to incorporate beauty somehow. It's quite ama..."Oh, I just re-read your review. Beautifully written. Loved this passage:
"This yearning nostalgia is reflected in unbelievably lyrical prose. McCarthy outdoes himself here in lush descriptions that convey a deep romance, while at the same point writing with almost zero interiority or sentimentality. It's a magical mixture of the bleak and the heartfelt. "
It's so representative of McCarthy's style. You're also right about the last section. It dragged and dragged, I believe the novel could have been 50 pages shorter.
Anyway. Horses and loneliness, indeed. It's poetic in its own way, hence my "reluctant" appraisal! ;P
This review made me think of more authors at once:- John Williams - maybe I am wrong but if I remember well, Williams' tone as well (in both Stoner and Butcher's Crossing) is sort of bleak. What you wrote above somehow gave me the strong feeling that there might have been a common view of the world that some of the American authors of those times shared.
- I am now reading some essays by Rebecca Solnit and there was one about the gold rush and the negative consequences that were swept under the carpet.
- Fuentes - he wrote extensively about that part of the States that seems to be depicted here (Texas and Mexico).
I've wanted to try and read this author for a long time now and, to be honest, although wonderfully written, your review sort of pushes him further and further away on my list of future readings.
Deea wrote: "This review made me think of more authors at once:- John Williams - maybe I am wrong but if I remember well, Williams' tone as well (in both Stoner and Butcher's Crossing) is sort of bleak. What y..."
Thanks for reading and for expanding my thoughts with your literary connections, Deea. As you know, I love John Williams and Solnit (I still have to read Fuentes), and I am glad my review reminded you of them. I'd say Williams' style is more polished, also stark, but less harsh than McCarthy's. It's true that both authors portray stories of personal growth, but McCarthy's characters seem to pay an excessive price for their dreams. Even though Williams' works might have a melancholic tinge in them, I always felt a glimmer of hope when I turned the last page, a tiny bit of redemption that was lacking in this novel.
Funnily enough, I have a feeling Solnit might be an admirer of McCarthy's books. He is definitely a dissenter and very critical of the human race, and that is something that Solnit surely shares with him.
I guess, as with many authors, it's all about timing. Don't rush reading McCarthy just because. When you feel in the mood for a classic, well-written Western, don't hesitate to pick this volume, I don't think he'll disappoint!
Dolors wrote: "Deea wrote: "This review made me think of more authors at once:- John Williams - maybe I am wrong but if I remember well, Williams' tone as well (in both Stoner and Butcher's Crossing) is sort of ..."
I was going not to reply and then... I realized I had to say these two things:
- that's the thing, in this book that I am talking about, Solnit is critical of the human race and its ability to inflict pain and cause destruction everywhere, but, in all her essays here there's a glimmer of hope and melancholy. So, basically what she says is ''yeah, destruction caused by humans can be found everywhere, but hey, there are people who don't turn a blind eye and even though their overall influence might seem insignificant, you are certainly going to find them everywhere in places where disaster reigns and they are sure helping to counter effects of disasters which could have been way way worse if they were not around.
- ''When you feel in the mood for a classic, well-written Western...'' - Westerns are definitely not my thing and I don't think they'll ever be, so this pretty much sums up why I'm not eager to try this book. :)
Very good review!! McCarthy is one of my favorites. He is dark and bleak I agree but he writes about such that I can never imagine in my life and it fascinates me and makes me thankful for the life that’s mine.
Nicely reviewed Dolors !Hope your summer is lovely.
Dolor, your review is thoughtfully and beautifully written. I’ve not read this book but ‘The Road’ had the same bleakness juxtaposed against beauty and courage. The sadness was so overwhelming I could not write a review.
Deea wrote: "Dolors wrote: "Deea wrote: "This review made me think of more authors at once:- John Williams - maybe I am wrong but if I remember well, Williams' tone as well (in both Stoner and Butcher's Crossi..."
Nicely put, Deea. I totally agree with your intake on Solnit's prose. She writes beautifully, and with delicate taste too. Again, McCarthy's prose is nothing like that. There is a rugged beauty, archaic even, particularly when he describes the landscape and animals (yes!), but it's nothing close to Solnit's quiet, meditative style.
So there you have your answer, McCarthy might not be for you, at least for now, so you can turn your attention to writers that speak to your soul, there are plenty, luckily for us! :))
Thanks for coming back with more, my friend.
Lesley wrote: "Very good review!! McCarthy is one of my favorites. He is dark and bleak I agree but he writes about such that I can never imagine in my life and it fascinates me and makes me thankful for the life..."That's a very positive way of putting it, Lesley, and so right! I was also unconsciously feeling grateful for the "peaceful" life I lead as I was reading about the mis-adventures of John and Lacey. Thanks for taking the time to go through my thoughts and for your feedback! :)
Jaidee wrote: "Nicely reviewed Dolors !Hope your summer is lovely."
Thanks a bunch Jaidee! Summer has been lovely so far, trying to make it last as much as the weather permits.
Hope yours was also good and spent in good company, books and otherwise! ;P
Laysee wrote: "Dolor, your review is thoughtfully and beautifully written. I’ve not read this book but ‘The Road’ had the same bleakness juxtaposed against beauty and courage. The sadness was so overwhelming I co..."Thanks Laysee for your thoughtful response. Several GR friends have mentioned "The Road", and I suppose I'd pick this McCarthy next, if I were to read more by him. The idea of overpowering sadness doesn't appeal to me right now though, so it might take a while.
And, sometimes, Dolors, one installment is enough. Great review.
I'm sorry Dolors that there is not enough for you to continue on but have you read my favorite of his, Suttree? Very different from his other writings.
Wanda wrote: "And, sometimes, Dolors, one installment is enough. Great review."You're so right, Wanda. Long time no see, so I am happy to hear from you. I hope everything is going super at your end.
Stephen wrote: "I'm sorry Dolors that there is not enough for you to continue on but have you read my favorite of his, Suttree? Very different from his other writings."Oh no...actually there is too much in this book that compels me to continue, even against my will! I will bide my time though, Stephen, because I have learnt that one can't enter McCarthy's world unprepared, as I did.
"Suttree" sounds appealing, I like what I just read about it, so there it goes, to my wishlist. Its time will come.
Please continue on to The Crossing. It was my favorite of the trilogy and focuses on Billy. There is a wolf in this tale that might break your heart.
Debbie wrote: "Please continue on to The Crossing. It was my favorite of the trilogy and focuses on Billy. There is a wolf in this tale that might break your heart."That wolf reference certainly piqued my curiosity, Debbie. Have no worries, I will eventually finish the trilogy, it's just a matter of choosing the right timing, as I need to be in a certain mood to make McCarthy's vision justice :)
Elyse wrote: ""beauty even in the gloom".... I hear you --and hear how as a reader --you are uncomfortable with life's darkness and despair -- oh I hear you -- and yet --we read these types of books -- for all t..."You're so right, Elyse. Darkness is part of life, as it is death, and yet we feel uncomfortable with these topics. McCarthy doesn't shy away from the ugliness of life, and that is not what truly makes me uneasy, it's more his view of mankind. He seems to have lost hope on the goodness of people, and that I find disheartening. But he is a hell of a writer, no doubt about that!
Thanks for showering me with your kindness and comments!
I now understand your lyrical review even better. The mix of horror and beauty is stark, and few can pull it off as McCarthy does. And yet for me, it didn't quite come together as it did for you. Excellent review.
Cecily wrote: "I now understand your lyrical review even better. The mix of horror and beauty is stark, and few can pull it off as McCarthy does. And yet for me, it didn't quite come together as it did for you. E..."Not sure I'd respond the same way were I to read this novel now, Cecily. Too much darkness around these days, Steinbeck is the kind of author I feel the need to read.
Thanks for coming back to re-read my thoughts.
You might need a dictionary beside you though - McCarthy likes arcane words