'All the Pretty Horses' by Cormac McCarthy

'All the Pretty Horses' is the first book in McCarthy's Border Trilogy, a series of novels set between the United States and Mexican frontiers. In this first book, set in the late forties, we meet John Grady Cole, a sixteen year old with a talent and passion for horses. After his home is sold, he sets off for Mexico from Texas, his friend Lacey Rawlins in tow.

On their journey, they meet the mysterious Jimmy Blevins, a young boy with a stately horse he claims belongs to him. They lose him in an altercation with some Mexicans and eventually find themselves on a ranch, where John earns his keep breaking horses and falls in love with Alejandra, the ranch owner's daughter.

I have previously enjoyed both 'No Country For Old Men' and 'The Road' by the same author and appreciated the opportunity to soak up McCarthy's beautifully sparse prose once more. Whilst not burdening himself with such trifling things such as punctuation, McCarthy's economic use of language expertly assembles the dusky vistas of his stories with aplomb. While much of what he describes is minimal, there are numerous passages of sublime eloquence in which the author describes beautifully concepts such as love, evil and horses.

I was consumed by the book and eager to rush the conclusion. The characters are well conceived and are very likeable. At times, however, I was frustrated with how mature and capable the main character was, often displaying ingenuity and resourcefulness clearly beyond his years. On some occasions, McCarthy's blunt prose jar slightly and some elements feel a little tacked on. Others may also argue that the plot is rather hackneyed or passée, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought it a good take on the modern western. I also enjoyed reading an earlier version of McCarthy's distinctive literary style that he would perfect in 'No Country...' and 'The Road'. I look forward to the next two volumes.

I've also just learnt that this book was adapted for film by Billy Bob Thornton, starring Matt Damon and Penelope Cruz. I shall be watching that with great interest soon!