The Lonesome Gods: An Epic Novel of the California Desert (Louis L'Amour's Lost Treasures)

I ordered this book as a gift for my dad and he loved it.

The first thing we have to say about this book is that it does not fit the simplistic vision of western literature or cinema as for Indians. This book is a completely different approach that considers Indians are different, but of a higher level, somewhere, probably a higher mental or even intellectual and definitely spiritual level. And the book contains a severe criticism of Europeans along that line : « First we should study what they believe and how it applies to the way they live. First they must be sure of our respect. » And our respect was far from being obvious and our effort to study and understand what they believed, etc..., was far from being one of our lines of conduct. The book is very rich in that line, showing how they did have some beliefs and some theory of life and nature that went a lot farther than ours at times. So, some may say then that the clash was unavoidable. But it could have been quite different.The second thing about this book is that it studies in great detail the status and use of violence in Californian society, and even in American society, around the 1840s and later years. The Spaniards were driven by their aristocratic sense of honor that made them look down upon all others without any distinction. They were the cream of the earth. The Mexicans were moved by the desire to keep California within the Mexican state and they were ready to do anything along that line. The Californios desired to be their own masters and become independent and they wanted to seize the day and take part, in a leading position if possible, in the great transformation that was coming up with the opening of California to the American entreprising spirit. Then the Anglos were that driving force that was going to transform California but they did not prove very subtle at times and their finesse was not very much refined and developed in some of them. The the book is fascinating because of the plot and the characters and it shows how the American enterprising spirit was in phase with the survival instinct of humanity, a survival that could only be achieved through development and the conquest of new territories, new activities and wealth. This could lead to some criminal strategies : steal, murder, take control of what others have developed and accumulated. This could lead to some hard working strategies : work hard for others so that you can take part in the development of the country and get a share of the accumulated wealth, but through your own hands or your own intelligence. It could also lead to some spiritual strategies : those who had a vision of the future, generally rooted in a vision of their past, a vision of a better future rooted in the recollection of their sufferings or their parents' sufferings. But life is then the constant clash between those three groups, particularly between the two extreme groups and the outcome is never sure. Louis L'Amour adds to that a certain amount of mystical and mythical belief that gives some m

This book is one of many great accomplishments of Loius L'Amour. I picked up this great book and couldn't stop reading. It has adventure, action, love, and much more. This is in my opinion the best book written by Mr. L'Amour.

I love fiction books that include factual, historical data that teach you about California, as you read. Louis L'Amour is a master story teller. He captures your imagination with his courageous, but human, characters (male & female alike). I couldn't put this book down and was disappointed when it ended. It touched me in a way that caused me to look harder at myself, as a person. It encouraged me to say to myself, "I am a child of God and nothing will cause me to be afraid." -- I'm a tougher, better person because of this book. Read it and let it move you, too!

This is the first L'Amour book that I have read and I found it totally enthralling. It was recommended to me by a friend, who is an avid fan of his, as his best book. I can understand why she feels that way. I am eager to read more of his writing. My friend has recommended that I read "The Last of the Breed" next.

The story is not only action packed, the characters are very real. It is a very touching book with real emotions and one boy/man's raw courage when it seems that all have betrayed him. To put it simply, if you enjoy a good book with some killer fights ect... read it you'll love it as much as I do. Plus it has a good ending, I just love that.