What do you think?
The Bricklayer: A Western
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 9, 2026
A HISTORICAL FICTION INSIGHT INTO A HARD WORKER IN THE LATE 1800'S
9/08/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
HE HAD RIDDEN A LONG WAY & A LONG TIME LOOKING FOR NOTHING IN PARTICULAR & FINALLY FOUND A SENSE OF BELONGING
The Bricklayer: A Western by R.O. Lane is a well-written story of a young man who had a poor childhood thanks to his stepfather who forced him to start working at the young age of seven years old, working twelve hours a day six days a week, for fitting his earning to his stepfather to feed his gambling habit, his drinking, and whoring all the while his mother and himself going without.
Josiah Fuller, while being made to work as a child laborer, he was able to pick up valuable work ethics and skills, and at the young age of thirteen, he left Buffalo, New York for a new start in San Francisco. Right off the train he's able to apply his skills as a master bricklayer making adult wages. It doesn't take long before he has worked his way up in status as well as securing his financial needs. Figuring he's worked hard and long hours, sending just enough to get by and saving the rest for a rainy day, Josiah takes a little bit of a vacation to see the world around him other than one job site to the next and heads south to see some of California other than San Francisco. While traveling on horseback, he runs into an American-Mexican family who can use his masonry skills around their family ranch in south California.
What Josiah doesn't realize at first is that he's lived most of his life on his own with no one who cared about himself or himself caring for anyone else. Lucky for Josiah, he not only finds work, he finds himself, a place to lay down his roots, and above all else a family.
Though I really enjoyed reading this book, to be honest I don't feel this book was written with the same voice I have come accustomed to in R.O. Lane's books. Not that this book and the storyline was a disappointment, just the opposite. It didn't flow with the usual voice that I have come to truly enjoy in R.O. Lane's books. That being said, I would still highly recommend this book to all readers of all ages and fully believe this book still deserved a five star rating.
9/08/26 Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
HE HAD RIDDEN A LONG WAY & A LONG TIME LOOKING FOR NOTHING IN PARTICULAR & FINALLY FOUND A SENSE OF BELONGING
The Bricklayer: A Western by R.O. Lane is a well-written story of a young man who had a poor childhood thanks to his stepfather who forced him to start working at the young age of seven years old, working twelve hours a day six days a week, for fitting his earning to his stepfather to feed his gambling habit, his drinking, and whoring all the while his mother and himself going without.
Josiah Fuller, while being made to work as a child laborer, he was able to pick up valuable work ethics and skills, and at the young age of thirteen, he left Buffalo, New York for a new start in San Francisco. Right off the train he's able to apply his skills as a master bricklayer making adult wages. It doesn't take long before he has worked his way up in status as well as securing his financial needs. Figuring he's worked hard and long hours, sending just enough to get by and saving the rest for a rainy day, Josiah takes a little bit of a vacation to see the world around him other than one job site to the next and heads south to see some of California other than San Francisco. While traveling on horseback, he runs into an American-Mexican family who can use his masonry skills around their family ranch in south California.
What Josiah doesn't realize at first is that he's lived most of his life on his own with no one who cared about himself or himself caring for anyone else. Lucky for Josiah, he not only finds work, he finds himself, a place to lay down his roots, and above all else a family.
Though I really enjoyed reading this book, to be honest I don't feel this book was written with the same voice I have come accustomed to in R.O. Lane's books. Not that this book and the storyline was a disappointment, just the opposite. It didn't flow with the usual voice that I have come to truly enjoy in R.O. Lane's books. That being said, I would still highly recommend this book to all readers of all ages and fully believe this book still deserved a five star rating.
August 3, 2026
LG
A remarkably compelling narrative. At just seven years old, Josiah Fuller was sent to work in a shoe factory by his stepfather, laboring twelve hours daily for five years while his earnings were claimed by his guardian. By age twelve, he transitioned to apprenticing under a bricklayer, and through dedication and physical maturation, he rose to master the trade. Seeking refuge from New York's harsh winters, Fuller relocated to California, where he encountered the Castaneda family and embarked on a new chapter as a ranch hand, standing alongside them in their struggle against speculators intent on seizing their property. The pace was steady and the characters quite likable.
A remarkably compelling narrative. At just seven years old, Josiah Fuller was sent to work in a shoe factory by his stepfather, laboring twelve hours daily for five years while his earnings were claimed by his guardian. By age twelve, he transitioned to apprenticing under a bricklayer, and through dedication and physical maturation, he rose to master the trade. Seeking refuge from New York's harsh winters, Fuller relocated to California, where he encountered the Castaneda family and embarked on a new chapter as a ranch hand, standing alongside them in their struggle against speculators intent on seizing their property. The pace was steady and the characters quite likable.
June 22, 2026
A different kind of story
Having read every book that R. O. Lane has written, I found this new book to be as good as his others, but different in style if not in subject. This book is about a late-1870's young man who has had a very hard young life. His determination to make something of himself is his motivation and the crux of the story. But Lane's style is different. Where he has driven his usual story with great dialogue, he now uses narrative. Dialogue in this book is minimal, yet perhaps because of that, it is more important. I am intrigued, and enjoyed reading Mr. Lane's latest.
Having read every book that R. O. Lane has written, I found this new book to be as good as his others, but different in style if not in subject. This book is about a late-1870's young man who has had a very hard young life. His determination to make something of himself is his motivation and the crux of the story. But Lane's style is different. Where he has driven his usual story with great dialogue, he now uses narrative. Dialogue in this book is minimal, yet perhaps because of that, it is more important. I am intrigued, and enjoyed reading Mr. Lane's latest.
June 25, 2026
Weak
This is the third R.O. Lane story I have found disappointing recently. The previous two that I placed in this same category are Waiting for Pa and Unsinkable Nellie. Mr. Lane is a gifted author, no doubt, whose writings past I have enjoyed immensely. However, something appears amiss when the writings previously mentioned, together with this one, appear so lacking, and the plot so weak.
This is the third R.O. Lane story I have found disappointing recently. The previous two that I placed in this same category are Waiting for Pa and Unsinkable Nellie. Mr. Lane is a gifted author, no doubt, whose writings past I have enjoyed immensely. However, something appears amiss when the writings previously mentioned, together with this one, appear so lacking, and the plot so weak.
June 28, 2026
Just a pure delight
Just a pure delight to read another of Mr. Lane’s wonderful books. Just a fun “can’t put it down read” like all his books. I love the technical parts of the bricklayer and obviously there had to be some research on Mr. Lane’s part. I always love the food sections and it wouldn’t be a lane book without a nice love story weaved into it. Thank you sir for bringing such wonderful reading into all our lives. Claude Diamond J.D.
Just a pure delight to read another of Mr. Lane’s wonderful books. Just a fun “can’t put it down read” like all his books. I love the technical parts of the bricklayer and obviously there had to be some research on Mr. Lane’s part. I always love the food sections and it wouldn’t be a lane book without a nice love story weaved into it. Thank you sir for bringing such wonderful reading into all our lives. Claude Diamond J.D.
July 5, 2026
Wonderful story!
R.O. Lane has written an amazing story about what families are all about. Josiah wasn’t born into the Castaneda family but he grew to be one of them through his determination to do what was right. Great story told with feeling and awareness of how things would have happened in those times and culture. Definitely worth the read. I am only sorry that I finished the book.
R.O. Lane has written an amazing story about what families are all about. Josiah wasn’t born into the Castaneda family but he grew to be one of them through his determination to do what was right. Great story told with feeling and awareness of how things would have happened in those times and culture. Definitely worth the read. I am only sorry that I finished the book.
July 29, 2026
Your best book ever!
I believe I have all your books, and I've enjoyed each and every one . The Bricklayer simply had something special that puts it over the top. I especially liked the way the Hispanic culture was on display. The integrity of a journeyman brick layer to his trade was well delivered. These and several other main pieces went together to complete this puzzle.... Thank you!
I believe I have all your books, and I've enjoyed each and every one . The Bricklayer simply had something special that puts it over the top. I especially liked the way the Hispanic culture was on display. The integrity of a journeyman brick layer to his trade was well delivered. These and several other main pieces went together to complete this puzzle.... Thank you!
July 8, 2026
Lane has penned another winner!
We follow Josiah from his child labor days in a Buffalo New York factory to a Spanish land grant in California. Is escape from the factory was via brick laying which also served him well in California. Investment income allows him to travel outside San Francisco and help an old Don save his land. Good tale well written as always.
We follow Josiah from his child labor days in a Buffalo New York factory to a Spanish land grant in California. Is escape from the factory was via brick laying which also served him well in California. Investment income allows him to travel outside San Francisco and help an old Don save his land. Good tale well written as always.
July 12, 2026
Excellent
I have been experimenting with different authors in the Western genre over the past few weeks. Some were reasonable, some dire. It is an absolute joy to come back to RO Lane, knowing that I am in safe hands again. Brilliant story telling, careful research, wonderful characters... just perfect.
I have been experimenting with different authors in the Western genre over the past few weeks. Some were reasonable, some dire. It is an absolute joy to come back to RO Lane, knowing that I am in safe hands again. Brilliant story telling, careful research, wonderful characters... just perfect.
July 13, 2026
more than a bricklayer
I wasn’t entirely sure this was a western upon viewing the title. But it had good guys and bad guys that lived and died by those guns they used. The story is a good one and I enjoyed the early part of the story as Josiah grew from boy to man. A good read for a slightly different western story.
I wasn’t entirely sure this was a western upon viewing the title. But it had good guys and bad guys that lived and died by those guns they used. The story is a good one and I enjoyed the early part of the story as Josiah grew from boy to man. A good read for a slightly different western story.
July 22, 2026
The Bricklayer
As always Mr. Lane writes up an entertaining and beautiful story. His characters are very well thought out and his plots are really well written. I couldn't put it down.If you like his writing then you will enjoy this one. Can not wait for his next story. Thanks for entertaining us.
As always Mr. Lane writes up an entertaining and beautiful story. His characters are very well thought out and his plots are really well written. I couldn't put it down.If you like his writing then you will enjoy this one. Can not wait for his next story. Thanks for entertaining us.
August 5, 2026
A different R. O. Lane
This is good, very good. I have yet to read a bad book by this author.
This book has a little different style, a slower cadence. Kind of a cross between Louis L'amour and Hemingway. It seemed to fit the Californio setting and characters.
As always, I look forward to the next book.
This is good, very good. I have yet to read a bad book by this author.
This book has a little different style, a slower cadence. Kind of a cross between Louis L'amour and Hemingway. It seemed to fit the Californio setting and characters.
As always, I look forward to the next book.
June 20, 2026
Slow and steady - A pleasant love story.
A young lad had a tough childhood, but it failed to turn him bitter. The more he learned the better jobs he found. Through it all he maintained his positive attitude and prospered both spiritually and financially.
A young lad had a tough childhood, but it failed to turn him bitter. The more he learned the better jobs he found. Through it all he maintained his positive attitude and prospered both spiritually and financially.
June 27, 2026
Excellent!
Start to finish, this tale grips the reader with desire to discover what will happen next. A true rags to riches tale, but very realistic. Looking forward to more from R.O. Lane!
Start to finish, this tale grips the reader with desire to discover what will happen next. A true rags to riches tale, but very realistic. Looking forward to more from R.O. Lane!
June 28, 2026
really good story
Good character with lots of adventure and romance thrown in like only this author can do. I start a story from this author and I can’t put it down until it’s finished. I love his writing style and his stories just keep you wanting more and more
Good character with lots of adventure and romance thrown in like only this author can do. I start a story from this author and I can’t put it down until it’s finished. I love his writing style and his stories just keep you wanting more and more
July 2, 2026
Loved this
I always enjoy a Lane story, having read every one of them over the past few years. I think personally that this is one of the best stories that Lane has written and I look forward to his next book.
I always enjoy a Lane story, having read every one of them over the past few years. I think personally that this is one of the best stories that Lane has written and I look forward to his next book.
July 3, 2026
good story
Another feel good story from R O Lane. I like his well told stories. Work hard, try to improve yourself, sprinkle in a little romance, be kind. I like when the good guys win.
Another feel good story from R O Lane. I like his well told stories. Work hard, try to improve yourself, sprinkle in a little romance, be kind. I like when the good guys win.
July 11, 2026
As usual, great
All the books are great. The only thing wrong with them is the wait for the next one. Besides being a fun read I always learn something from the period descriptions, like the brick clamps .
All the books are great. The only thing wrong with them is the wait for the next one. Besides being a fun read I always learn something from the period descriptions, like the brick clamps .
July 11, 2026
Best western writer
RO Lane is the World's best western writer. He always has great plots with great characters. l have read every one of novels and look forward to the next one.
read every one of his work and always look toward the the next one.
RO Lane is the World's best western writer. He always has great plots with great characters. l have read every one of novels and look forward to the next one.
read every one of his work and always look toward the the next one.
July 13, 2026
Another Great Story, Mr. Lane
Well this book has all the good stuff you could want. Great character that's easy to follow and understand. Loyalty, and righteousness of character, and solid strength of will are on display. The reader is never lost.
Well this book has all the good stuff you could want. Great character that's easy to follow and understand. Loyalty, and righteousness of character, and solid strength of will are on display. The reader is never lost.
July 17, 2026
Good read
This book had good character development through a story which kept moving. It will keep your interest to the last page and you might learn some rock solid wisdom from the Bricklayer.
This book had good character development through a story which kept moving. It will keep your interest to the last page and you might learn some rock solid wisdom from the Bricklayer.
July 17, 2026
Must Read!
A man with a valuable skill becomes the saviour of a old ranch needing protection and care. The Old Bernardo is a nice touch. Interesting and knowledgeable attempt explaining brick repair and layout.
A man with a valuable skill becomes the saviour of a old ranch needing protection and care. The Old Bernardo is a nice touch. Interesting and knowledgeable attempt explaining brick repair and layout.
July 21, 2026
5 Stars
Another good one from R.O. Lane, the life of Josiah Fuller from a 7 year old forced to work 12 hour days in a factory in Buffalo, New York to a young man earning his way in California.
Another good one from R.O. Lane, the life of Josiah Fuller from a 7 year old forced to work 12 hour days in a factory in Buffalo, New York to a young man earning his way in California.
July 25, 2026
This is a good western yarn. Even though it starts in the East, and the hero is marked up a bit at the beginning - it has a nice pace to it. A believable plot. All in all - NOT BAD.
Thank goodness it wasn't written to have a sequel!!!!!
Thank goodness it wasn't written to have a sequel!!!!!
August 27, 2026
Great Classic Western
Lane created another heart warming novel depicting life in old West. Plenty of action, and warm Romantic parts. Greta character development and plot twists. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of Western’s.
Lane created another heart warming novel depicting life in old West. Plenty of action, and warm Romantic parts. Greta character development and plot twists. I highly recommend this novel to all fans of Western’s.
June 24, 2026
Great story!
I think I read this book before but it seemed a little different so maybe not. Loved it, the storyline was really good!
I think I read this book before but it seemed a little different so maybe not. Loved it, the storyline was really good!
June 25, 2026
Read
This author never disappoints. I would recommend that you read any book that he has written you will not be disappointed.
This author never disappoints. I would recommend that you read any book that he has written you will not be disappointed.
June 25, 2026
Very enjoyable
Well, written with a great flow to the plot. Enjoyed the story very much. I enjoy Best, the stories were the good guys win.
Well, written with a great flow to the plot. Enjoyed the story very much. I enjoy Best, the stories were the good guys win.
June 27, 2026
Good book
I liked the book that was a little bit romance with some western in it and some history of that time. I look forward to reading more from the author.
I liked the book that was a little bit romance with some western in it and some history of that time. I look forward to reading more from the author.
June 28, 2026
One of his best books and I have read them all.
Just could not put it down.
Just could not put it down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews