Let Him Go: A Novel

This is a beautifully written story about a family who have suffered a great loss. There are no quotation marks in the conversations but I found it a unique way to read. It took away all the “he said” “she said” which can be overdone. This is not a light summer read. It is a deep and richly told story about a family torn apart and a couple trying to somewhat piece it back together by rescuing their grandson. Parts are so difficult to read I had to take a break sometimes but always went back to finish. Life is messy and this story doesn’t whitewash it. It’s worth the painful parts to get to the conclusion.

Larry Watson's writing shares a story of a marriage with deep complexities and lovely understanding. George and Margaret have entered the later years of their relationship during which one of their twins, their son has died tragically. They have adjusted to the "passing of grief into sorrow", and find comfort in each other, their distant daughter, and their grandson. They hold each other in close regard having accepted the greater part of each others shortcomings. When their daughter in law moves out if state without notice, that base is rattled. Already we have strong hints that the young man with her has no great regard for their grandson.Margaret decides to go after their boy. She has packed all she needs and gives George the choice to come or stay behind. George the quintessential quiet man, throws his lot with her and they begin their quest. This is where the novel enters shaky ground. I understand her impulse. I totally get her desire, but there has been precious little other than their dislike of the new man to make anyone believe the mother will give up her son. Their interaction on the road continues to engage me deeply. I felt that George had decided to allow his wife to lead, but I am still lost on her conviction of her ultimate cause. Without a spoiler, I can only say that the adventure goes immensely wrong, but I will say the degree of the drama is shocking and takes belief too far for me.If I had not liked this couple so much, I would have been completely on the outs with this book. As it was, the characters and the prose kept me reading . I admit a sort of dumb fascination at one point. The author is really very skilled. The flaw is such that I cannot say I loved the book, but I did like a lot about it. Reading the other reviews, I would say this is a matter that each reader will decide for her/his self. Well that is always the case, but especially so here.

Winner of the 2013 Montana Book Award, Larry Watson sets his novel, LET HIM GO, in 1951 North Dakota, Montana.Margaret Blackledge has just seen her daughter-in-law's new husband smear chocolate ice cream in her grandson's face to teach him a lesson for dropping his ice cream cone. She lost her son, James, Jimmy's real father, when he was thrown from a horse. Margaret decides she's going to get her grandson back, and she packs practically everything she owns, ready to go to Montana whether her husband, George, former sheriff, likes it or not. He'll follow Margaret to the end of the Earth, so he loads his old Hudson ,and they're on their way.When they get to Bentrock, Montana, they meet the deceptively charming Bill Weboy, who they ultimately find has some sort of romantic relationship with Blanche Weboy, authoritarian head of the Weboy clan. He invites them to dinner. While they're out there, Blanche lets Margaret know in no uncertain terms that she's not about give up her grandson.As the Blackledges explore Bentrock, they find out more about the Weboys. They're definitely on the wrong side of the law, but they never quite go overboard. Lorna, Margaret's daugher-in-law, works at the Montgomery Ward store in Bentrock. Margaret asks if she'd like to leave the Weboys and come live with George and her in Dalton, North Dakota. She seems to agree, but that same night there's a confrontation between Bill Weboy and the rest of the Weboy clan, three grown boys, during which George is humiliated.George spends time in the hospital and he's running a fever, but he decides to return home to Dalton, or seemingly so. They've been invited to pitch their tent at Alton Dragsdorf's cabin; they made friends with this Indian boy during their first few days in Bentrock. In the middle of the night, George leaves in the Hudson. We know where he's going, but we have no reason to suspect he'll do what he does. He's badly outnumbered, after all.He just wants Margaret to have what she wants, which is her grandson Jimmy. There's a weird scene where Jimmy looks into a dark closet and sees something there. He's only four years old. Will what he sees in that dark closet haunt him for the rest of his life?

this book was amazing....could not put it down...highly recommended

Libro de segunda mano que llego en el tiempo estipulado y en buen estado.

I liked the “homey” style of writing, helped me visualize the characters....

Liked everything, very true of families with different characters and heart touching in today's complicated society

Another really good book by Larry Watson. Gripping story and very well written. I highly recommend it.