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Billy
Pueblo, Colorado,1932. Bootleggers thrive in a town where the sheriff is on the take and you can kill a man with impunity. In this thrilling narrative, a once-famous outlaw finds himself thrust into the middle of a bootleg war against his will. At stake is nothing less than the life of his best friend and his last chance at true love with the town beauty. But is the legendary gunman who he claims to be, or is he just a retired dentist with a vivid imagination? In this remarkable first novel, Peter Meech reimagines the figure of Billy the Kid in a story told with verve and humor. Visually magnificent, and brimming with small-town charm, Billy (the Kid) builds to a climax that is as powerful as it is unexpected.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published February 7, 2020
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 11, 2020
I bought this novel on the strength of its cover art and the stellar blurbs on the back, and I have to say the story far exceeded my expectations, which were high to begin with. At every turn the story undermined the myths of the American west, and it did so in such delightful ways. But it’s Billy’s philosophy and unique worldview that caught my attention from the get-go. Billy’s discussion about how he rid his psyche of violence is itself worth the price of admission. And if the philosophy weren’t enough, there’s the lyricism of the writing, which may have gone out of fashion these days, but in the right hands – in Mr. Meech’s hands – is nothing short of extraordinary.
August 1, 2020
I write this as a member of Rosie’s Review Team and I freely chose to review an ARC copy of this novel (or long novella).
This is the first novel I read by the author (although I might have watched some of the productions based on his scripts), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If Peter Meech carries on writing fiction, I intend to keep reading him.
The above description provides enough detail to allow possible readers to decide if they are interested or not. This novella is a Western, a late-day Western. We are at a point in history where there is little of the old West left, where there are cars, the cinematographer, inventions all around (this novella has some of the feel of steampunk, because there is a lot of attention paid to novelties and new technology, as it would have been the case, especially in a small town), and legends and myths about the good old times are rife, to the point where there are books, movies, and even auctions of items belonging to Western heroes, outlaws, and everything in between. This is emphasised by the story about two bootlegging operations that brings in an element of the gangster tradition as well (down to golden teeth, fancy cars, henchmen, offers one dare not refuse, and bloodbaths) and a reminder of the Prohibition and its business practices. At the heart of the book is the story of Billy the Kid, or at least, of a retired dentist who claims to be (or have been in a previous life) Billy the Kid. That means that much of the book revolves around: issues of identity, what makes us who we are (and what makes other accept or not who we are), growing old, popularity (particularly interesting in these times of social media and celebrities), living with a certain reputation, wanting to set the record straight, second chances (there is a budding romance as well), settling old debts, old and new friends, honour and morality. Times are achanging and that is also evident in the book, which manages to conjure up a vivid and compelling image of that momentous time and place in the readers’ minds.
The story is narrated in the third person, most of the time from Billy’s (?) point of view, although at times there is an omniscient narrator that shares with readers an observer’s viewpoint, but whose style is very similar to that of Billy’s own reflections (and considering he is forever researching, compiling information, and taking notes to write his own story, a metafictional interpretation is also possible). Billy is an observer of people, places, the weather, and everything in between, and the author manages to combine language that feels historically appropriate, with a lyricism that makes for a beautiful reading experience. His experience writing, producing and directing scripts is quite evident, as the scenes are vividly rendered, not only visually, thanks to the detailed but not excessive descriptions, but also to the use of all the senses. We hear, smell, touch and even taste what happens. At times, we can see the main character zooming on a sound, an image, or a little detail. And that is what makes it come alive. Oh, a word or pre-warning. Although I enjoyed the snippets of dialogue included (and some would not be out of place in the call-and-response tradition), I have to warn you that no dialogue quotations are used to mark the sentences spoken by the characters, although the dialogue tags used prevent any confusion.
There are numerous characters, although some don’t play big roles and are more a part of the background. Some are as expected in the genre (the corrupt sheriff, the waitress with a heart of gold, the baddy/gangster and his henchmen, Billy’s pals…) but some are better drawn (especially considering this is a short book), like Tommy, Billy’s young friend and protégé, and his love interest, Grace. Billy himself is an ambiguous but engaging character, and he has his (well-deserved) moment of glory towards the end of the book. If he is or not truly Billy the Kid… Let’s say you can read the book and reach your own conclusions.
Talking about the ending, I enjoyed it and felt it suited the genre well (yes, the protagonist rides into the horizon), but things are left open to interpretation. My favourite kind of ending.
So, I thoroughly enjoy this book, and I recommend it to fans of Westerns, particularly modern takes on the genre, those interested in historical fiction especially set on the West or the prohibition era, anybody interested in Billy the Kid, and readers looking for a short novel wonderfully written. This is a book to be savoured and enjoyed, rather than to be read at speed, but due to its length, it won’t last you long anyway. I recommend you to read the interview with the author and to try a sample if you have any doubts, and if not, don’t hesitate. I will make sure I follow the author’s trajectory from now on.
This is the first novel I read by the author (although I might have watched some of the productions based on his scripts), and I thoroughly enjoyed it. If Peter Meech carries on writing fiction, I intend to keep reading him.
The above description provides enough detail to allow possible readers to decide if they are interested or not. This novella is a Western, a late-day Western. We are at a point in history where there is little of the old West left, where there are cars, the cinematographer, inventions all around (this novella has some of the feel of steampunk, because there is a lot of attention paid to novelties and new technology, as it would have been the case, especially in a small town), and legends and myths about the good old times are rife, to the point where there are books, movies, and even auctions of items belonging to Western heroes, outlaws, and everything in between. This is emphasised by the story about two bootlegging operations that brings in an element of the gangster tradition as well (down to golden teeth, fancy cars, henchmen, offers one dare not refuse, and bloodbaths) and a reminder of the Prohibition and its business practices. At the heart of the book is the story of Billy the Kid, or at least, of a retired dentist who claims to be (or have been in a previous life) Billy the Kid. That means that much of the book revolves around: issues of identity, what makes us who we are (and what makes other accept or not who we are), growing old, popularity (particularly interesting in these times of social media and celebrities), living with a certain reputation, wanting to set the record straight, second chances (there is a budding romance as well), settling old debts, old and new friends, honour and morality. Times are achanging and that is also evident in the book, which manages to conjure up a vivid and compelling image of that momentous time and place in the readers’ minds.
The story is narrated in the third person, most of the time from Billy’s (?) point of view, although at times there is an omniscient narrator that shares with readers an observer’s viewpoint, but whose style is very similar to that of Billy’s own reflections (and considering he is forever researching, compiling information, and taking notes to write his own story, a metafictional interpretation is also possible). Billy is an observer of people, places, the weather, and everything in between, and the author manages to combine language that feels historically appropriate, with a lyricism that makes for a beautiful reading experience. His experience writing, producing and directing scripts is quite evident, as the scenes are vividly rendered, not only visually, thanks to the detailed but not excessive descriptions, but also to the use of all the senses. We hear, smell, touch and even taste what happens. At times, we can see the main character zooming on a sound, an image, or a little detail. And that is what makes it come alive. Oh, a word or pre-warning. Although I enjoyed the snippets of dialogue included (and some would not be out of place in the call-and-response tradition), I have to warn you that no dialogue quotations are used to mark the sentences spoken by the characters, although the dialogue tags used prevent any confusion.
There are numerous characters, although some don’t play big roles and are more a part of the background. Some are as expected in the genre (the corrupt sheriff, the waitress with a heart of gold, the baddy/gangster and his henchmen, Billy’s pals…) but some are better drawn (especially considering this is a short book), like Tommy, Billy’s young friend and protégé, and his love interest, Grace. Billy himself is an ambiguous but engaging character, and he has his (well-deserved) moment of glory towards the end of the book. If he is or not truly Billy the Kid… Let’s say you can read the book and reach your own conclusions.
Talking about the ending, I enjoyed it and felt it suited the genre well (yes, the protagonist rides into the horizon), but things are left open to interpretation. My favourite kind of ending.
So, I thoroughly enjoy this book, and I recommend it to fans of Westerns, particularly modern takes on the genre, those interested in historical fiction especially set on the West or the prohibition era, anybody interested in Billy the Kid, and readers looking for a short novel wonderfully written. This is a book to be savoured and enjoyed, rather than to be read at speed, but due to its length, it won’t last you long anyway. I recommend you to read the interview with the author and to try a sample if you have any doubts, and if not, don’t hesitate. I will make sure I follow the author’s trajectory from now on.
June 22, 2020
Author Peter Meech didn't just write this book, he painstakingly crafted every sentence from first to last. There's a big difference. The average novel, if it tells a satisfying story, can get by with prose that's merely adequate. The truly great books are those that excel in both story and the way that story is told.
Billy (the Kid) is that rare animal that excels in both.
The premise is a great one. Billy McCarty, a retired dentist in the quiet town of Pueblo, Colorado, tells everyone he meets he used to be Billy the Kid. Was he really? That's the central question of the novel— but there's a whole lot more going on.
Peter Meech offers and intimate and thoughtful portrayal of a short period in McCarty's life. And "Kid" or not, he's a fascinating character. In his memory—or imagination (or both) he reflects on the past he may (or may not) have had fighting in the Lincoln County War, landing with the Rough Riders in Cuba, working for Buffalo Bill's Wild West, meeting Jesse James, and seeking spiritual enlightenment with the Mescalero Apache. In the present, meanwhile, he's playing mentor to a kid whose father is in trouble, trying to spark the prettiest widow in town, and walking a thin and deadly line between rival bootleggers. And all while, he's collecting "Kid" memorabilia and plugging away on his memoir, to be called My Life and Times.
Part of the fun is seeing how an Old Westerner is adapting to the changing times. It's the early 1930s, a world with Cadillacs, Tommy guns, Prohibition, Zippo lighters, Standard Oil, Fats Waller, Blondie and Dagwood, Mars bars, the Reverend Fulton J. Sheen, Piggly Wiggly and the planet Pluto. We see Billy driving a Model T, going to the movies, discovering Wonder Bread, drinking Coca-Cola, reading Burma Shave signs and listening to The Lone Ranger on the radio.
But it's not all fun and games. Mr. Meech deals in serious themes like grief and loss, parental and social responsibility, the Seen and the Unseen, what it feels like to kill, and what it means to be a man. There's something for everyone here: humor, romance, murder and gunslinging action. And all elegantly told.
Billy (the Kid) is a book you don't want to miss.
Billy (the Kid) is that rare animal that excels in both.
The premise is a great one. Billy McCarty, a retired dentist in the quiet town of Pueblo, Colorado, tells everyone he meets he used to be Billy the Kid. Was he really? That's the central question of the novel— but there's a whole lot more going on.
Peter Meech offers and intimate and thoughtful portrayal of a short period in McCarty's life. And "Kid" or not, he's a fascinating character. In his memory—or imagination (or both) he reflects on the past he may (or may not) have had fighting in the Lincoln County War, landing with the Rough Riders in Cuba, working for Buffalo Bill's Wild West, meeting Jesse James, and seeking spiritual enlightenment with the Mescalero Apache. In the present, meanwhile, he's playing mentor to a kid whose father is in trouble, trying to spark the prettiest widow in town, and walking a thin and deadly line between rival bootleggers. And all while, he's collecting "Kid" memorabilia and plugging away on his memoir, to be called My Life and Times.
Part of the fun is seeing how an Old Westerner is adapting to the changing times. It's the early 1930s, a world with Cadillacs, Tommy guns, Prohibition, Zippo lighters, Standard Oil, Fats Waller, Blondie and Dagwood, Mars bars, the Reverend Fulton J. Sheen, Piggly Wiggly and the planet Pluto. We see Billy driving a Model T, going to the movies, discovering Wonder Bread, drinking Coca-Cola, reading Burma Shave signs and listening to The Lone Ranger on the radio.
But it's not all fun and games. Mr. Meech deals in serious themes like grief and loss, parental and social responsibility, the Seen and the Unseen, what it feels like to kill, and what it means to be a man. There's something for everyone here: humor, romance, murder and gunslinging action. And all elegantly told.
Billy (the Kid) is a book you don't want to miss.
June 2, 2020
A delightful read in the tradition of the Wild West tall tale. It's also a thoughtful allegory on aging: growing old and deciding what of our wild youth to keep, what to discard, and what to defend from those who would revise our history or try to tell us who we are today. The humor was terrific: a famed and deadly gunslinger gets a second chance as a dentist with a penchant for the quiet life, so of course it's funny.
I loved the attention to telling details of history, and the reminder that so much we take for granted was once new-fangled. I appreciate the optimism it entails for a young person to meet their icon and not be disappointed. As an older reader, I found the greatest gift of this story the feeling that age need not take away from us the power to go outlaw when a righteous cause calls.
I loved the attention to telling details of history, and the reminder that so much we take for granted was once new-fangled. I appreciate the optimism it entails for a young person to meet their icon and not be disappointed. As an older reader, I found the greatest gift of this story the feeling that age need not take away from us the power to go outlaw when a righteous cause calls.
October 17, 2024
A short but very enjoyable novel.
August 11, 2020
What if Sheriff Pat Garrett hadn't shot and killed William Bonney in 1881? What if Billy the Kid survived, escaped, and rode off into the sunset? Well, then he might have become a dentist and retired in Pueblo, Colorado in 1932. That's the beguiling premise of Peter Meech's new novel Billy (the Kid). Meech's alternate history finds an older, contemplative Billy living in a boarding house in the sleepy backwater of Pueblo. Sleepy that is until rival bootleggers move in to open a second speakeasy, threatening the livelihood – and lives – of Billy's friends.
Billy (the Kid) was my favorite summer read of 2020. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an imaginative story to get lost in.
Billy (the Kid) was my favorite summer read of 2020. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an imaginative story to get lost in.
February 25, 2021
Unlike most of the other reviewers of Billy (the Kid) by Peter Meech, I did not see this marvelous tale as a different, well-written take of the saga of Billy the Kid. Instead, I saw a sensitive, thoughtful commentary on a small, south-western American town during the great depression played out before the eyes of Dr. McCarty, a retired dentist who may or may not have been Billy the Kid in an earlier life. Who he was (or was not) is not material to the canvas Meech paints. Meech presents the reader with a deeply-felt insider view of the desperation, poverty, and violence of a small town during abolition, where cropland had turned to dust, jobs had vanished, and the only chance to succeed was illegal booze and speakeasies or a slim hope to find gold in a faraway place.
Meech composes words like a fine artist, bringing to life the desolation and the times. Yet, Meech finds and draws the reader into whatever hint of beauty still lurks in his desolate landscape. Having said this, I have one serious objection--not to the story, but to the process. Meech chose not to use quotes (" ") to characterize conversation throughout the novel. I found the result very distracting. His words and story-flow drew me into his universe, but not being able to recognize a piece of conversation immediately because it was not contained inside quotes (like most other writing) pulled me back out. It is an unnecessary distraction that diminishes what is otherwise a truly excellent, very well-written story. Four-stars to an otherwise five-star story because of this, but still a highly recommended read.
Meech composes words like a fine artist, bringing to life the desolation and the times. Yet, Meech finds and draws the reader into whatever hint of beauty still lurks in his desolate landscape. Having said this, I have one serious objection--not to the story, but to the process. Meech chose not to use quotes (" ") to characterize conversation throughout the novel. I found the result very distracting. His words and story-flow drew me into his universe, but not being able to recognize a piece of conversation immediately because it was not contained inside quotes (like most other writing) pulled me back out. It is an unnecessary distraction that diminishes what is otherwise a truly excellent, very well-written story. Four-stars to an otherwise five-star story because of this, but still a highly recommended read.
January 24, 2021
A western through- and- through, this slim novel transports you to the wild wild west of Colorado just as lawfulness begin to replace lawlessness. Our protagonist is classic cowboy with a sorted past who may or may not be Billy the Kid that drinks whiskey by the shot glass, pursues a coy love interest, and can be a real straight shooter when he's not too far gone from the aforementioned whiskey (plucky sidekick also included with purchase). Comfort can be found in the story's predictable dusty roads and its over-reliance on heteronormativity, violence- worshiping, and the overly toxic tropes of masculinity that is the hallmark of the western genre. But Peter Meech accomplishes an efficient prose that delivers a slick little narrative, scratching that western itch I'm convinced every American has had at least once in their life. When does paying homage to a genre become a stale imitation of more worthy predecessors? The answer to this question will change depending on which page of the book you're reading. It's a harmless little debut that's pretty fun, but you'll forget it the second you put it down for something a little more inventive.
January 30, 2023
I like the author. I like his writing style, light and easy. With this book I wanted more. I wanted to know what happened to Billy to bring him to where he was in this story. I hope you write more Peter Meech, I hope you pick up Billy again and come out with another book about him and his life. Congratulations Peter on your movie, looking forward to what you do next. With admiration, and wishing you Peter all the best.
August 31, 2021
Was he Billy the Kid or was he not? Does it matter? Not a whit. I loved this book because it is written lovingly with humor and great attention to the aura of the times. The book takes place during Prohibition and the Depression which give the book its heft. The characters are wonderfully drawn, complex and believable. Its a rollicking good yarn as Billy might have said.
February 20, 2021
If you like historical fiction, then this book is definitely for you.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews