“True Grit”  by Charles Portis

2011 Book Review #49

REMEMBER THE MOVIE WITH JOHN WAYNE, GLEN CAMPBELL AND KIM DARBY?

Summary:

True Grit is Portis’ most famous novel-- first published in 1968, and the basis for the movie of the same name starring John Wayne and now the film by the Coen brothers starring Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon. 

It tells the story of  Mattie Ross, who is just fourteen years of age when a coward going by the name of Tom Chaney shoots her father down in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and robs him of his life, his horse, and $150 in cash money.

Mattie leaves home to avenge her father's blood. With the one-eyed Rooster Cogburn, the meanest available U.S. Marshal, by her side, Mattie pursues the homicide into Indian Territory.  True Grit is eccentric, cool, straight, and unflinching, like Mattie herself.

My Thoughts:  I remember the movie and really enjoyed reading the book that started it!

An added enjoyment relates to the fact that I lived for 5 years in Ft. Smith, Ark and still have family there!