When I first saw this book in the store, and glanced at the title, I thought it was about cross dressing or gender switching. And it might have worked well that way, anyway! But the title is a play on words; Charles and Eli Sisters (it is their surname) are siblings, and bounty hunters in the West, during the time of the California Gold Rush!!!!!!!!!!! There story plays out like a cross between "True Grit," or "No Country For Old Men," only with less menace, and laced with a bit of humor. There is a bit of buffoonery about the brothers, as well as the prey they go after, and their adventures, make for a quick read!
This is a picaresque novel, involving a quest to kill two, but especially one, individual it is learned they are after, since the book begins. The book gets into some psychological areas with the brothers' relationships--to each other, and the world around them--so that, when they end up, at the end, showing a bit of humanity, one is not quite surprised, and gratified.
Not very deep, and short on narrative, the book in nevertheless a fascinating character study of the bonds that tie siblings. Its entertainment factor is high, and is worth a look!!!!!!!!!!!!
But not quite Edna Ferber, darlings!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I thought from your title that this was going to be about Ann Sheridan. Which means I'm old AND gay!
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ReplyDeleteBut are you old enough to actually remember "Pistols And Petticoats?" Because I am! I used to love that show, and loved Ann on it.
I am sure Ann will turn up on here one of these days. I love the movie "Kings Row," and I actually have read and own the novel. If you think "Peyton Place" sticks it to small town USA, Henry Bellamy gives Grace Metalious a run for her money!
I was only 7 or 8 when it was on, but I DO remember it!
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