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Two for Texas
This James Lee Burke classic features Son Holland, the great-grandfather of beloved hero Billy Bob Holland, as he flees a Louisiana prison camp with a Native American woman and a fellow prisoner in tow.
James Lee Burke steps back three generations to reveal the lightning-paced tale of western lawman Billy Bob Holland’s great-grandfather, a fugitive swept up in the proud fight for Texan independence.
Son Holland escaped a Louisiana chain gang—but never intended to kill a prison guard during the breakaway. Terrified for his life, on the run through the bayou with fellow escapee Hugh Allison and a beautiful Indian squaw, Son flees across the river to Texas, where the only chance the travelers have for survival awaits in a violent storm of revolution led by General Houston and James Bowie.
James Lee Burke steps back three generations to reveal the lightning-paced tale of western lawman Billy Bob Holland’s great-grandfather, a fugitive swept up in the proud fight for Texan independence.
Son Holland escaped a Louisiana chain gang—but never intended to kill a prison guard during the breakaway. Terrified for his life, on the run through the bayou with fellow escapee Hugh Allison and a beautiful Indian squaw, Son flees across the river to Texas, where the only chance the travelers have for survival awaits in a violent storm of revolution led by General Houston and James Bowie.
5 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 1982
188 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
James Lee Burke
122 books4,170 followersJames Lee Burke is an American author best known for his mysteries, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series. He has twice received the Edgar Award for Best Novel, for
Black Cherry Blues
in 1990 and
Cimarron Rose
in 1998.
Burke was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Missouri, receiving a BA and MA from the latter. He has worked at a wide variety of jobs over the years, including working in the oil industry, as a reporter, and as a social worker. He was Writer in Residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, succeeding his good friend and posthumous Pulitzer Prize winner John Kennedy Toole, and preceding Ernest Gaines in the position. Shortly before his move to Montana, he taught for several years in the Creative Writing program at Wichita State University in the 1980s.
Burke and his wife, Pearl, split their time between Lolo, Montana, and New Iberia, Louisiana. Their daughter, Alafair Burke, is also a mystery novelist.
The book that has influenced his life the most is the 1929 family tragedy "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner.
Burke was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Missouri, receiving a BA and MA from the latter. He has worked at a wide variety of jobs over the years, including working in the oil industry, as a reporter, and as a social worker. He was Writer in Residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, succeeding his good friend and posthumous Pulitzer Prize winner John Kennedy Toole, and preceding Ernest Gaines in the position. Shortly before his move to Montana, he taught for several years in the Creative Writing program at Wichita State University in the 1980s.
Burke and his wife, Pearl, split their time between Lolo, Montana, and New Iberia, Louisiana. Their daughter, Alafair Burke, is also a mystery novelist.
The book that has influenced his life the most is the 1929 family tragedy "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
August 23, 2020
this limited hardcover is signed by James Lee Burke.
April 2, 2024
For a relatively short book, Two for Texas covers a lot of ground. It starts with an account of the grim reality of life in the Louisiana penal system in the early 1800’s and goes on to tell much of the history of the Texas Revolution. As a huge fan of the author, I have to say that this early piece does not have the raging power of his later books. The first part of the story is, though, very well told as we follow Son Holland’s life in the penitentiary and his ultimate escape, with a fellow prisoner, through the assisted murder of a prison guard. As the pair are chased into Texas, they set out to track down General Houston’s Texas Rangers and enlist.
At this point, the story evolves into a history of the key events and characters of the time (Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett are both featured) but here the characterisation is somewhat lost and the big events take over. We follow Son as he witnesses the battle of the Alamo and takes part in the final battle of San Jacinto, where Santa Anna’s forces are finally defeated. All good stuff, but I think I’d rather have followed Son’s more personal journey through this second half of the book.
If (like me) you are not sketchy on the historical significance of the Revolution and where legendary events like the battle of the Alamo fit in, then this will fill in some gaps. But if you’re seeking out Burke’s best work then give this a miss and read anything he wrote from 1986 onwards; in fact start with Neon Rain and you’ll see what this brilliant author really has to offer.
At this point, the story evolves into a history of the key events and characters of the time (Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett are both featured) but here the characterisation is somewhat lost and the big events take over. We follow Son as he witnesses the battle of the Alamo and takes part in the final battle of San Jacinto, where Santa Anna’s forces are finally defeated. All good stuff, but I think I’d rather have followed Son’s more personal journey through this second half of the book.
If (like me) you are not sketchy on the historical significance of the Revolution and where legendary events like the battle of the Alamo fit in, then this will fill in some gaps. But if you’re seeking out Burke’s best work then give this a miss and read anything he wrote from 1986 onwards; in fact start with Neon Rain and you’ll see what this brilliant author really has to offer.
January 11, 2015
Two for Texas takes us back to the days of the battle for the Alamo and the Texas revolution. This is a period of history I've always been interested in and James Lee Burke tells a gritty, powerful tale that certainly covers a lot of ground.
The story follows Son Holland and Hugh Allison as they escape prison in Louisianna, Killing one of the French guards in the process. Wanted and chased by the French their adventures embody deals with the Indians, stealing horses from the Mexicans and evading capture, culminating in the only chance of safety. Joining the Texas Rangers of Sam Houston and the Texas revolution.
Son and Hugh's personnel battles were well told in James Lee Burkes expressive style and the second half of the story jumps in leaps and bounds past the Alamo right up to the decisive battle of San Jacinto and the capture of the Mexican general Santa Anna.
I enjoyed the history and the mention of key figures of the time such as Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, both the characters and the atmosphere were spot on but it deserved to be a longer piece. The battle cry of 'remember the Alamo' and Sam Houston inspiring his men was also convincingly told.
The narration was by Tom Stechschulte who was absolutely perfect for this tale, as he was for the first two of the Hackberry Holland trilogy. In conclusion really enjoyed this and it deserved to be a much bigger piece.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
The story follows Son Holland and Hugh Allison as they escape prison in Louisianna, Killing one of the French guards in the process. Wanted and chased by the French their adventures embody deals with the Indians, stealing horses from the Mexicans and evading capture, culminating in the only chance of safety. Joining the Texas Rangers of Sam Houston and the Texas revolution.
Son and Hugh's personnel battles were well told in James Lee Burkes expressive style and the second half of the story jumps in leaps and bounds past the Alamo right up to the decisive battle of San Jacinto and the capture of the Mexican general Santa Anna.
I enjoyed the history and the mention of key figures of the time such as Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston, both the characters and the atmosphere were spot on but it deserved to be a longer piece. The battle cry of 'remember the Alamo' and Sam Houston inspiring his men was also convincingly told.
The narration was by Tom Stechschulte who was absolutely perfect for this tale, as he was for the first two of the Hackberry Holland trilogy. In conclusion really enjoyed this and it deserved to be a much bigger piece.
Also posted at http://paulnelson.booklikes.com/post/...
July 2, 2013
I have to admit, right off the bat, that I am a huge James Lee Burke fan, and have read all of his Dave Robicheaux novels. Two for Texas was published in 1981, long before he became famous. I thoroughly enjoyed this western, for a number of reasons. Although he was just cutting his teeth as a novelist, Two for Texas has countless pages of wonderful, descriptive writing that have become one of his trademarks. He paints pictures with words so that your mind's eye can visualize the disgusting conditions in the Louisiana penal station, or feel as if you are along for the ride when the main characters are fleeing on horseback from marauding Mexicans. You can smell the pine trees, hear the shrieks of wounded men in battle, and be present to hear Sam Houston's speech to his Texicans, before the battle at San Jacinto, where the famous "Remember the Alamo" cry was used to inspire his ragtag army, in a bid to finally defeat Santa Anna.
The two in "Two for Texas", are Son Holland and Hugh Allison, who escaped together from the cruelties and horror of the pen in Louisiana, after they killed one of the despicable brothers who ran the jail. Neither of the two men is particularly likeable, especially Hugh- who is ruthless, cagey, and refuses to back down in any circumstance. He is a drunkard with a walleye and a mean streak, but who understands how things work in this lawless land called Texas. Son, who comes from the hills of Tennessee, and is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, comes to rely on Hugh-first in jail, and then when they are on the run. Son is less cynical than Hugh, and tries to hang on to the conscience that he has, despite having endured many hardships as a child and young man.
I suspect Son would not have survived in prison, or the early encounters with Indians, bandits, or Mexicans, without Hugh's protection and experience. Hugh is not likeable, but he sticks with Son, despite the latter's repeated attempts to either reform Hugh or to get them both killed, as a result of Son's lack of understanding of his environment.
I did not love these two characters the way I loved the famous duo in McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove", but I do not think it would be fair to expect such a result. This is a relatively short piece of fiction, especially compared to Lonesome Dove's considerable heft, and is about two cons, "bad guys", who are not really such bad guys, versus the overwhelmingly "good" Texas Rangers of Lonesome Dove. It is written at the beginning of Burke's career, and it is still better than many books found in this genre.
Two for Texas is more about how the nature of the untamed west could kill you in a heartbeat, in so many different ways, than it is about cheering for the good guys. It's also about the fight to expel Santa Anna's Mexican army once and for all, as the territory of Texas struggled to become its own state. Son and Hugh see the results of the loss at the Alamo, but do not fight there. Famous individuals Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie make cameo appearances, as Son and Hugh prepare for, and then fight Santa Anna's army, led by the famous Sam Houston.
The fight and battle scenes are graphic, and meant to be as realistic as possible. Winning a victory was hard, as was life in the plains, forests and valleys of Louisiana and Texas, for any who sought to ranch, prospect, or farm there. Maintaining one's principles is hard too, and loyalties are sorely tested. My one concern, which resulted in a four star rating rather than a five star, is that the book seemed to end abruptly. I wish that I could have found out more about what happened to Hugh and Son, especially Son. Perhaps Burke intended to pick up Son's story at a later date-I wish that was the case. I would be delighted to find out what happened to him, and read more beautifully written chapters about the hardships of living in this fascinatingly brutal place and time that was the West.
The two in "Two for Texas", are Son Holland and Hugh Allison, who escaped together from the cruelties and horror of the pen in Louisiana, after they killed one of the despicable brothers who ran the jail. Neither of the two men is particularly likeable, especially Hugh- who is ruthless, cagey, and refuses to back down in any circumstance. He is a drunkard with a walleye and a mean streak, but who understands how things work in this lawless land called Texas. Son, who comes from the hills of Tennessee, and is wrongfully imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, comes to rely on Hugh-first in jail, and then when they are on the run. Son is less cynical than Hugh, and tries to hang on to the conscience that he has, despite having endured many hardships as a child and young man.
I suspect Son would not have survived in prison, or the early encounters with Indians, bandits, or Mexicans, without Hugh's protection and experience. Hugh is not likeable, but he sticks with Son, despite the latter's repeated attempts to either reform Hugh or to get them both killed, as a result of Son's lack of understanding of his environment.
I did not love these two characters the way I loved the famous duo in McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove", but I do not think it would be fair to expect such a result. This is a relatively short piece of fiction, especially compared to Lonesome Dove's considerable heft, and is about two cons, "bad guys", who are not really such bad guys, versus the overwhelmingly "good" Texas Rangers of Lonesome Dove. It is written at the beginning of Burke's career, and it is still better than many books found in this genre.
Two for Texas is more about how the nature of the untamed west could kill you in a heartbeat, in so many different ways, than it is about cheering for the good guys. It's also about the fight to expel Santa Anna's Mexican army once and for all, as the territory of Texas struggled to become its own state. Son and Hugh see the results of the loss at the Alamo, but do not fight there. Famous individuals Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie make cameo appearances, as Son and Hugh prepare for, and then fight Santa Anna's army, led by the famous Sam Houston.
The fight and battle scenes are graphic, and meant to be as realistic as possible. Winning a victory was hard, as was life in the plains, forests and valleys of Louisiana and Texas, for any who sought to ranch, prospect, or farm there. Maintaining one's principles is hard too, and loyalties are sorely tested. My one concern, which resulted in a four star rating rather than a five star, is that the book seemed to end abruptly. I wish that I could have found out more about what happened to Hugh and Son, especially Son. Perhaps Burke intended to pick up Son's story at a later date-I wish that was the case. I would be delighted to find out what happened to him, and read more beautifully written chapters about the hardships of living in this fascinatingly brutal place and time that was the West.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2018
Son Holland escaped a chain gang during the reign of Santa Anna. He and Hugh Allison and an Indian Squaw made their way towards Texas to rid themselves of Indian attacks. They wanted to get to General Houston and Jame Bowie. They did qualify for 160 free acreage.
The author made this history very interesting.
The author made this history very interesting.
August 15, 2023
Son Holland was thrown into the penal camp due to sleeping on a pallet among simile men behind the slave quarters in New Orleans. When he asked why he was arrested once he got to the jail, the constable said, “cutpurse,” claiming he was a thief. The judge gave him ten years because not why he done but who he supposedly did it too. The lady lied in court. She apparently left it at another man’s house.
Two years later, at the penal camp, it was bad. He tried to save a younger inmate, made a remark to a guard, who tied him to a tree, then he whipped when he got back, the put in the dog box.
When he got out, it was on a Sunday. It was raining. Him and another inmate he meet at the jail in New Orleans, Hugh Allison, had to help a trustee and the overseer, Alcide Landry, get a mule unstuck from some mud. There was an accident when Hugh swung the block around the tree and it ended up hitting Landry in the face. Hugh finished the job of taking advantage of the situation killing Alcide but not before he shot Son in the ribs. Holland lived and He and Hugh escaped through the swamp on the mule.
Allison used stolen goods from an army camp south of them to get the bullet out of Son. He stole two horses and five days later they made into Texas where they came across some Indians who’s traded food, a teepee, and a Tonkawa woman to cook and tote for both of their horses.
The Tonkawa woman’s name is “White-Man’s-Woman.”
Five days later a Mexican Calvary rode into the village. They took a percentage of the horses Iron Jacket stole from the Americans as part of the deal they had. In return he got food and other things for his tribe. The Mexican Lieutenant took an interest in Hugh and Son. He knew of the guard the killed, and how they escaped prison. He ordered them to leave the village and never to return. Later that night, Iron Jacket ordered Hugh and Son to help in the attack of the Mexican’s stockade and burn it town and steal their horses back. Part of a revenge plot.
Iron Jacket and two of his Natives killed two Mexicans. Son and Hugh tied the other two up. Both men and WMW took-off with 8 horses while the Mexican Calvary came and went after Iron Jacket.
After three days of riding west and information from an old man on a ferry, they found Jack Tyler. Hugh’s old friend. They traded the horses for some money and supplies.
“White-Man’s-Women” real name is Sana.
Three men followed Son, Sana, and Hugh from Jack’s with the intention of killing them for Landry’s reward ($200 bounty). Son and Hugh killed two and shamed the other.
They lived in the Tonkawa billiard for three weeks on the West Bank of the Brazos River.
Laundry and the Mexicans are closing in on them. They left, headed west, to join Sam Houston’s army.
After weeks of riding through Central Texas, they found Sam Houston on the outskirts of Gonzalez on the Guadalupe River. They both signed enlistment forms.
For the next two months, Son and Hugh worked as soldiers, doing what soldiers do, until one day, General Houston needed two volunteers to accompany his most trusted scout, Deaf Smith, to relay a message to James Bowie and pick-up supplies from Bexar.
Deaf, Son, Cornel Burnett, and Hugh got to Bexar, ate Mexican food, drank, Allison got drunk with Bowie, and they left.
Son and Hugh are at all the important places surrounding the Texas Revolution: the made to Bexar to give Fannin and Bowie the request from Houston, they were on patrol when they found Susannah Dickerson headed their way, when they stopped the supply wagon full of Mexican alcohol and made to dump it by Sam, patrolling with Deaf and found Santa Ana’s camp.
The Frenchies were with the Mexicans at Santa Ana’s camp. Laundry hadn’t given up yet.
While on patrol themselves, they came across a Mexican patrol consisting of 15 men. They killed four. The others retreated.
Son and Hugh were with Lamar’s Calvary when they attacked Santa Ana at San Jacinto.
Son and Hugh were there when Sam Houston got shot in the leg with a cannon ball and helped him onto another horse.
Laundry was killed by a Solider via a rock during the war. He was mistaken as a spy.
Three months after the war, after numerous stints in jail for Hugh, and with both broke, they got their land deeds in late July. Each were given one-mile-square sections east of the Guadalupe and twenty-five dollar drafts to buy farm tools and oxen. There was a settlement of log houses called Yoakum not far from their land when they arrived.
Son found Sana and they headed to a river in search of gold called Platte in Colorado.
Hugh would live out his last years among the Rickaree Indians on the Milk River in Montana.
Son would see war come to Texas in 1861. His children would serve under General Hood’s Texas cavalry at the battle of Atlanta, open the Chisholm Trail from San Antonio to Kansas, and as a lawmen bring an end to the Sutton-Taylor feud in DeWitt County.
Two years later, at the penal camp, it was bad. He tried to save a younger inmate, made a remark to a guard, who tied him to a tree, then he whipped when he got back, the put in the dog box.
When he got out, it was on a Sunday. It was raining. Him and another inmate he meet at the jail in New Orleans, Hugh Allison, had to help a trustee and the overseer, Alcide Landry, get a mule unstuck from some mud. There was an accident when Hugh swung the block around the tree and it ended up hitting Landry in the face. Hugh finished the job of taking advantage of the situation killing Alcide but not before he shot Son in the ribs. Holland lived and He and Hugh escaped through the swamp on the mule.
Allison used stolen goods from an army camp south of them to get the bullet out of Son. He stole two horses and five days later they made into Texas where they came across some Indians who’s traded food, a teepee, and a Tonkawa woman to cook and tote for both of their horses.
The Tonkawa woman’s name is “White-Man’s-Woman.”
Five days later a Mexican Calvary rode into the village. They took a percentage of the horses Iron Jacket stole from the Americans as part of the deal they had. In return he got food and other things for his tribe. The Mexican Lieutenant took an interest in Hugh and Son. He knew of the guard the killed, and how they escaped prison. He ordered them to leave the village and never to return. Later that night, Iron Jacket ordered Hugh and Son to help in the attack of the Mexican’s stockade and burn it town and steal their horses back. Part of a revenge plot.
Iron Jacket and two of his Natives killed two Mexicans. Son and Hugh tied the other two up. Both men and WMW took-off with 8 horses while the Mexican Calvary came and went after Iron Jacket.
After three days of riding west and information from an old man on a ferry, they found Jack Tyler. Hugh’s old friend. They traded the horses for some money and supplies.
“White-Man’s-Women” real name is Sana.
Three men followed Son, Sana, and Hugh from Jack’s with the intention of killing them for Landry’s reward ($200 bounty). Son and Hugh killed two and shamed the other.
They lived in the Tonkawa billiard for three weeks on the West Bank of the Brazos River.
Laundry and the Mexicans are closing in on them. They left, headed west, to join Sam Houston’s army.
After weeks of riding through Central Texas, they found Sam Houston on the outskirts of Gonzalez on the Guadalupe River. They both signed enlistment forms.
For the next two months, Son and Hugh worked as soldiers, doing what soldiers do, until one day, General Houston needed two volunteers to accompany his most trusted scout, Deaf Smith, to relay a message to James Bowie and pick-up supplies from Bexar.
Deaf, Son, Cornel Burnett, and Hugh got to Bexar, ate Mexican food, drank, Allison got drunk with Bowie, and they left.
Son and Hugh are at all the important places surrounding the Texas Revolution: the made to Bexar to give Fannin and Bowie the request from Houston, they were on patrol when they found Susannah Dickerson headed their way, when they stopped the supply wagon full of Mexican alcohol and made to dump it by Sam, patrolling with Deaf and found Santa Ana’s camp.
The Frenchies were with the Mexicans at Santa Ana’s camp. Laundry hadn’t given up yet.
While on patrol themselves, they came across a Mexican patrol consisting of 15 men. They killed four. The others retreated.
Son and Hugh were with Lamar’s Calvary when they attacked Santa Ana at San Jacinto.
Son and Hugh were there when Sam Houston got shot in the leg with a cannon ball and helped him onto another horse.
Laundry was killed by a Solider via a rock during the war. He was mistaken as a spy.
Three months after the war, after numerous stints in jail for Hugh, and with both broke, they got their land deeds in late July. Each were given one-mile-square sections east of the Guadalupe and twenty-five dollar drafts to buy farm tools and oxen. There was a settlement of log houses called Yoakum not far from their land when they arrived.
Son found Sana and they headed to a river in search of gold called Platte in Colorado.
Hugh would live out his last years among the Rickaree Indians on the Milk River in Montana.
Son would see war come to Texas in 1861. His children would serve under General Hood’s Texas cavalry at the battle of Atlanta, open the Chisholm Trail from San Antonio to Kansas, and as a lawmen bring an end to the Sutton-Taylor feud in DeWitt County.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2021
An enjoyable book which places a forebear of the Holland family with Sam Houston and the drive for Texas Independence. James Lee Burke's Two for Texas starts out with two men, one of them Son Holland, breaking out of a brutal Louisiana prison camp. Their escape involved killing their guard, who is the brother of the French prison head. As Holland and his friend escape into Texas, they are pursued by this captor, who is none too happy at his brother's death. Not a great book, but certainly a good one. (Can Burke ever really write a bad or mediocre book?)
July 15, 2017
Another early work from Burke, this was a very good historical with great characters and, while violent, also had quite a bit of humor. One of the few books I wish would have been longer. Listened to the audio version read by Tom Stechschulte who did a great job with all the voices.
January 2, 2025
4.25⭐️
March 12, 2023
Got this to read prior to San Antonio trip. Quick read and very good! Might read more of his.
December 30, 2013
It was tough, rough, yet entertaining. Neat characters.
The story starts with life in a prison camp. It’s cruel and bad and depressing. Then the two guys escape, and they’re on the run. It’s hard. This is not a fun read. But it was a good story. It turns into some historical fiction with Sam Houston leading the Texans against the Mexicans. The Alamo and the battle at San Jacinto are included.
I really enjoyed the character Hugh. He was nasty. I wouldn’t want to be him or do what he does, but he makes being an older guy “cool.” I don’t mind being older if I can be like him. (Don’t get me wrong, I hope I am never like him, but ...) His survival instincts were amazing. He was crafty, competent, impressive, cantankerous, ornery, and a good decision maker in desperate circumstances. He was always getting into trouble, couldn’t keep his mouth shut, insulted the wrong people, and not good at keeping a job. I liked Hugh even though I shouldn’t.
The other main character was Son. What an honorable guy, his honesty kept coming out.
I loved the narrator Will Patton. He is now one of my favorite narrators.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 5 hrs and 23 mins. Swearing language: don’t recall any, but there might have been some. Sexual content: none other than referring to guys paying for it. Setting: 1836 mostly Louisiana and Texas. Book copyright: 1982. Genre: historical fiction, prison fiction.
The story starts with life in a prison camp. It’s cruel and bad and depressing. Then the two guys escape, and they’re on the run. It’s hard. This is not a fun read. But it was a good story. It turns into some historical fiction with Sam Houston leading the Texans against the Mexicans. The Alamo and the battle at San Jacinto are included.
I really enjoyed the character Hugh. He was nasty. I wouldn’t want to be him or do what he does, but he makes being an older guy “cool.” I don’t mind being older if I can be like him. (Don’t get me wrong, I hope I am never like him, but ...) His survival instincts were amazing. He was crafty, competent, impressive, cantankerous, ornery, and a good decision maker in desperate circumstances. He was always getting into trouble, couldn’t keep his mouth shut, insulted the wrong people, and not good at keeping a job. I liked Hugh even though I shouldn’t.
The other main character was Son. What an honorable guy, his honesty kept coming out.
I loved the narrator Will Patton. He is now one of my favorite narrators.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Unabridged audiobook length: 5 hrs and 23 mins. Swearing language: don’t recall any, but there might have been some. Sexual content: none other than referring to guys paying for it. Setting: 1836 mostly Louisiana and Texas. Book copyright: 1982. Genre: historical fiction, prison fiction.
March 9, 2013
My Take: I really wanted to like this book, I really did but no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't. I didn't find any of the characters in the least bit likable and even though I didn't want to I kept comparing this book to Lonesome Dove by Larry MacMurtry which I loved.
The story is about two escaped convicts that get caught up in the fight with Santa Anna for the freedom on Texas. The Alamo is mentioned although the two main characters didn't have anything to do with it.
Son Holland is the main character and seems to have alittle more redeeming character than his fellow escapee Hugh. He does seem to actually care about people whereas I got the feeling that Hugh sees people as a means to an end.
These two do have alot of adventures from the escaping prison to living with the Indians to fighting in the Texas Army against the Mexicans.
The Element that kept me listening to this book was Will Patton as the narrator. He did an excellent job bringing these characters to life and I enjoyed listening to his various voices for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another book that is narrated by Will Patton.
If you like westerns and don't mind the brutality that came often times with that life you may like this book.
I received a review copy of this book from Simon and Schuster in exchange for my honest opinion.
The story is about two escaped convicts that get caught up in the fight with Santa Anna for the freedom on Texas. The Alamo is mentioned although the two main characters didn't have anything to do with it.
Son Holland is the main character and seems to have alittle more redeeming character than his fellow escapee Hugh. He does seem to actually care about people whereas I got the feeling that Hugh sees people as a means to an end.
These two do have alot of adventures from the escaping prison to living with the Indians to fighting in the Texas Army against the Mexicans.
The Element that kept me listening to this book was Will Patton as the narrator. He did an excellent job bringing these characters to life and I enjoyed listening to his various voices for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another book that is narrated by Will Patton.
If you like westerns and don't mind the brutality that came often times with that life you may like this book.
I received a review copy of this book from Simon and Schuster in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 14, 2013
Read by Will Patton
Published by Simon and Schuster Audio 2013
First published in 1982
Duration: 5 hours, 23 minutes
James Lee Burke is a prolific writer with more than thirty books, most set in New Orleans and Texas. Two for Texas takes place in both places. Son Holland is the main character. He has been falsely accused of being involved in a crime ring and sentenced to hard time in a Louisiana penal camp by the French gentlemen that control the city.
While in this camp, Holland meets Hugh, a loud-mouthed, opinionated, walleyed older man who engineers a chance to escape to Texas. But, when they escape they end up killing one of the two downright evil French brothers that run the camp. This is 1834 and Texas is a foreign country – technically still a part of Mexico but certainly preparing to rebel and create the Republic of Texas.
Hugh and Holland live among Indians, dodge the Mexican Army and flee the posse sent after them from the prison (led by the surviving evil French brother) that is pursuing them. They decide to hide by...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2013/...
Published by Simon and Schuster Audio 2013
First published in 1982
Duration: 5 hours, 23 minutes
James Lee Burke is a prolific writer with more than thirty books, most set in New Orleans and Texas. Two for Texas takes place in both places. Son Holland is the main character. He has been falsely accused of being involved in a crime ring and sentenced to hard time in a Louisiana penal camp by the French gentlemen that control the city.
While in this camp, Holland meets Hugh, a loud-mouthed, opinionated, walleyed older man who engineers a chance to escape to Texas. But, when they escape they end up killing one of the two downright evil French brothers that run the camp. This is 1834 and Texas is a foreign country – technically still a part of Mexico but certainly preparing to rebel and create the Republic of Texas.
Hugh and Holland live among Indians, dodge the Mexican Army and flee the posse sent after them from the prison (led by the surviving evil French brother) that is pursuing them. They decide to hide by...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2013/...
February 28, 2013
A brilliant little western novel is based in 1836; the backdrop is the Texas revolution against Mexico (Remember the Alamo!). The story opens with Son and Hugh being held in a French prison in Louisiana under remarkably harsh conditions. (Note to JLB readers: Son is an ancestor of the contemporary character, Billy Bob Holland.) They escape and head west for Texas. Dogged by a French posse, they live off the land and the sympathy of friendly Native Americans. Their goal is to enlist Sam Houston's army and thereby gain immunity from their pursuers. The gritty details of frontier life and combat in the 1800's will make you thankful for your next warm meal and cold beer.
December 17, 2015
Another dynamite Texas novel with a twist. If you follow James Lee Burke then you are aware of Billy Bob & Hackberry Holland, Texas lawmen. This one introduces Hack's great grandfather, Son Holland. We're talking Mexican-American war time, Louisiana penal farms (run by 'Frenchies'), Sam Houston, Jim Bowie and many other familiar contemporary characters. Like many of Burke's past and forward novels, but not exclusively, the settings and events are actual. Mysteries, Crime, Thrillers, Historical Fiction....call it what you will.
After reading in two sittings, I feel like I fought Santa Anna myself.....thankfully it's just that, a feeling.
After reading in two sittings, I feel like I fought Santa Anna myself.....thankfully it's just that, a feeling.
January 21, 2018
I think James Lee Burke is without peer in his genre. His prose is hard and gritty, but is presented with such skill that it sings. His insight into the human condition is raw and real and unfiltered. The best day of my life is when a new James Lee Burke appears on my Kindle.
May 22, 2020
An early volume, his fourth, in the large Burke canon, Two for Texas displays the author's signature juxtaposition of brutal violence and breathtaking beautiful description of nature where the story takes place.
In 1835, Son Holland, nineteen years old, and older man Hugh Allison break out from a Louisiana chain gang and set out on a series of adventures and misadventures into Texas, then still part of Mexico. Their plan is to join Sam Houston in the army and thus hide from the hateful and hated prison guard, Emile Landry, who is hunting them.
Although slim, Two for Texas packs a lot in a brief number of pages (148), from the escape, to running into an Indian camp, to seeking Houston, to waiting for the culmination of events at Alamo, to fighting at San Jacinto river, the action, and the brutality, and the copious consumption of alcohol, never let up.
Son is the first of the Holland clan to make an appearance in a Burke novel but hardly the last. Burke writes about generations of Hollands, down to the current time. A must read for any fan of Burke. Great background on a fascinating family. Interestingly, Holland family history is based on James Lee Burke's family on his mother's side.
In 1835, Son Holland, nineteen years old, and older man Hugh Allison break out from a Louisiana chain gang and set out on a series of adventures and misadventures into Texas, then still part of Mexico. Their plan is to join Sam Houston in the army and thus hide from the hateful and hated prison guard, Emile Landry, who is hunting them.
Although slim, Two for Texas packs a lot in a brief number of pages (148), from the escape, to running into an Indian camp, to seeking Houston, to waiting for the culmination of events at Alamo, to fighting at San Jacinto river, the action, and the brutality, and the copious consumption of alcohol, never let up.
Son is the first of the Holland clan to make an appearance in a Burke novel but hardly the last. Burke writes about generations of Hollands, down to the current time. A must read for any fan of Burke. Great background on a fascinating family. Interestingly, Holland family history is based on James Lee Burke's family on his mother's side.
February 24, 2018
Two For Texas opens with the 2 main characters, Son Holland and Hugh Allison, serving time in a horrendous Louisiana prison. Enough time is spent there with them to get the idea of how things are, until eventually an opportunity presents itself and they escape. Son and Hugh then go on a road trip full of trials and tribulations (which make from some great scenes) while they try to avoid being recaptured. They end up becoming embroiled in the Texas revolution and from here on in Two For Texas joins up with real people and events, including Jim Bowie and the battle at the Alamo.
This novel is the type of dark and gritty tale that often features in Southern fiction. There aren't really any good guys, but some of the bad guys have enough likeable traits to make readers root for them. Son and Hugh are great characters, as are some of the supporting cast. This is only my second James Lee Burke novel, but on the evidence so far he seems to have nailed what I want in this genre. An excellent ride with 2 fascinating characters, with a spot on audio narration.
This novel is the type of dark and gritty tale that often features in Southern fiction. There aren't really any good guys, but some of the bad guys have enough likeable traits to make readers root for them. Son and Hugh are great characters, as are some of the supporting cast. This is only my second James Lee Burke novel, but on the evidence so far he seems to have nailed what I want in this genre. An excellent ride with 2 fascinating characters, with a spot on audio narration.
December 9, 2021
Mr. Burke strikes a different trail here than in the Robicheaux books or the latter Holland stories. Here he does manage to sound like himself for most of the time, although writing what amounts to historical narrative takes his prose in different directions. Never poorly a written one, however.
Beginning in prison and ending up in Texas after the Battle of San Jacinto (no spoiler here since if you had not guessed that from the outset you won't understand the meaning anyway), his buddy novel does nothing to diminish the glory of the founding of Texas, although about the time it was written the historians and revisionists were probing the sources and examining alternatives to the traditional narrative. But squirm as one may, the heroism and bravery of the Texan fighters forged a new State and eventually a new State of the Union. As always, the soldiers on the other side are given short shrift although their own history treats them better, of course. Burke has not tried to write a history text; he wrote a novel, albeit a short one, and a powerful one too.
Recommended.
Beginning in prison and ending up in Texas after the Battle of San Jacinto (no spoiler here since if you had not guessed that from the outset you won't understand the meaning anyway), his buddy novel does nothing to diminish the glory of the founding of Texas, although about the time it was written the historians and revisionists were probing the sources and examining alternatives to the traditional narrative. But squirm as one may, the heroism and bravery of the Texan fighters forged a new State and eventually a new State of the Union. As always, the soldiers on the other side are given short shrift although their own history treats them better, of course. Burke has not tried to write a history text; he wrote a novel, albeit a short one, and a powerful one too.
Recommended.
August 24, 2022
The basis of the Holland family in Texas, this is the story of Son Holland. Son was wrongly imprisoned in New Orleans, and along with high maintenance and always in trouble Hugh, manages to escape to Texas. During the escape, they killed the French warden's brother, thus they are pursued by the French Warden, who offered bounties on both of them. Once in Texas, they must join with Sam Houston's army to avoid the bounty hunters. Son and Hugh are involved in the fight with Santa Ana during the Texas revolution. After the fall of the Alamo, the two are engaged in the Battle of San Jacinto and the liberation of Texas, which grants each of them 1 square mile of property. This was an excellent story filled with interesting characters both fictional and real. Some of those mentioned include Jim Bowie, Sam Houston, James Fannon, William Travis, Davey Crockett, and Maribeau Lamar. Like most of JLB's writing, he can take you back in time with his vivid prose. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
May 2, 2019
I'm re-reading all of Burke, so that I can list the books on Goodreads. I have a few more to read in the mishmash of his general writing, this being an earlier work. After that it will be Dave Robicheaux to finish the list.
In 1836, two prisoners escape from a Louisiana chain gang run by a vicious strong boss. In the process of the escape, the strong boss is killed which sets his brother, the ex-warden on a chase of the men. However, the two join up with Sam Houston's army to fight the Mexicans which also sets them free from previous charges. The ex-warden then sells guns to the Mexicans which leads to the Alamo massacre and the death of their friend, Jim Bowie. The two then lead the avenging charge at San Jacinto that settles the war. The elder convict, full of street smarts, and his younger companion, full of beans, booze and vinegar itching for a fight (a typical Burke character.)
The book was made into a movie. I have no desire to see it.
In 1836, two prisoners escape from a Louisiana chain gang run by a vicious strong boss. In the process of the escape, the strong boss is killed which sets his brother, the ex-warden on a chase of the men. However, the two join up with Sam Houston's army to fight the Mexicans which also sets them free from previous charges. The ex-warden then sells guns to the Mexicans which leads to the Alamo massacre and the death of their friend, Jim Bowie. The two then lead the avenging charge at San Jacinto that settles the war. The elder convict, full of street smarts, and his younger companion, full of beans, booze and vinegar itching for a fight (a typical Burke character.)
The book was made into a movie. I have no desire to see it.
August 23, 2022
The story of The Alamo has always fascinated me & what a treat to find a version of it written by one of my favorite authors (and one of the greatest descriptive writers). This book, one of Burke's earliest, introduces us to Son Holland, serving a prison sentence, who is involved in the accidental death of a prison guard, & escapes with another inmate. They cross into Texas with the guard's brother hot on their trail, hide out with an Indian tribe for a bit, where they acquire Sana, a squaw that helps them. The other inmate, Hugh, is a friend of Jim Bowie & knows he's in Texas & involved with General Sam Houston's army fighting Santa Anna so they decide to join up. The descriptions of Texas, the armies, the battles, & all the famous characters in this historic time are written as if Burke was there himself. They are raw & gritty, violent & patriotic, heartbreaking & heroic. I have always loved his writing, but this taste of American history was special. Excellent book.
December 30, 2023
I've read almost all of Burke's books, so this one from early in his career was a nice reminder of his writing but in a very different setting, much more an old Western than his more typical mysteries or later historical fiction. His description in the early part of the book of prison life and escape was very well described and memorable. I didn't find the rest of the book, with a lot of chasing and running, as well drawn. Burke's writings from the last couple of decades have a heavy dose of the supernatural and/or superhuman characters. This one didn't, and it was good to see his style of writing working without resorting to that plot crutch. Of course, this one was shorter without that stuff.... Altogether, it was nice to read and recall why I started reading Burke's books, with great setting description, typical Western heroes, and some interesting action.
July 31, 2025
This James Lee Burke classic features Son Holland, the great-grandfather of beloved hero Billy Bob Holland, as he flees a Louisiana prison camp with a Native American woman and a fellow prisoner in tow. James Lee Burke steps back three generations to reveal the lightning-paced tale of western lawman Billy Bob Holland’s great-grandfather, a fugitive swept up in the proud fight for Texan independence. Son Holland escaped a Louisiana chain gang – but never intended to kill a prison guard during the breakaway. Terrified for his life, on the run through the bayou with fellow escapee Hugh Allison and a beautiful Indian squaw, Son flees across the river to Texas, where the only chance the travelers have for survival awaits in a violent storm of revolution led by General Houston and James Bowie. A good read for James Lee Burke fans.
April 6, 2019
Will Patton does a great job narrating James Lee Burke novels, and I'd really enjoyed Rain Gods a couple of years ago, so I was happy to explore the Holland family history. Son Holland was the "strong, silent" type -- a moral person pushed to do immoral things. The character of Hugh Allison seemed a bit over-the-top, but he had some redeeming qualities and a handy skill-set for the challenges they faced. I found it hard to believe that the trackers from Louisiana would have stayed so hot on their trail in the vastness of Texas, but maybe there were a limited number of routes to follow. I am inspired to learn more about the history of Texas.
January 7, 2024
Son Holland and Hugh Allison are serving time in the 1830s at a Louisiana prison. Son is there on trumped up charges. Hugh is a life long criminal. They escape, but in the process, one guard is killed.
They steal horses and make their way into Texas. There is a large price on their heads, so they work hard to cover their tracks.
They have heard that Sam Houston will give them acreage if they join his army fighting against Mexico. They head toward his camp. Along the way, they meet many colorful characters and especially are enamored by a beautiful squaw who joins them.
Great tale based on fact.
They steal horses and make their way into Texas. There is a large price on their heads, so they work hard to cover their tracks.
They have heard that Sam Houston will give them acreage if they join his army fighting against Mexico. They head toward his camp. Along the way, they meet many colorful characters and especially are enamored by a beautiful squaw who joins them.
Great tale based on fact.
August 6, 2022
I've said it before, James Lee Burke never disappoints. "Two For Texas" is no exception. Son Holland and Hugh Allison are a pair of guys on a big adventure. When Son gets thrown into French prison in Louisiana, Hugh, a thrice convicted felon, takes Son under his wing and mentors him during prison life. But once on the run it's hard to tell who is mentoring who. There's action, danger, and fun in this book. I loved it.
February 18, 2025
Two and a half stars if I could. Though there are glimpses of Burke's better works in this book, the two main characters are just a bit too unrelatable for me. I am generally not part of the PC crowd, and I am sure it was probably correct for the time, but the language and depictions of the various races and nationalities in the book grated on me a bit, and I truly am someone who is usually defending the author when statements like that are made.
September 12, 2020
NOT a Dave Robicheaux book! Son and Hugh are the main characters here and Hugh appears to have few, if any, redeeming qualities. Son, at least, has some (he is nice to Sana, at least.) The story takes place right at the time of the Alamo massacre, though Son and Hugh play no part in the actual Alamo event. It is an interesting read about what life was like in those times.
August 31, 2018
James Lee Burke is the best descriptive author I have ever read. He can lay out a scene so that you are right with the characters using all your senses. I really enjoy all of his books. I love Texas so this was a great read for me.
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