In this wonderful literary western, "A Good Man", Guy Vanderhaeghe intertwines the story of the American and Canadian dealings with the Sioux and Sitting Bull. Starting shortly after the battle with General George Custer at Little Bighorn, you are introduced to the fictional character of Wesley Case. Wesley is an ex-Canadian Mountie who is trying to get away from the clutches of his overbearing and money loving father. Wesley's mother has also recently passed away leaving him with hardly any one whom he can confide in. Wesley goes to Montana where he has settled down to ranch much to the dismay of his father who wants him to get involved in politics. He is also helping American Major Ilges and Canadian Major Walsh converse about the movements of the Sioux. It's a nearly impossible task because the two men can't stand each other. During all this Wesley is trying to deal with the shame that is brought onto him from when he left his career in the military. While in Montana Wesley Case meets Ada Tarr, the wife of a local lawyer and they develop a friendship that grows into love.
The most intimidating character of all is Michael Dunne, a huge man with an intellect for murder and chaos. He is also in love with Ada Tarr.
There are also other fascinating characters such as confederate conspirators, Fenian revolutionaries, officers of the North West Mounted Police, American generals and crooked politicians.
This genre of book is not usually what I'm drawn to, but "A Good Man" was a great book. I really enjoyed the main storyline of the two men, one woman, loves and heartbreaks. This book is likely to be loved by lovers of literary novels, westerns or even lovers of historical biographies and historical romances. I was pulled in during the first chapter when Wesley is describing one of the last times he spoke to his mother and how she looked. It was so real and genuine.
Highly recommend! 4.5 stars
The most intimidating character of all is Michael Dunne, a huge man with an intellect for murder and chaos. He is also in love with Ada Tarr.
There are also other fascinating characters such as confederate conspirators, Fenian revolutionaries, officers of the North West Mounted Police, American generals and crooked politicians.
This genre of book is not usually what I'm drawn to, but "A Good Man" was a great book. I really enjoyed the main storyline of the two men, one woman, loves and heartbreaks. This book is likely to be loved by lovers of literary novels, westerns or even lovers of historical biographies and historical romances. I was pulled in during the first chapter when Wesley is describing one of the last times he spoke to his mother and how she looked. It was so real and genuine.
Highly recommend! 4.5 stars
