Home
>
The Writings of Zane Grey >
Western Novels >
Book Review: The Light of Western Stars
Book Review:
The Light of Western Stars
by the Rev. Charles Daugherty
California, Maryland
"You're -- not -- *Majesty* Hammond?"
East and West may never have met in Rudyard Kipling's India. But
in Zane Grey's Wild West they not only meet, they collide. Winner
by a knockout? The West, every time. In the opening chapter of
The Light ofWestern Stars (Grey's best, in my view), Majesty Hammond,
excessively rich Eastern socialite, meets Gene Stewart, excessively
poor Western cowboy, owning only his clothes, his gun and his
horse, and bent on self-destruction. Winner of the opening round?
The East. Ah, but wait! (and don't peek at the last page).
In between you will meet a splendid cast of characters. Among
many: not one but two villains, one a sheriff and the other a
Mexican. Florence Kingsley, without spot or blemish. Nels, a cowboy
who can't hit a golf ball but can shoot one. Monty, a cowboy who
is bald and crippled for a noble reason. Bonita, fiery and passionate
-- Stewart entrusts his great steed to her. Danny, with a golden
future. And hovering over the whole scene, the light of Western
stars, white and alive, a brooding presence . . .
The Rev. Charles Daugherty is a Member of ZGWS.
He lives in California, Maryland.
This book review is the personal opinion of the writer.
Home
>
The Writings of Zane Grey >
Western Novels >
Book Review: The Light of Western Stars
Historical images of Zane Grey used with permission of Dr. Loren Grey
|
|
