James Fenimoore Cooper provides an intricate and violent tale of family, pride, romance, and cultural tension set against the historical backdrop of the French Indian War.
Thanks for taking the time to read. Both are fantastic and well worth the time I think. Daniel Day Lewis is fantastic in the role of Hawkeye in the film, which is fitting since he was frequently jockeying for the position of "favorite character in the book" alongside Heyward and Cora.
I'm looking forward to seeing how those hold up in comparison, since the chronological order of the stories isn't the order in which Cooper wrote them. The Last of the Mohicans is the second one he wrote if memory serves, so it'll be interesting to see how The Deerslayer reads in comparison, being the earliest chronologically, but the fourth or fifth one written.
I was highly anticipating this review and was very excited to find that you posted it. Hearing your high view of it is also very encouraging; I will definitely have to start reading it soon. I was intimidated by Mark Twain's review of the writing being long-winded, but it definitely seems worth any wading through long stretches of writing. Interesting to hear about the footnotes, though.
Interesting aside; in one of C.S. Lewis's writings, he mentions the Leatherstocking tales. He was talking with one of his American students who had brought the book with him and really enjoyed it, but Lewis himself couldn't get into the story as much. Wish I could remember more context or verify this somehow; it might have been an essay where he discussed classical vs modern criticism of books or where he was discussed American vs British literary audiences.
On Natty Bumppo being mentioned in the film adaptation, I also remember reading somewhere that his name was purposefully changed to Nathaniel Poe because the director was afraid audiences wouldn't take him seriously as a protagonist with his original name. Again, I can't find the source now, unfortunately.
Thank you. I'm pleased you found the review so helpful.
That aside about Lewis is certainly curious. It leaves me to wonder why he didn't resonate with the book quite so well. Not because I don't see why it might not appeal, everyone has their tastes. I'll have to see if I can find where he discusses this. I'd certainly like to read what he has to say about it.
It's been a while since I last saw the movie so that might be more present there. It was pleasantly surprising for me to find that I didn't catch much of that feeling in the book. There are still moments of it here and there, but on the whole I found Cooper's portrayal of the people involved to be pretty well balanced thanks to how he clearly sets up the cast's motivations.
I've got the book and read it once upon a time. I think it's time to give it a re-read.
I've actually never read the book or seen the movie. I think I will now. Well done on not spoiling it either.
Thanks for taking the time to read. Both are fantastic and well worth the time I think. Daniel Day Lewis is fantastic in the role of Hawkeye in the film, which is fitting since he was frequently jockeying for the position of "favorite character in the book" alongside Heyward and Cora.
The only other book I've re-read more times than this one is my favorite Sandokan story by Emilio Salgari :)
Can't wait to read this. Last of the Mohicans was my favorite book for a good chunk of my life.
Having finally read it, I can see why. It sits as one of my top 5 now.
Dude, I was so enthralled with this book that I wrote a short story sequel to it for a class assignment in 8th grade 😅
Of course, it was after that I learned about the existence of the rest of The Leatherstocking Tales 😳
I'm looking forward to seeing how those hold up in comparison, since the chronological order of the stories isn't the order in which Cooper wrote them. The Last of the Mohicans is the second one he wrote if memory serves, so it'll be interesting to see how The Deerslayer reads in comparison, being the earliest chronologically, but the fourth or fifth one written.
I was highly anticipating this review and was very excited to find that you posted it. Hearing your high view of it is also very encouraging; I will definitely have to start reading it soon. I was intimidated by Mark Twain's review of the writing being long-winded, but it definitely seems worth any wading through long stretches of writing. Interesting to hear about the footnotes, though.
Interesting aside; in one of C.S. Lewis's writings, he mentions the Leatherstocking tales. He was talking with one of his American students who had brought the book with him and really enjoyed it, but Lewis himself couldn't get into the story as much. Wish I could remember more context or verify this somehow; it might have been an essay where he discussed classical vs modern criticism of books or where he was discussed American vs British literary audiences.
On Natty Bumppo being mentioned in the film adaptation, I also remember reading somewhere that his name was purposefully changed to Nathaniel Poe because the director was afraid audiences wouldn't take him seriously as a protagonist with his original name. Again, I can't find the source now, unfortunately.
Great review!
Thank you. I'm pleased you found the review so helpful.
That aside about Lewis is certainly curious. It leaves me to wonder why he didn't resonate with the book quite so well. Not because I don't see why it might not appeal, everyone has their tastes. I'll have to see if I can find where he discusses this. I'd certainly like to read what he has to say about it.
If I ever find it again, I’ll let you know.
I'll get this. Haven't read book or seen movie. Thought it was another noble Indian thing.
It's been a while since I last saw the movie so that might be more present there. It was pleasantly surprising for me to find that I didn't catch much of that feeling in the book. There are still moments of it here and there, but on the whole I found Cooper's portrayal of the people involved to be pretty well balanced thanks to how he clearly sets up the cast's motivations.