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Buckalew Family #2
After the Bugles
Sam Houston's victory at San Jacinto has made Texas an independent republic. Along with other settlers whose lives have been disrupted by the revolution, Joshua Buckalew tries to put the pieces back together. He finds that starting over in the aftermath of war can be as challenging as war itself. The racial differences that helped foment the conflict have not disappeared -- and being an independent republic can be more difficult than being a colony of Mexico.
277 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1967
About the author
Elmer Kelton
208 books280 followersElmer Kelton (1926-2009) was award-winning author of more than forty novels, including The Time It Never Rained, Other Men’s Horses, Texas Standoff and Hard Trail to Follow. He grew up on a ranch near Crane, Texas, and earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas. His first novel, Hot Iron, was published in 1956. Among his awards have been seven Spurs from Western Writers of America and four Western Heritage awards from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. His novel The Good Old Boys was made into a television film starring Tommy Lee Jones. In addition to his novels, Kelton worked as an agricultural journalist for 42 years. He served in the infantry in World War II. He died in 2009.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/elmerk...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/elmerk...
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 24, 2015
Watching a Larry McMurtry interview I noticed he mentioned how good western writer Elmer Kelton was, so that it was surprising that many Texans had never heard of him.
Larry was right, I never had heard of Elmer. As these things go, once you learn of something, it starts showing up in your life. Appropriately I was in a classic, musty, dusty, junk, ‘antique’ and book store housed in a 100 year old building in Taylor, Texas and picked up 3 Elmer Kelton paperbacks, all as musty as the store itself, owner said, 2 dollars, I said, I’ll take ‘em.
They were all published in the ’70s, with their yellowed pages, and glue dissolving from the tender bindings, I first read ‘After the Bugles’. The center of the tale is the Buckalew family as it struggles to find its way back to their homes in the aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto and start of Texas Independence from Mexico.
(Funny the bold headline on the back cover says ‘The Civil War was over’ so I was expecting Blue-Gray tale, no fault of Elmer’s I’m sure, some intern marketing person probably wrote it).
The Buckalews are joined by other families and scurrilous characters on their journey. The reading is good and accurate historical fiction as it gives insight to various perspectives, the Mexicans and Indians as well as the new Texicans.
With 20 pages to go in this relatively short tale of 160 pages, there were about a half a dozen outstanding story lines that needed resolved. I was sure it was going to ‘be continued’ but heck if Elmer didn’t neatly wrap it up.
Onto the next tale of the Prairie !
Larry was right, I never had heard of Elmer. As these things go, once you learn of something, it starts showing up in your life. Appropriately I was in a classic, musty, dusty, junk, ‘antique’ and book store housed in a 100 year old building in Taylor, Texas and picked up 3 Elmer Kelton paperbacks, all as musty as the store itself, owner said, 2 dollars, I said, I’ll take ‘em.
They were all published in the ’70s, with their yellowed pages, and glue dissolving from the tender bindings, I first read ‘After the Bugles’. The center of the tale is the Buckalew family as it struggles to find its way back to their homes in the aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto and start of Texas Independence from Mexico.
(Funny the bold headline on the back cover says ‘The Civil War was over’ so I was expecting Blue-Gray tale, no fault of Elmer’s I’m sure, some intern marketing person probably wrote it).
The Buckalews are joined by other families and scurrilous characters on their journey. The reading is good and accurate historical fiction as it gives insight to various perspectives, the Mexicans and Indians as well as the new Texicans.
With 20 pages to go in this relatively short tale of 160 pages, there were about a half a dozen outstanding story lines that needed resolved. I was sure it was going to ‘be continued’ but heck if Elmer didn’t neatly wrap it up.
Onto the next tale of the Prairie !
August 4, 2016
When I started this book I had not realized it was the second book of a duo. The set is called “Texas Sunrise” and consists of two books “Massacre at Goliad” and “After the Bugles”.
“After the Bugles” continues where “The Massacre of Goliad” ends on the battlefield at San Jacinto. The stories are about two brothers, Thomas and Joshua Buckalew; Thomas is killed in the war and Joshua continues on home to rebuild the ranch accompanied by his best friend Ramon Hernandez. The three of them fought side by side for Texas’ Independence. Joshua attempts to put his life together after the war but finds starting over difficult. In trying to rebuild the ranch Joshua and Ramon have to deal with outlaws, Comanche, cheating opportunists and most of all racism against his Mexican friends. I recently read a book about the difficulty men had trying to return to “normal” life after the Civil War and this one is similar but deals with the Texas fight for independence.
The books are well written and as with all the Kelton books I have read the characters are colorful and well developed. The story is fast paced and packed with action; the plot is carefully thought out. Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) was an award winning western author. Kelton did extensive research about the Texas Revolution and in particular the Massacre at Goliad. I enjoyed learning more about the history of Goliad.
Graham Winton does a good job narrating the story. Winton is an actor who also narrates audiobooks.
“After the Bugles” continues where “The Massacre of Goliad” ends on the battlefield at San Jacinto. The stories are about two brothers, Thomas and Joshua Buckalew; Thomas is killed in the war and Joshua continues on home to rebuild the ranch accompanied by his best friend Ramon Hernandez. The three of them fought side by side for Texas’ Independence. Joshua attempts to put his life together after the war but finds starting over difficult. In trying to rebuild the ranch Joshua and Ramon have to deal with outlaws, Comanche, cheating opportunists and most of all racism against his Mexican friends. I recently read a book about the difficulty men had trying to return to “normal” life after the Civil War and this one is similar but deals with the Texas fight for independence.
The books are well written and as with all the Kelton books I have read the characters are colorful and well developed. The story is fast paced and packed with action; the plot is carefully thought out. Elmer Kelton (1926-2009) was an award winning western author. Kelton did extensive research about the Texas Revolution and in particular the Massacre at Goliad. I enjoyed learning more about the history of Goliad.
Graham Winton does a good job narrating the story. Winton is an actor who also narrates audiobooks.
July 16, 2023
The sequel to *Massacre at Goliad* and probably a better novel. This is just a good, clean, enjoyable western, and the character development is better than the first novel in the series. There’s never anything earth shattering about Kelton’s books, but they are always good. Clean fun.
June 15, 2015
This is a sequel to "massacre at goliad". You can find both books in the title "Texas Sunrise". Both good stories and I believe they are fairly accurate for being historical fiction. I truly enjoy Elmer Kelton.
March 23, 2017
This book was written fifty years ago and reflects the style of writing from that era. The story follows a pattern in which the reader is provided enough foreshadowing to pretty much expect what happens. Also the reader is assured that all is going to turn out well in the end.
But I read such historical novels for two reasons. One is definitely for the sake of a good tale. Secondly and more importantly is for the history of the period. So even though I did find the story captivating I found the history interesting and informative.
Santa Anna has just been defeated at San Jacinto and the Texas soldiers are all headed home knowing they will find their homes burned, farming equipment destroyed and crops and livestock stolen. They will all be starting over but first they have to get there.
Between them and home are remnants of Santa Anna’s army that do not yet know of the defeat and are determined to kill every rebel they come across. Besides this danger is the marauding groups of misfits who make their meager living off of killing others in order to take what little they may yet possess.
Since the people in this story reside in northwest Texas they face a third danger…Comanches!
This is Texas as it was then; violent, unforgiving and completely void of law.
I found it Interesting also the number of Hispanics that found with Sam Houston against Santa Anna. Many of them had resided in Texas for generations of families and did not feel any ties with the country of Mexico in which most have never even visited. Unfortunately many of the returning Texans did not distinguish between these “Mexicans” and the Mexican soldiers. They lumped them all together and were determined to rid the land of them as they had Santa Anna’s army.
Along with these details, the reader is informed of how the houses were built and defended, how the crops & gardens were planted, armaments used to protect themselves and the strength of the families to stay together in the very face of inevitable deaths from accidents, illnesses and enemies.
So, I found the book satisfying enough as a tale but very informative from the standpoint of history which makes this a worthwhile read.
But I read such historical novels for two reasons. One is definitely for the sake of a good tale. Secondly and more importantly is for the history of the period. So even though I did find the story captivating I found the history interesting and informative.
Santa Anna has just been defeated at San Jacinto and the Texas soldiers are all headed home knowing they will find their homes burned, farming equipment destroyed and crops and livestock stolen. They will all be starting over but first they have to get there.
Between them and home are remnants of Santa Anna’s army that do not yet know of the defeat and are determined to kill every rebel they come across. Besides this danger is the marauding groups of misfits who make their meager living off of killing others in order to take what little they may yet possess.
Since the people in this story reside in northwest Texas they face a third danger…Comanches!
This is Texas as it was then; violent, unforgiving and completely void of law.
I found it Interesting also the number of Hispanics that found with Sam Houston against Santa Anna. Many of them had resided in Texas for generations of families and did not feel any ties with the country of Mexico in which most have never even visited. Unfortunately many of the returning Texans did not distinguish between these “Mexicans” and the Mexican soldiers. They lumped them all together and were determined to rid the land of them as they had Santa Anna’s army.
Along with these details, the reader is informed of how the houses were built and defended, how the crops & gardens were planted, armaments used to protect themselves and the strength of the families to stay together in the very face of inevitable deaths from accidents, illnesses and enemies.
So, I found the book satisfying enough as a tale but very informative from the standpoint of history which makes this a worthwhile read.
September 20, 2018
This book Took me by surprise. It isn’t just a Western. It isn’t one of those books that follows the typical formula we’re almost any characters could be dropped in to take each other‘s places. Yes, it is a Western Inn it’s setting and it style. It just goes deeper into character development and into the thought process that goes into the decisions the characters make.
This book was written several decades ago, but it feels like it was written to address some of the racial issues we are dealing with today. The story got under my skin, convicting my heart in several places, helping me see God’s word come to life in the actions of people who are truly struggling. It felt like the author was issuing me a personal challenge to move beyond my past, to make the next leap though it was going to be a long one. Yet he wasn’t preaching or dispensing airy fairy advice. His characters showed their pain, anger, and unwillingness to forgive in a very clear way that wasn’t prettied up at all.
I didn’t expect any of this when I began to read the story. I thought I was just going to read a fun Western. My experience was so much more than that. The authors words reach down and helped me take another step toward healing and forgiving. He didn’t make any promises other than that I might find peace.
I don’t usually read books multiple times. I think I’ll make an exception with this one.
This book was written several decades ago, but it feels like it was written to address some of the racial issues we are dealing with today. The story got under my skin, convicting my heart in several places, helping me see God’s word come to life in the actions of people who are truly struggling. It felt like the author was issuing me a personal challenge to move beyond my past, to make the next leap though it was going to be a long one. Yet he wasn’t preaching or dispensing airy fairy advice. His characters showed their pain, anger, and unwillingness to forgive in a very clear way that wasn’t prettied up at all.
I didn’t expect any of this when I began to read the story. I thought I was just going to read a fun Western. My experience was so much more than that. The authors words reach down and helped me take another step toward healing and forgiving. He didn’t make any promises other than that I might find peace.
I don’t usually read books multiple times. I think I’ll make an exception with this one.
January 25, 2025
This book picks up the Josh Buckalew story immediately after the Battle of San Jacinto. It follows Josh and his neighbor and friend, Ramon Hernandez, as they make their way home. Where the first book was told from Josh's perspective, this book is third-person multiple views, so we get action and insight into other characters.
On their way across Texas from San Jacinto to the Colorado river, Josh and Ramon experience open hostility and racism from stray Mexican troops and other Anglo-travelers. They must forge unlikely partnerships for safety in numbers and this offers an opportunity to get into the minds of others and understand how their personal experiences and perceptions served as motivation for their outward attitudes.
My son vehemently did not like the ending of this book! He did not understand how a person with one mindset and outward way could change. And I'll agree with him that the author did not do this as strongly as he could have. I wasn't able to accurately predict the ending as early as I usually would. (So the author kept me intrigued, but it still was hard to accept.)
Note: the audiobook narrator was different from the first book.
On their way across Texas from San Jacinto to the Colorado river, Josh and Ramon experience open hostility and racism from stray Mexican troops and other Anglo-travelers. They must forge unlikely partnerships for safety in numbers and this offers an opportunity to get into the minds of others and understand how their personal experiences and perceptions served as motivation for their outward attitudes.
My son vehemently did not like the ending of this book! He did not understand how a person with one mindset and outward way could change. And I'll agree with him that the author did not do this as strongly as he could have. I wasn't able to accurately predict the ending as early as I usually would. (So the author kept me intrigued, but it still was hard to accept.)
Note: the audiobook narrator was different from the first book.
September 5, 2023
AFTER THE BUGLES is a nostalgic, historical glimpse of the 1830s western development of the republic of Texas following Sam Houston's victory at San Jacinto. Elmer Kelton provides a good, clean western novel with a "Little House on the Prairie" feel. The storyline involves the prejudices and racial conflicts of this western territory and their subsequent resolutions. 4.5 rating
March 15, 2019
Awesome authentic western voice. Historical fiction with characters that sound very alive. I have visited the Alamo and Goliad as a tourist but never truly knew the background story, this brings it to life!
June 10, 2017
I was a bit surprised at the end of the book, but that's just all the better, in my opinion.
July 10, 2017
This is a great study of racism immediately after the Mexican-American War. The Americans have to learn to overcome their hatred against the Mexicans. This book is always timely.
August 26, 2022
I read this two weeks ago and noted that i liked it but I remember nothing about it now.
November 25, 2024
Cowboys and Indians post Alamo. Who would have thought such a story would be so engaging; and though short, it's a series of three, so I will get to spend more time with these new characters.
August 4, 2025
Completing the Buckalew family saga.
December 3, 2020
Actually reading the Ballantine 2nd printing paperback of March 1974 with cover art by Frank McCarthy. Brother-in-law (serious about his westerns) had a family member recently pass away and handed this off to me with three others. My first Kelton. Well written. I'd done a little research on him earlier and I'll be adding some of his other works to the 'want' to read list.
July 4, 2013
After The Bugles (1967)
This is a very strong Elmer Kelton historical western, taking place just after the Alamo and the battles of Goliad and San Jacinto. It manages to skirt the genre’s conventions—the final action climax, rescues, the hero getting the girl, but also does much of its best work outside those conventions. Its real concern is racial tensions and it explores these through the lives and turmoils of characters who are real people. One character here in particular has aspects of both the traditional hero and villain, performs early on in the book deeds often associated with both heroes and villains, but ends up exorcising his racist demons. The story also follows two sets of lovers and does surprising things with their relationships. As always historical accuracy, as far as this eastern born suburban boy, is honored. Well done,Elmer
This is a very strong Elmer Kelton historical western, taking place just after the Alamo and the battles of Goliad and San Jacinto. It manages to skirt the genre’s conventions—the final action climax, rescues, the hero getting the girl, but also does much of its best work outside those conventions. Its real concern is racial tensions and it explores these through the lives and turmoils of characters who are real people. One character here in particular has aspects of both the traditional hero and villain, performs early on in the book deeds often associated with both heroes and villains, but ends up exorcising his racist demons. The story also follows two sets of lovers and does surprising things with their relationships. As always historical accuracy, as far as this eastern born suburban boy, is honored. Well done,Elmer
September 20, 2023
The sequel to Massacre at Goliad (my review #182), "After the Bugles" picks up where Josh Buckalew and his friend Ramon Hernandez left off. They are making their way back home across the new Republic of Texas after the Battle of San Jacinto freed the territory from Mexico.
Where "Goliad" was set in the war-torn Texas landscape as the Texas Revolution was happening, "Bugles" has a reconstruction feel to it with the war's survivors fending off scavengers, bandits, Comanches, and racists as they try to pick up the pieces and move on.
Verdict: A good western with the usual tropes, some interesting characters; standard Kelton fare but with a large Zane Grey influence with regard to some romantic feels that seem to come out of nowhere.
Jeff's Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
Where "Goliad" was set in the war-torn Texas landscape as the Texas Revolution was happening, "Bugles" has a reconstruction feel to it with the war's survivors fending off scavengers, bandits, Comanches, and racists as they try to pick up the pieces and move on.
Verdict: A good western with the usual tropes, some interesting characters; standard Kelton fare but with a large Zane Grey influence with regard to some romantic feels that seem to come out of nowhere.
Jeff's Rating: 4 / 5 (Very Good)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
Want to Read
January 27, 2013Liked the cover, and I have another book by this author on my TBR mountain, Hot Iron, and it was only a dollar or so, so I went ahead and got it.
Read
April 23, 2011A fun read, set in Texas right after they gain their independence from Mexico. This is the first time I read this author and I look forward to reading more.
May 17, 2013
My 277 page Large Print is 1987 Paperback. Was an enjoyable read, I 2nd the other reviews.
October 22, 2016
I listened to the cdaudio version of this title and really enjoyed the narrator Graham Winton. Good book! I'm going to keep going in this series.
December 2, 2022
A lovely sequel to “Massacre At Goliad.” Kelton in top form. You can see him building towards his 70’s masterpieces.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews