Dream Catcher: The Plainsmen
In this final entry in the Jonah Hook trilogy, the battle-weary Civil War veteran finally rescues his kidnapped wife, Gritta, after a decade-long search. After returning from the war, Hook discovers that his wife and family are prisoners of renegade Mormon zealot Jubilee Usher, who adds Gritta to his harem despite her continued physical and emotional resistance, which only fuels his sadism. All the while Gritta is held captive, Jonah, son Jeremiah, and Indian companion Two Sleep search ceaselessly for her. On the trail, they endure the vagaries of nature, outlaws, and hostile Indians. Like all of Johnston's work, this novel strives for epic stature. Everything is large scale: the villains are pure evil; Jonah and company are borderline candidates for sainthood; and the western setting lends the whole tale a sense of timelessness. Though there are too many peripheral characters and adventures here, the novel's reach never quite exceeds its grasp. Hook's love for Gritta overcomes all obstacles, even structural ones. A big book in every way.Wes Lukowsky--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.