A review of Richard Brautigan’s book The Hawkline Monster: A Gothic Western.

I’ve very much enjoyed Richard Brautigan’s work since I was introduced to it in the mid ‘80’s. I haven’t read everything, but what I have read has stuck in my head and constantly wormed around. He’s mostly known for his poetry, and his poetry is remarkable, and I think his poetic sense of rhythm works so very well when it comes to writing novels. He keeps a poetic rhythm in his prose and that makes it so much fun to read.

The Hawkline Monster is a gothic western, so expect a western and also expect some monstrous shenanigans.

The story follows two hired killers, Cameron and Greer. A mysterious woman contacts them, asking for help. The three of them make the long journey to eastern Oregon (I think it was eastern Oregon, though I might be mis-remembering), encountering a few situations that are definitely “western” flavored. Had I read this description initially, I might have thought it would be a bit dull, but Brautigan draws it all out on the page in a way that is utterly real and – like I mentioned earlier – sticks with you.

Once they arrive at the Hawkline Mansion sitting in the middle of a field of snow and ice, surrounded by the baking hot Oregon desert, then things get even weirder.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but to be completely clear, there is a monster and it is definitely messing with everybody’s heads. And it ends in a very satisfactory way (which I definitely to not want to spoil here!).

I’ve read this book several times and it’s always great. I’ve also read this book aloud at least twice to people, and… usually… it’s well-received. Reading Richard Brautigan aloud is a genuine treat. I mentioned his rhythm earlier and when you read it aloud, the rhythm feels even better.

Please give it a try!