My StumbleUpon Page"A stunning successor to his best selling novel Peace Like a River, Leif Enger’s new work ["So Brave, Young, and Handsome"] is a rugged and nimble story about an aging train robber on a quest to reconcile the claims of love and judgment on his life, and the failed writer who goes with him.
"In 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket has lost his sense of purpose. His only success long behind him, Monte lives simply with his wife and son. But when he befriends outlaw Glendon Hale, a new world of opportunity and experience presents itself. Glendon has spent years in obscurity, but the guilt he harbors for abandoning his wife, Blue, over two decades ago, has lured him from hiding. As the modern age marches swiftly forward, Glendon aims to travel back to his past--heading to California to seek Blue’s forgiveness. Beguiled and inspired, Monte soon finds himself leaving behind his own family to embark for the unruly West with his fugitive guide. As they desperately flee from the relentless Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who’s been hunting Glendon for years, Monte falls ever further from his family and the law, to be tempered by a fiery adventure from which he may never get home."
"In 1915 Minnesota, novelist Monte Becket has lost his sense of purpose. His only success long behind him, Monte lives simply with his wife and son. But when he befriends outlaw Glendon Hale, a new world of opportunity and experience presents itself. Glendon has spent years in obscurity, but the guilt he harbors for abandoning his wife, Blue, over two decades ago, has lured him from hiding. As the modern age marches swiftly forward, Glendon aims to travel back to his past--heading to California to seek Blue’s forgiveness. Beguiled and inspired, Monte soon finds himself leaving behind his own family to embark for the unruly West with his fugitive guide. As they desperately flee from the relentless Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who’s been hunting Glendon for years, Monte falls ever further from his family and the law, to be tempered by a fiery adventure from which he may never get home."
A starred review from Kirkus (can PW be far behind?). Book releases from Atlantic Monthly mid-May, so hang on...
I was never able to finish Peace Like A River.
Three times I tried to get past the third chapter and failed.
Posted by: Michelle Pendergrass | February 12, 2008 at 10:48 AM
You had me at train robber.
Posted by: Heather Goodman | February 12, 2008 at 11:34 AM
A train robber and a writer and Leif Enger -- a match made in heaven. I can't wait.
Posted by: Linda Gilmore | February 12, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Michelle! Say it isn't so. It's my fave book!!!!!
I am so excited I could spit joy! Thanks for sharing, Mick.
Posted by: Mary DeMuth | February 12, 2008 at 03:48 PM
I love the title.
Posted by: Nicole | February 12, 2008 at 06:15 PM
I can't wait to read it! Leif's first book was stunning.
Posted by: Merrie | February 12, 2008 at 09:45 PM
Hmm. Just goes to show you.
Well, it must show something.
I like the premise. Both men searching. Traveling the same road on different journeys... sounds like good stuff.
Posted by: Madison Richards | February 13, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Enger's first book stunned me with its music - his use of language took my breath away. I had to read it slowly, word by word - something I rarely do.
I loved it enough to check every so often over the last few years to see if there was any news of another Enger book in the offing.
Though the Kirkus description above carries some elements of his Peace Like A River, I'll be looking forward to reading Enger's music again.
Posted by: Michelle Van Loon | February 13, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I'm excited!
Posted by: Dee Stewart | February 13, 2008 at 09:25 PM
Michelle,
I agree completely. His first book was like music, poetic and melodic. I had to read it slowly, also.
Posted by: Merrie Destefano | February 14, 2008 at 10:48 AM