49 pages 1 hour read

Zane Grey

Riders of the Purple Sage

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1912

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Set in 1871, Riders of the Purple Sage follows Jane Withersteen, a Mormon woman persecuted for refusing to marry church leader Elder Tull and for her relationships with non-Mormons. She is aided by gunman Jim Lassiter, and her Gentile lover Bern Venters discovers a masked rider in league with cattle rustlers who turns out to be a woman named Bess. This book includes depictions of assault, murder, violence towards children, religious discrimination, gendered violence, sexual assault, and persecution of members of the Mormon faith.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Zane Grey’s Riders of the Purple Sage is heralded for its vivid descriptions of the American West and complex characters. While some critics praise its rich narrative and pioneering spirit, others note occasional melodramatic elements and dated cultural depictions. Overall, its influence on Western genre fiction remains significant.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Riders of the Purple Sage?

Fans of classic Westerns with rich descriptions and action-packed narratives will relish Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey. Similar to readers who enjoy Louis L'Amour's Hondo or Cormac McCarthy's Blood Meridian, these readers appreciate tales of frontier justice, rugged landscapes, and intricate character dynamics.

RecommendedReading Age

14-18years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Western

Historical Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Conflict

Identity: Gender

Identity: Femininity

Topics

Gender / Feminism

Religion / Spirituality

History: World