The Revenant: A Novel of Revenge

I purchased this book at a mom and pop store. It was in the New Release section and when I saw it I had to get it as I heard so much about how terrific the movie is with actor Leo D. I also did some research on Huge Glass and author Michael Punke.

Michael Punke did a superb job writing this story as he kept me turning the pages! I read the book in two days. It is one of my favorites. The time frame is 1823 about 36 years before Billy The Kid was born. To survive in the wild west was amazing because there was danger everywhere. One small mistake could cost you your life like sleeping on your guard post. Glass was fearless and an excellent leader.

The story is captivating from beginning to ending. I would have liked it if there were actual photographs in the book except the camera was not invented yet for commercial use until around 1840 by Henry Talbot.

I give The Revenant my highest recommendation.

I usual avoid any book with the word "novel" in its title. If you need to tell me it's a novel, you're already doing something wrong. In the case of "The Revenant: a Novel of Revenge," I very much wish I had followed that trend. But that's beside the point. . . .

I'm giving this book one star simply to help others with a similar interest in literature as myself to avoid buying it. It's not a terrible book; it's just unreadable, for me. I can imagine others really enjoying it, but I can't. As a writer, I am perhaps more attuned to literary style and technique than some readers might be. This book utilizes to a degree I found intolerable the device known as "narrative summary," otherwise referred to as "telling." Rather than learning about characters' histories, emotional sensibilities, inner landscapes, motives, etc. via some organic process, such as dialog, action, interaction, etc., we are simply told, often in extremely dry, almost didactic terms, explanations of facts and events. This happened often enough that I found myself continually drifting; not paying attention; not caring, at all, what happens to the characters. Ultimately, I threw in the towel. I stopped reading.

If you are interested in the Western genre, I would recommend any number of authors and books other than this. Something as nearly silly and commercial as William Johnstone stands yards above this book. Some of the works of Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove in particular, are masterpieces among all genres, and utterly transcend the western milieu. In any case, if you share my enthusiasm for avoiding narrative summary in all its painful forms, I'd seriously consider avoiding this novel. Perhaps the movie is better. It can't be worse.

The Revenant by Michael Punke is a fantastic read, one that will surely make you think twice next time you step outside into the outdoors. The story details the journey of Hugh Glass through the unknown American west frontier during the 1800s, when he and the group of men which he is with are trying to make it to Yellowstone. When Glass decides to scout ahead, he meets face to face with a ferocious bear that leaves him severely injured, almost to the point of death. After being carried around by the group, the captain then assigns two men the task of taking care of Glass until he dies. However, when the two men leave him to die, what does Glass do? He clings onto his life and fights for survival, and for the revenge that he wants for the two men who abandoned him. This is a great novel from start to finish, and it constantly keeps the reader tuned in and wanting to read more and more. I personally have never wanted to really re-read a book, but this novel may be the first which I must. To truly contemplate the circumstances in which Glass was placed into, and to realize that he made it out from these issues is mind boggling. However, if there was one thing I would change about the novel, it is the ending, as it seemed very lacking of a good ending to the story that was Hugh Glass' survival story. Other than that, this story based on the real life events of Glass were truly inspiring and the book was overall a great read!

After watching the movie, I had to see what plot lines coincided with the book. Both the movie and book take liberty with Glass's story. About the only events factual are Glass was part of Trapping Company. He survived a bear attack. He was left to die by his fellows. He survives. As an outdoors person, I wish there was more story done on Glass's pirate days and time he spent with native americans.

For those who favor the genre, as much as I, who always thought of Lonesome Dove as a complete book, with more heart and violence, clear depiction of what it was to live, and survive in days when no credit cards existed, a masterpiece, and through the years I have always waited patiently for books of that caliber, but of course, not even the author was really able to duplicate the incredible saga that Lonesome Dove, and yes, why not, the sequels that followed became.
The Revenant got my attention, like most things, while watching a synopsis of Leonardo Di Caprio in a finally gritty role that might prove without a trace of a doubt that he belongs with the elite of actors working these days, that dazzle in their roles. Blessed men of Hollywood, where the salaries surpass the boundaries of comprehesion every time I think about it.
The Revenant is a story told well, whether all details are in harmony with what really happened, it is fun to read. If a little short in number of pages, but well written, and fun to read. The book said it is a story of revenge, and at that it may come across a being a little simplistic, but what catches the reader's attention, is the harsh environment in which the story takes place. Read it in two sittings, and by then it kind of lost the depth I thought it was going to affirm, but the basic story of survival, was the reason I decided to purchase it. At close to $10 duckies, for the number of pages (under 300), it was not a bargain, and probably is cashing in, and will cash even more when movie goers see the movie, which now that I read the book, I am definitely going to check out. Fast paced, easy entertainment, lacking the touches of a masterpiece, but a very enjoyable book for those who like the genre. Indians, Bears, rivers, and the detailed description of this tough guy predicament. The author certainly comes across as someone who knows quite a bit of what the people in those times were all about, good fast fun. 4 Stars.

A true tale of survival, motivated through will-power and revenge. This is one of the better books written about this true series of events, even if some might be slightly embellished, but the heart is definitely there.

Great story and great writing. Read it!!!!!!

A story of revenge just like they say but the stuff this guy's body endured I'm not sure if it's a true story or not. Regardless, I'm glad I read the book and didn't have to sit through a movie...but that's just me.

Incredible true story of courage, revenge, forgiveness, and suspense. Amazing that anyone could survive the severity of that injury.

Hard to believe better than the movie, which was wonderful.