The Lady

by Conrad Richter

Book by Richter, Conrad

Genres: Fiction

191 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1958

About the author

Conrad Michael Richter (October 13, 1890 – October 30, 1968) was an American novelist whose lyrical work is concerned largely with life on the American frontier in various periods. His novel The Town (1950), the last story of his trilogy The Awakening Land about the Ohio frontier, won the 1951 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.[1] His novel The Waters of Kronos won the 1961 National Book Award for Fiction.[2] Two collections of short stories were published posthumously during the 20th century, and several of his novels have been reissued during the 21st century by academic presses. (wikipedia.org)

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Reader's Digest version from 1957! The story of a small boy whose father disappears and when it becomes obvious he is not returning for the boy, he is sent for by his uncle. The uncle's wife, however is the "Lady" and who the whole story revolves around. It takes place back in the sheep/cattle conflicts time and is a good read. This is one I think would be far better if it was the full version. It did end rather abruptly. At least in this version. I still liked it!

[Cc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read an old fashioned book.. great character study of a New Mexico family in the 1890s..

[Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting!

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

IN COSTAIN MORE 2

[Tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lady tells the hard stories of the Old West from the eyes of a young orphaned boy. When Jud's father disappears, he's at the mercy of the only living relatives he has - Cousin Albert and his wife Doña Ellen. They take him in and make him a part of their family alongside their own son, Willy. Jud warms up to his situation and grows to admire and respect his cousins. It's Doña Ellen whom this story is truly about, though - she is The Lady. Jud admits that she can use her feminine wiles to get her own way, but also recognizes the fiery spirit that lays beneath that act, and the hardened will she has to keep her enemies at bay. Trouble is always brewing in wild New Mexico, and soon after Jud joins his cousins' household new tensions abound in the wake of a cattle herder's murder. As vengeance follows, Jud has the uncomfortable feeling that all may never be right again for his family.

This is a beautiful story that captures the spirit of the country and time period in which it is set. It also reveals the insecurities and observations of a young boy who will see more than his fair share of heartache and trouble. The Lady challenges the reader to look deeper into its characters, to see both their strengths and their flaws, and to understand the inevitability of the chain of events that unfold. Doña Ellen may be a mystery, yet at times her feelings are easy to understand and her motivations are laid bare. It's an engaging story, if anything the end is a bit anticlimactic after the tension and build-up that last through most of the book.

[Trisha Owens · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book that reveals the nature of the late 1800s, and one particular woman's journey. The "Lady" is born of privilege and a woman of contrasts. She charms most but has one man, Snell Beasley, who ruins things for her, and after losing her brother, husband, and son, she is determined to prevail. The author does a wonderful job in describing the culture in old New Mexico, and the resolve of one who thinks she is entitled.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this little paperback in a thrift shop and decided to give this author a try. I'm glad I did. The author is adept at character development and descriptive writing, so much so that you can see yourself riding in the wagon with the yellow wheels and top. A sad story of the wild West.

[Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn’t engage me very much until the terrific ending which was totally unexpected. I like Richter but not much character development here and little local color , despite being set in the colonial territory of New Mexico

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book. I liked it.
Interesting characterization of various personalities. Shows what the ripples of just one action can be.

[Judith the Book Gobbler · Rating 4 out of 5]

a wild and elegant story.

[Ericka · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you read this book you need to remember the theories and beliefs of the time period in which it was written, but it's genuinely interesting. I also find the topic somewhat common to that area of the country.

[Jan Vanderburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conrad Richter is one of my favorite authors so it's no surprise that I read this again and loved it again.