Never too Late to Read Classics discussion

The Ox-Bow Incident by Walter Van Tilburg Clark (309 pages)
Clark was an American novelist, short story writer, and educator. He ranks as one of Nevada's most distinguished literary figures of the 20th century, and was the first inductee into the 'Nevada Writers Hall of Fame' in 1988.

A 1940 western novel, The Ox-Bow Incident takes place in 1885, and begins with two cowboys, Art Croft and Gil Carter, riding into the town of Bridger's Wells. They go into Canby's Saloon and find the atmosphere is tense, partly due to recent incidents of cattle rustling. News is brought that a local named Kinkaid has been...

It was Clark's first published novel.
In 1943, the novel was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated movie of the same name, directed by William A. Wellman and starring Henry Fonda and Harry Morgan.

This read is part of the FWC: Quarterly Reads anyone considering joining in on this Classic?

As a huge fan of the Wellman movie, I’ve always wanted to read the novel on which it was based.

Happy to have you with us Canavan!

I hope to find the movie to enjoy as well.

I’ll be reading this one. I’ve always loved western films but I’m new to reading western novels. The whole time period and place fascinates me.

I'll be reading this one - my copy should arrive next week. I loved western novels as a teenager, (especially Zane Gray, and the "Sudden" books by Oliver Strange.), but haven't read any since then. So I'm looking forward with interest to this challenge.

John said: I loved western novels as a teenager, (especially Zane Gray, and the "Sudden" books by Oliver Strange.), but haven't read any since then.

I went through a relatively brief, but intense western phase in my younger days (Louis L'Amour, Luke Short, Ernest Haycox, Max Brand, etc.). Without getting spoilery, I’ll just say (based on my viewing of the movie) that The Ox-Bow Incident doesn’t share a lot in common with those early westerns I digested. Given the themes it explores, it might even be described as an anti-western.

I will be reading this and am looking forward to it. It's been on my tbr for a while.

Canavan and Tracey glad to have you join in with us!

Chad and John I grew up watching John Wayne movies with my Dad.

One of my favorites is True Grit.

I just picked up my copy from the library- along with 7 other books :) so I will be reading slower than most everyone.

Welcome Annette!
It is not a problem this is over 3 months.

So take your time and enjoy :)

Started this today, and enjoying it so much I'm at page 80. So far, its not quite what I was expecting; it doesn't feel like the archetypal westerns I read as a teen - but that's probably a good thing. :)

John I had heard that somewhere.

Hoping to start in about a week!

I finished this late last night; the more I read, the more I had to keep reading - but with a mounting feeling of dread. The author builds the tension, and its emotionally very powerful; its no Goodies Vs Baddies Cowboy shoot-em-up - I heartily despised almost every single character in the book.

Its hard to believe this was a debut novel, and that the author only wrote three more books, and a few books of poetry. So my advice is, make the best of what's available and read this book.

I rated it 4 stars, and was close to making it 5 - something I do very infrequently.

This is a book that's not easily forgotten.

I am hoping to finish reading Now in November this weekend and start on the Ox-Bow.

Has anyone seen the movie staring Henry Fonda?

Lesle asked: Has anyone seen the movie staring Henry Fonda?

Yes. Well worth watching.

Canavan I thought someone had.
I will check it out. Not sure if I want to see it first or after reading.
Do you have a thought on that?

Lesle said: Not sure if I want to see it first or after reading.
Do you have a thought on that?

I’m not sure if I have a real strong opinion on that matter. I will say that I probably preferred movie to book, if only because the movie is slightly less depressing.

My thought is does the movie help with the reading or does it not matter at all.
I sometimes like either way better.

When a book is difficult for me seeing the movie first might help in my head for the reading purposes. If that makes sense.

I generally read the book first, since sometimes changes are made for the film.
In this case, the writing is so powerful I think that watching the movie first would make it lose some of its power. The author packs a punch!
But not having seen the movie, I don't know if it would make a difference.

I started this yesterday. I’m on page 107 already. I agree with John that it’s a fast read and compelling in its buildup of tension.

It seems like it’s the crossover time between (western) vigilante justice and true law. It is a dicey time in a place where the law isn’t widespread or fast enough.

I don’t despise every character, or even most of them. I like this rebuttal by Art to young Tetley’s philosophical rant, “You kind of take it for granted nobody else is a smart as you are, don’t you, kid?” So far I’m enjoying Art’s perspective and his thoughtful consideration of the ramifications of this group’s movements. He seems to be the classic “man of few words” at this point, observing the expected behavior that he and Gil should follow as outsiders in this group.

Liane wrote: "I started this yesterday. I’m on page 107 already. I agree with John that it’s a fast read and compelling in its buildup of tension.

It seems like it’s the crossover time between (western) vigilan..."

Those are good points Liane, and my feelings towards some of the characters have mellowed....slightly....as time has passed since I finished the book. Although, as Rosemarie said - it's a book that's not easily forgotten.

It has a powerful ending and I hope you'll let us know your reaction to that.

Finished late last night. Here's my review (copied).

Hard book to rate, due to its content. It's a short book, and the build up of tension in the story is continuous and effective. The level of description was good, not too much, and appropriate for a "western", with the characters believable and true in that time/genre. The story was much more about the psychology of the choices (or lack of choices) made by the characters, and again, it felt true to me. Art Croft as narrator provided an insight into his motivations as a thoughtful, seemingly rational, slow to act or judge cowboy pulled along by events. If his (and others) lack of resistance to the horrible outcomes was partly due to being subordinate (employees?) or an outsider, what does that suggest about the current environment today? Is this a recurring theme?

I have to think on this more. There are characters I do despise, and others with whom I sympathize (Art especially), which is a curious response that I need to consider.

I liked the Ox-Bow Incident's focus on characters. Because of the title, I expected it to be plot driven but it really isn't. I did have some trouble keeping track of every character, especially when the author added in the men accused of killing the three cowboys. But each was a distinct character with thoughts and motivations. The interesting part is how their individuality gets forgotten when they go to hang the accused. Because they waited till dawn, each person had time to think about the situation. I was struck by the point made in the commentary at the back that the author was pointing out people as political animals. Like Liane, I wondered about the group think and why it took place like that. It was obviously disturbing for most of the men because of their reactions later on.
And I think making some of the characters hard to like helped strengthen the theme of people acting as a group rather than thinking individuals.

Group thinking happened a lot during that time. It was a way of protecting yourself as well.

Thank you Natalie for sharing.

I’ll probably finish this one tonight. It’s a great read. To me it’s reading like a really long short story. I find all the characters interesting and agree that the plot, the “incident” just seems to be a great vehicle for the personalities and mob mentality.

I agree Chad that the plot is a vehicle for the personalities. The characters seem to be the focus more so than the "incident."

I finished this up the other day.
Clark's style in this book makes you really think about how this could have happened. What men think. How other men influence their decisions. Who is easily persuaded to go with the majority and in the end when regret kicks in for some for not standing up and taking a firm stance. 4 stars.

I agree with you, Lesle. Peer pressure can be brutal.