WOW, This is a compelling read - mixing the widescreen story of the USA from civil war, gold rush and beyond, with the personal stories of the protagonists.

The skill of the writer to bring you into their world, with vivid descriptions and majors pieces.

Highly recommended.

Beautifully poetic, almost hymn-like story of young Thomas McNulty's adventures in the Wild West, after fleeing Ireland during the famine. Brutal and bloodsoaked and yet full of tender, intimate poesy, it might be Barry's best novel yet.. Very different in language and tone from Joseph O'Connor's "Redemption Falls", but just as exquisite.