Butch Cassidy, My Brother

by Lula Parker Betenson, Dora Flack

Trade Paperback.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Westerns, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

Reviews

[Una Tiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

Several things stood out about this book. It was published in 1975 and sold for 2.50. The cookies I was eating were more expensive.
The best anecdote: Butch gave $$ to a homeowner to payoff the mortgage before imminent foreclosure. After the banker signed the property to the owner, Butch robbed him of the $.
This book was written to salvage the reputation of Butch Cassidy (LeRoy Parker), although I think the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid probably did just that.

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my Grandpa a few years before he died and it turned out his copy was signed by Lula Parker Betenson. He lived across the street from her in Circleville, Utah when the book came out (by which time she was already an old lady) and she offered to sign it. After my grandfather died I was lucky to inherit his copy.

I really love this book because in my opinion no one could understand a complex man like Robert LeRoy Parker better than someone who grew up in the same home, sharing the same values and experiences he did. As the book chronicles the various tales of his outlawry Mrs. Betenson reminds us of the good as well as the bad decisions Butch made, and tries to judge his character by the way he treated people, not just by the crimes he committed.

I love this book as a family heirloom, a fun and interesting story, but also as a valuable piece of history that connects with my own family roots in the West.

7/10

[Charlie Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, couldn’t put it down, finished it in one day

[Phil Bayly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read, published in 1975. Written by the last surviving sibling of outlaw Butch Cassidy. Lula Parker Betenson, when she was 90 years old, told her story in a straightforward manner. Betenson was a baby when her brother, whose real name was Robert LeRoy Parker, left the family home in Utah. However, she claims that he was not killed by a posse in South America and lived into his 70s. She tells of the 'family secret,' that Butch (the family knew him as Bob) came to visit their home in 1925. That was fifteen years after his reported death in a shootout with soldiers. I first read this in 1980 or so. What a great discovery in my library, to read again.

[Kyrie Papenfuss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly pretty boring read, but I’ve always found Butch Cassidy’s story fascinating. I had no idea he was raised by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Knew he was raised in UT, but didn’t know he was raised a member. Fascinating story, written dry, though.

[D.W. Goates · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fourth cousin! Parker, not Newman--ha ha

Well, cousins: both author and subject.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting details and quick read.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is written by the sister of Butch Cassidy.

[SoulGlobe · Rating 3 out of 5]

　　虛實不清的言談描述只能多少作為參考用途。可以配合《Butch Cassidy: My Uncle》與《Butch Cassidy: The Wyoming Years》一同閱讀，體驗會比較順暢些。

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book for two reasons, it describes the Parkers' move to and life in Circle Valley and the account of Cassidy's visit to his family after he returned from South America. I enjoyed them both. If you want a thorough treatment of Butch Cassidy, read something else.

[Jessie B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The recollections and family history of Butch Cassidy's sister. While she does try hard to present her brother in the best possible light, this book also gives a fascinating look at what was like at the end of the old west.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

We found this very interesting and fun to read as we traveled in Southern Utah.

[Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would believe the account of his sister over scholar's speculations. Still, an enjoyable read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found all the stories in this book very entertaining. And it wasn't at all what I thought it would be.

[Janice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This really deserves 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed this and she makes a very compelling argument that her brother didn't die in a shot out in South America.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting entry in the Butch Cassidy bibliography as it was written by his sister who vividly details the accounts of his life, including his supposed return from Bolivia.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book. I got to read an autographed copy of it with some old newspaper articles about Butch Cassidy tucked inside. I have a great respect for him.

[Vernell Schutte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot about Butch Cassidy that I didn’t know

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice handwriting samples in multitude of court documents, and pictures.