Modern Western Literature
The western genre first became popular during the mid-19th century as dime novels and reached their height of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. Western novels have traditionally celebrated qualities like independence, loyalty and hard work but other aspects included in the books are more problematic–negative portrayals of indigenous peoples and women as well as the celebration of white conquest.
In July, Book Buzz will be discussing two modern Westerns and how contemporary authors are using traditional aspects of the genre to tell new stories.
We’ll be focusing on two books but hope to include a general discussion of western novels and films.
The Untold by Courtney Collins
• Regular Print
• eBook
Although a fugitive and a posse determined to bring the criminal to justice are common plots in Western novels, The Untold is something different. Set in the Australian Outback, it tells the true story of Eliazbeth Jessie Hickman, a notorious cattle rustler.
News of the World by Paulette Jiles
• Regular Print
• eBook
1870, Texas. Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, ageing veteran of two wars, is working as a travelling news reader when he is offered an unusual mission. A young girl, who has spent the past several years living with Kiowa Indians following the deaths of the rest of her family, has been “rescued”. Kidd is enlisted to accompany the child on a treacherous journey to her relatives in San Antonio.
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