If you've seen either the recent Coen Brothers film (and you should as it's excellent) or the original John Wayne film you'll know the story.
Fourteen year old Mattie hires a US Marshall, Roster Cogburn, to help her avenge the murder of her father.
In a time (mid 1800s) when women were very much homemakers, its interesting to read the story of how she sets of with Cogburn and a Texas ranger to catch (or kill) her man.
Written as if told by an older Mattie (in the 1920s) the voice is perfect and engaging, and despite knowing the story I was gripped from the beginning.
I read this book in one day (on holiday), it's a short read and the story is simple - the beauty is in the telling and the characters.
As the foreword by Donna Tartt indicates, it's a favourite of many (including Roahl Dahl), and I'd certainly agree.
Bought at Watford Gap Services
7th April 2011
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