Book Review for

So Brave, Young, and Handsome
by Leif Enger

In 1915 Minnesota, Monte Becket is married and has a son. They become intrigued
with an elusive neighbor, Glendon Hale. Monte is a struggling writer after publishing
one small, successful story. Glendon is plagued with guilt about abandoning the love
of his life 20 years ago. He and Monte embark on a journey to California to ask Blue's
forgiveness for suddenly leaving her. Monte becomes aware more and more of Glendon's
past life and his brushes with the law, especially when he encounters the relentless, aging,
Charles Siringo, an ex-Pinkerton who has hunted Glendon for years. After Glendon and
Monte become separated, Siringo forces Monte to lead him to Glendon. Eventually, they
all make it to California. Blue is married to a good man, and they ask Glendon and
Monte to stay and help harvest their orchard. Monte sends for his family, and the
almost dead Charles Siringo shows up, barely alive, to confront Glendon
about his past crimes. A wonderful story of love, family, forgiveness
and doing what is right.


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