Would it be enough to just tell you to go read this book right now?
In simplest terms, it's the story of a West Texas rancher during the horrendous 1950s drought. Kelton weaves the stories of a stubborn man, a dying town, cattle and sheep and goats, immigration, the economy, governmental meddling, relationships, small town life, and trying to stay alive into one heck of a novel. You can feel the heat and the dust, and your heart aches as the ranch slips away.
This is one of those books that is almost constantly on the Top 10 Texas book lists. Rightfully so. But like Goodbye to a River, it's one that everyone should read. It's a quiet novel, and yet it will move you in ways that most books seldom do. It's a page turner, but you don't realize it until you look up at the clock and realize how much time and how many pages have passed. Though quintessentially Texas, yet, the characters could be found in any small town and the agricultural struggles could be anywhere.
Great conversation at book club--everyone universally adored it and there was talk of forcing it onto others.
Highly recommended, even if you never thought you'd touch a "western" novel. A rich, deep, beautiful book that will leave you sighing at the end.