a phenomenal book i keep carrying around with me and dipping into over and over again. i read it twice the first time i read it which is always the hallmark of my great favourites.
the simple story really sort of sketches in a lovely series of scenes that play out in a matter of fact way that always hints at poetry, and engages my imagination so that i can see everything so vividly. i love everything about these characters: they are so real to me, natural and uttterly charming.
though it's supposed to be a gothic western, in some ways i feel very strongly a kinship here to viking sagas or beowulf: fighting, eating, fucking, codes, women, and monsters.