"The Time It Never Rained" by Elmer Kelton is a powerful and poignant novel that explores the harsh realities of life during a devastating drought in 1950s West Texas. The story follows rancher Charlie Flagg, a man of unyielding principles and fierce independence, as he struggles to keep his land and his family afloat during the worst dry spell in memory. Kelton's vivid and evocative prose brings the stark beauty and harsh challenges of the West Texas landscape to life, immersing the reader in the day-to-day struggles of Charlie and his community. The novel is a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit, as Charlie and his neighbors fight to survive against seemingly insurmountable odds. At its heart, "The Time It Never Rained" is a story about the importance of community and the power of human connection. Despite the hardships they face, Charlie and his neighbors come together to support one another, sharing resources and offering help wherever it is needed. The novel is also a reflection on the changing times, as traditional ways of life are threatened by modernization and progress. Kelton's deep understanding of the West Texas landscape and its people is evident on every page, making "The Time It Never Rained" a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of the American West. The novel is a powerful and moving exploration of the human spirit, and a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of rural communities. In conclusion, "The Time It Never Rained" is a timeless and powerful novel that will resonate with readers long after they have turned the final page. Elmer Kelton's masterful storytelling and deep understanding of the human condition make this a truly exceptional work of literature.
Larry McMurtry
Lonesome Dove
A classic western novel that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the harsh realities of life on the frontier. The story follows a group of former Texas Rangers as they drive a herd of cattle from Texas to Montana.
Learn MorePhilipp Meyer
The Son
A multi-generational epic that chronicles the rise of the McCullough family in Texas, from the Comanche raids of the 1800s to the modern oil boom. Like 'The Time It Never Rained', it delves into the struggles and sacrifices of those who live in a harsh and unforgiving land.
Learn MoreJohn Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath
A powerful exploration of the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s, this novel, like 'The Time It Never Rained', looks at the impact of natural disasters on a community and the lengths to which people will go to survive.
Learn MoreCormac McCarthy
All the Pretty Horses
The first book in McCarthy's Border Trilogy, this novel follows a young cowboy named John Grady Cole as he leaves Texas and heads to Mexico. Like 'The Time It Never Rained', it is a classic western that explores the themes of loyalty, honor, and the relationship between man and nature.
Learn MoreWalter Van Tilburg Clark
The Ox-Bow Incident
A classic western novel that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the themes of community, justice, and the dangers of mob mentality. The story follows a group of townspeople who take the law into their own hands after a local rancher is murdered.
Learn MoreAlan Le May
The Searchers
A classic western novel that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the themes of community, loyalty, and the impact of the frontier on the human spirit. The story follows a Civil War veteran named Amos Edwards as he searches for his niece, who was kidnapped by Comanches.
Learn MoreThomas Savage
The Power of the Dog
A powerful and atmospheric novel that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the harsh realities of life on the frontier. The story follows two brothers who run a ranch in Montana and the tension that arises when one of them brings home a new wife.
Learn MoreCraig Johnson
The Cold Dish
The first book in the Walt Longmire series, this novel is a modern western mystery that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the themes of community, loyalty, and the impact of the frontier on the human spirit. The story follows Sheriff Walt Longmire as he investigates a murder in his small Wyoming town.
Learn MorePatrick deWitt
The Sisters Brothers
A darkly comic novel that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and the harsh realities of life on the frontier. The story follows two brothers who are hired to kill a prospector during the California Gold Rush.
Learn MorePaulette Jiles
News of the World
A powerful and atmospheric novel that, like 'The Time It Never Rained', explores the themes of community, loyalty, and the impact of the frontier on the human spirit. The story follows a Civil War veteran who is tasked with returning a young girl to her family in Texas after she was kidnapped by Kiowa raiders.
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