**This is a review I did for the Historical Novel Society. Now that it’s been published on their website, I can post it.
In the 1880s, Doc Holliday has done it all—dentist, outlaw, gambler, and more. But now he’s called a “lunger,” a cruel term for someone with tuberculosis, and he has traveled west to seek out a drier climate. He’s also heard of a fountain of youth that will rid him of his disease, and thus he begins a life-or-death search for a miraculous cure that eventually takes him all over the West, with stops that often end in murder and mayhem.
Along for the ride is one of Doc’s loves, a prostitute, Kate. Wyatt Earp also makes frequent appearances. As the adventure continues, Doc flashes back to his past and nears the end of his life, all the while seeking out a miracle.
This is a very gritty and realistic portrayal of the life of Doc Holliday. The description of the seedy side of the West in the 1880s evokes vivid and lasting images that transport the reader to that time and place. Holliday’s personality comes alive, for example: “Doc revered impropriety in women, so long as they were not his women.” The author does not hold back on the description of Holliday’s life, illness, fame, and sometimes murderous ways, but still manages to show a bit of dignity in the man.
The bloody effects of tuberculosis and Doc’s deterioration are described in realistic detail. The rumored fountain of youth is always just out of his grasp, “a few towns over,” just as all legends are. The reader follows Doc’s journey throughout the West until his last stop, Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and his final futile attempt to find that miraculous fountain. This book is recommended to anyone who is interested in Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, or realistic fiction about the Old West.
My rating is 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 on sites with no half-star option.
I received a free copy of this book via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Matthew Di Paoli has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize three times. He has won the Wilbur and Niso Smith Adventure Writing Prize, The Prism Review, 2 Elizabeth’s, and Momoya Review short story contests. Matthew earned his MFA in fiction at Columbia University. He’s been published in Boulevard, Fjords, Post Road, and Cleaver among others. He is the author of Holliday and the upcoming Killstanbul with Sunbury Press.
PURCHASE LINKS
Excellent review, Bonnie. It sounds very interesting to me. I’ll have to check it out.
Thanks. It’s really well done.
I don’t usually go for westerns, but this book sounds very good.
Doc Holliday was an interesting character for sure
Ooh, I think my mom would love this one! She’s been fascinated with Doc Holliday since the movie Tombstone I think. I’ll be sure to tell her about this one! Thanks for sharing!
I hope she likes it! I loved that movie too.