58 pages 1 hour read

Cormac McCarthy

The Crossing

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1994

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Cormac McCarthy's The Crossing, teenager Billy Parham embarks on multiple journeys in the early 1940s, first to return a captured wolf to Mexico, and later to find his brother Boyd after their family is murdered. The novel explores themes of loss, survival, and the complex relationship between humanity and the frontier. The text includes offensive language toward Indigenous Americans and Mexicans.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Cormac McCarthy's The Crossing is lauded for its evocative prose and profound exploration of loss and redemption. Critics praise the poignant narrative and vivid landscapes. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it is recommended for readers who appreciate richly detailed storytelling and philosophical depth.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Crossing?

Readers who enjoy The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy typically appreciate evocative prose, intricate character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Fans of Blood Meridian and All the Pretty Horses will find a similar thematic richness and depth, appealing to those interested in Western settings and existential explorations.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Western

Historical Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Apathy

Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness

Identity: Masculinity