OH WHAT A SLAUGHTER Massacres in the American West 1846-1890

"Of massacre, the noun, the Oxford Dictionary suggests butchery, general slaughter, or carnage." Thus starts the latest of Pulitzer Prize winner Larry McMurtry's books about the taming of the American West. In his rich and graphic prose, he details the most famous and violent killings between 1840 and 1890. Both settlers and American Indians were victims. Narrator Michael Prichard keeps himself unemotional as he describes women's private parts being made into hatbands and Sitting Bull being shot, along with dozens of other Sioux, during his surrender at Wounded Knee. Listeners hoping for a little disgust or even excitement from the reader will never hear it. Although Prichard's distinct voice keeps a pleasant pace, he misses a sumptuous opportunity to embellish McMurtry's skill. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]