annieb123
Written on Jul 16, 2022
Radiant Apples is a historical novella in classic storytelling style by Joe R. Lansdale. Released 30th Nov 2022 by Subterranean Press, it's 160 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.
This is a novella of the bigger-than-real-life Nat Love and which fits into the Deadwood Dick autobiographical books by Love himself. The story is so skillfully told, it's not clear where fiction shades over into real history, but it's at least built around a framework of real characters and events. The story is taken from Mr. Love's later life, when he's in his fifties and working as a Pullman porter. Set in 1919, it explores what "might have been". It's effective and very well written.
The story itself is solid; entertaining and engaging. I read it in a single sitting and was so into the story I didn't even register the passage of time. Additionally, this edition is enhanced with beautiful interior line drawings by Ken Laager.
Five stars. Heartily recommended for western fans, as well as fans of the inimitable Lansdale. I can't say that I have -ever- read a disappointing story from him - he's a masterful storyteller and craftsman.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.