Westerns have always been one of the most popular genres for readers, with classics that people return to again and again. There are hundreds of titles worth picking up, from traditional cowboy stories to modern takes to life on the range. But one novel in particular is so good that readers are calling it “the best thing the genre has ever produced”.

Some say it’s so good they still remember where they were in life when they first read it. Even Stephen King once said the book is his favourite of all time, and if one of the world’s most famous authors thinks it’s that good, it’s probably worth your time.

Those who have already read it say it’s simply “unforgettable”.

One person said: “This is my top favourite book of all time. It’s been on top since I read it shortly after it came out in paperback. This is one of those great books where I remember the segment of my life while reading it.”

Another added: “It’s the best Western novel of all times and deservedly so. It is an epic book, in size and scope.”

A third said: “It’s the best thing ever written and a masterpiece. That’s all.”

The book they are talking about is Lonesome Dove, a 1985 Western epic by American writer Larry McMurtry.

It became a huge bestseller after release and went on to win the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. 

The story follows a group of retired Texas Rangers who embark on a long and dangerous cattle drive from Texas to Montana, exploring themes of friendship, ageing, love and the final years of the Old West.

McMurtry went on to release a sequel, Streets of Laredo, in 1993 and two prequels, Dead Man’s Walk (1995) and Comanche Moon (1997). 

All four books were later adapted for television. Despite the novel’s acclaim, McMurtry himself once said he was surprised by how romanticised the public response became, explaining that he had intended to write about a harsh and unforgiving time.

The book also inspired one of the most successful TV miniseries ever broadcast.

In 1989, Lonesome Dove aired as a four-part adaptation directed by Simon Wincer and starring Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. Around 26 million homes tuned in, which was an enormous number for a Western at the time.

As far as reviews go, the series has been described as “one of the best ever made”.

One person said: “Perfection. Thank you for existing.”

Another added: “If I were stuck on a desert island and could only take one ‘movie’ kind of situation.”

A third said: “Best piece of art to ever be captured on film. I watch it any chance I can. Amazing story and writing is perfect and follows the book better than anything I’ve seen.”

The miniseries earned 18 Emmy nominations and won seven of them, including Best Director. 

It also picked up two Golden Globes for Best Miniseries and Best Actor for Robert Duvall. 

Critics called it a major turning point for the genre, reviving interest in Westerns at a time when many assumed they were finished.

It remains highly rated today, with a 98% critic score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.