Return Of Little Big Man : Book Review

"The Return of Little Big Man" by Thomas Berger is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that serves as a sequel and counterpoint to the famous American Western classic, "Little Big Man." I found this book to be highly engaging and enjoyable to read, as Berger's writing style is witty and his storytelling skills are exceptional.

The novel follows the life of Jack Crabb, a 111-year-old man reflecting on his adventurous life in the American West. Through his narration, the author seamlessly weaves together historical facts with fictional elements, offering a unique and often humorous perspective on well-known figures like George Armstrong Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, and Wyatt Earp. Berger challenges traditional Western narratives by using Crabb's identity as a white man raised by Native Americans, providing a fresh and ironic take on commonly held beliefs.

One of the strengths of this novel is its exploration of various themes, such as identity, cultural assimilation, and the clash of worldviews. As Crabb reflects on his experiences, readers are confronted with uncomfortable truths about the treatment of Native Americans and the complex power dynamics in the American West. Berger tackles these weighty subjects while maintaining an engaging narrative, adding depth to the story beyond its surface entertainment value.

I also appreciated Berger's accessible writing style, which makes the book enjoyable for a wide range of readers. His wit and humor shine through, providing a lighthearted tone that complements the serious themes explored in the novel. Additionally, the pacing of the story is well-handled, seamlessly transitioning between past and present without confusion or disjointedness.

In conclusion, "The Return of Little Big Man" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that offers a revisionist perspective on American Western history. Berger's storytelling abilities, witty writing style, and insightful social commentary make this book an engaging read for anyone interested in the genre or in exploring the complexities of the American West. Whether read as a standalone novel or as a sequel to "Little Big Man," this book stands on its own as a worthwhile and entertaining read.

What are readers saying?

The novel "Return of Little Big Man" by Thomas Berger has garnered a range of reactions from readers. Some praised Berger's writing style and found the humorous and satirical elements of the book to be enjoyable. In contrast, others were disappointed by certain aspects of the narrative, perceiving it to be confusing and lacking depth in character development.

Numerous readers found Berger's writing style engaging and entertaining. They appreciated the satirical tone and the seamless integration of historical events with fictional elements. The book's humor was a particular highlight for many, with some even describing it as laugh-out-loud funny. These readers thoroughly enjoyed Berger's portrayal of the Wild West and Native American culture.

On the other hand, a number of readers struggled with the book's narrative structure, finding it to be confusing. According to them, the story jumped around too much, making it difficult to follow the plot. Additionally, some felt that the characters lacked depth and failed to undergo significant development throughout the book. This left them feeling disconnected from the story, and a few readers even viewed the protagonist, Jack Crabb, as inconsistent and unlikable.

Opinions regarding the historical accuracy of the book varied. While some readers praised Berger's attention to detail and extensive research, others felt that he took liberties with historical facts. They noted that certain events portrayed in the book were embellished or fictionalized for the sake of the story.

In summary, readers' thoughts on "Return of Little Big Man" were divided. Those who enjoyed Berger's witty writing style and appreciated the satirical elements of the book found it to be an enjoyable read. However, those who found the narrative confusing and the characters lacking in depth were left disappointed. Ultimately, individual preferences for humor, narrative structure, and character development appear to heavily influence readers' opinions of this novel.

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