Cloudy in the West

Cloudy in the West by Elmer Kelton is everything a good western novel should be, at least in my opinion.

In 1885, Joey Shipman becomes an orphan. Though he inherits his father's farm, his evil step-mother is in charge until be comes of age. And he is only 12. When it appears that his step-mother is out to kill him to take possession of the farm, Joey runs away to look for a long lost cousin.

Cousin Beau Shipman may not be the best guardian. He is a hard working man - except when he can afford a bottle of whiskey. But soon the cousins are off on a Wild West adventure, dodging the law, meeting notorious outlaws, and finding their own way in the world. It is never quite clear who is taking care of whom, but the two eventually form a bond that makes a true family.

Cloudy in the West reminds me of a more serious and adult version of The Misadventures of Maude March. Though Joey's sarcasm is not as witty as that of Sally March, both novels are worth a read for anyone with a love of horses, adventure, or the Wild West. Cloudy is sure to become a classic that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Kelton, Elmer. (1997). Cloudy in the West. New York: Forge.