The Hawkline Monster – Initial Comments

I suffer from a condition that often makes me believe that whatever I am reading at the moment is the most wonderful thing I have ever read. I think I may have already mentioned this in an earlier post. It doesn’t happen all the time, but it is fairly common for me to fall madly in love with whatever book I’m working on. It is almost a guaranteed to happen whenever I read a classic irrespective of whether its appeal is to a mainstream or niche audience.
The Hawkline Monster is one of these and it only took a page or two for Brautigan to set the hook. It is billed as a gothic western on the cover. I don’t think I could put it more clearly or concisely. It is a two word description that sets an expectation for a tale that is very dark and very gritty. So far, I have not been disappointed.
Many books have a strong voice. Hawkline Monster has a presence, too. It is like Brautigan has me by the scruff of the neck while he walks me through the narrative. It feels slow, but it is delivered in short direct passages and chapters so it moves along steadily. And there are almost no unnecessary words. Every sentence has bite.
I am really looking forward to finishing this.