Title: The Last Western
Author: Christopher Lee Bowen
Publisher: ARPress
ISBN: 9798893303278
Pages: 102
Genre: Western / Post Civil War
Reviewer: Rae Capri
Hollywood Book Reviews
Things happen often, and as you go on throughout life, you do your best not to let anything tear you down. It would be wise if you built up resilience – because not every experience would be a great one. From wars, tragedies, and more, one would prefer to embrace and cherish the good parts of life. Many of us wonder what happened once the Civil War was all said and done. Did the survivors live to tell a tale? The world was shaped differently to cater to a newer crowd, those with money to spend.
In The Last Western, author Christopher Lee Bowen introduces his readers to various characters clustered throughout the book, dating years that followed after the Civil War. Of course, most of us alive today cannot recall events after the war, but the author made it possible to fill in all the gaps. One character, named Leah Featherstone, had such a positive aura about her. It was so unfortunate that her life was lost for no reason, just a random crime committed by someone who lacked remorse. Justice would be served, at the will of others who loved and cared for Leah dearly. There were also talks and motions occurring around the interests of the surviving Indians. Philip Cadwallader was the stand-in spokesperson for ensuring the Indians received the honor of their treaty rights.
What stood out the most for me was learning that so many heinous crimes were committed – even back then. There was Father Allen Montescue, who took it upon himself to try to assault Little Fox, a young Indian he took as a houseboy, in his drunken state. Self-defense and murder are what spared this poor little boy from harm. This demonstrates that alcohol enhanced what Montescue wanted to do to that boy for the longest time – and his excuse was due to lack of woman’s touch. The killings and murders of individuals varied, yet mostly the innocent of the situation suffered the most. If this all happened back then, many people would much rather enter a new world era than live watching over their shoulders. Meanwhile, Ariadne Winthrop, daughter of Sir Charles Winthrop, who is betrothed to Lord Basil Pomeroy, had spent more of her time and energy with Brandon Evans, a cowboy. Of course, Sir Charles wants what is best for his daughter, but she ruined her chance to marry someone who can take care and provide her financial security. Instead, she rather follows her heart in deciding on who her future husband should be, it is not Lord Basil. The connection developed for the character’s life story simply reels readers into their storyline, as an asset to their successes or failures.
As you read and follow along with the multiple storylines, you will appreciate what Melinda did to Potshot Brand, after finding him with Leah’s necklace. The man had it out for him, there would have been no way justice wouldn’t have been served for what he had done to Leah. It goes to an eye-for-an-eye concept, but would it have been better served with him doing time in jail, who knows? The sweetest revenge I have ever witnessed in hopes that Melinda is proud of herself for getting someone back on behalf of her dear friend. Friendships are expressed so deeply that you would have believed them to be sisters at how strongly Melinda loved and cared for Leah. Fast-reacting while concocting the plan on a whim proves the genuine emotions behind her vengeful actions. The only ones unlucky, are those who took it upon themselves to take the lives of others for no substantial reason.
Reading this book was an interesting experience because there are so many characters and individual stories happening around the same time. It was like watching a movie with scenes transitioning from one story to another, yet the various stories are connected somehow. The element of drama and suspicion keeps you on the edge of your seat since the characters’ lives are somewhat like soap operas. Admitting choosing to side with Ariadne on wanting to be with Brandon, she’s attracted to him, he’s been honest and respectful, and he truly loves her. The bonus about Brandon is he’s a masculine man and has strong feelings towards Ariadne, unlike Lord Basil. Thus far, it seemed as if most characters were on the verge of a happier life, yet what is sad is it was permanently stripped from them.
Even though this was a short reading experience, I enjoyed reading this book. The author is talented as each storyline meshed well with the others and there was no room for confusion. The writing style allows readers to follow various stories with ease, something I appreciate most about this author. I highly recommend this book for others to read, it evokes different emotions depending on the character and what they are involved in. It is a must-read for fans of Westerns and anyone interested in a compelling story of change, resilience, and the quest for meaning.