I never read a western before. It wouldn't have normally been my choice of book. I liked this one. A refreshing and original read.

This book is highly over-rated. It's mildly amusing, not that interesting and the characters are not deserving of a readers empathy. Save yourself some time and get another book.

I'm reading this book right now and I've found it quite entertaining. Definitely an easy read but it's a fun book.... Not for the weak of heart perhaps and it will not lead to a euphoric epiphany.... But enjoyable :)

I'm not usually one who likes Westerns, but this book is strangely captivating. Beyond commentary into the crazy mentality of the people during the gold rush era, the book dives deep into the relationship between two brothers living in a world that is dangerous and so very strange from our lives. Interesting turn of events, some parts are simply hilarious. The book is hard to put down at times.

I strongly disliked this novel. I found it to be slow, dull, poorly constructed and lacking a plot. Upon reading that it was written in the form of a picaresque novel, I got more of a sense of what the author was attempting, however, I still found that the novel was unsuccessful in living up to the genre. Too many plot lines were dropped, the weak attempts at humor revolved primarily around bodily fluids and the characters showed little growth. I do think that it could make an entertaining movie though.

Really funny quick read about two stereo-typical cowboys that are trying to make it rich, while working as hired hit men.

DeWitt uses subtle humour, mostly via dialogue, and he included just the right amount of history about the gold rush for me. But I found the character development and the direction of the plot too obvious. I knew early on what the ending would be.

what is all the fuss about this book? i did get thru it in 3 days which doesn't mean that it was great but it was written so simply that a 12 year old could absorb it. there are humourous bits but also violence. not a book for horse lovers. not a book that makes one 'stop and think'.

I was immediately taken in by the characters and the dark sense of humor with which the author describes and tells the story. It also gives an interesting perspective to the Gold Rush. How it captured the imagination and drove certain people to invest every ounce of their effort towards it, which drove some people to desperate means and ends.

Even if you don't like Westerns, give this novel a chance. Narrated in a polite and formal voice, it's not a typical Western. Eli is such a sympathetic character, I was drawn in from the first sentence. Normally, I am an Austen fan. If I liked this book, so will you.