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Hackberry Holland #1

Lay Down My Sword And Shield

james lee burke

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Hackberry Holland, cousin of beloved James Lee Burke hero Billy Bob Holland, made his debut in this novel, Lay Down My Sword and Shield, which was originally published in 1971, and it's now been re-released in trade paperback. Fans can learn about Hack’s colorful history, forged against the backdrop of the civil rights era.

In hot and sultry Texas, Hack, an attorney and Korean War POW, is being pushed by his wife, his brother, and his so-called friends in the oil business to run for political office. But Hack would prefer to drink, look after his beloved horses, and represent the occasional long-shot pro bono case at his law firm. When Hack attempts to overturn a conviction for an old army buddy, he finds himself embroiled in the seamy underbelly of the Texas patronage system—and in the earliest beginnings of the United Farm Workers movement, led by a beautiful woman who speaks to his heart in a way no one else has. As Hack begins to bring justice to the underserved, he finds both a new love and a new purpose.

With his skillful blend of engaging plotlines, compelling characters, and graceful prose, James Lee Burke demonstrates the shimmering clarity of vision that has made him beloved by suspense fans all over the globe.

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1,1971
Series
Hackberry Holland

This edition

Format
320 pages, Paperback
Published
January 1, 2003 by Orion
ISBN
9780752842691
ASIN
0752842692
Language
English

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About the author

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james lee burke

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James Lee Burke is an American author best known for his mysteries, particularly the Dave Robicheaux series. He has twice received the Edgar Award for Best Novel, for Black Cherry Blues in 1990 and Cimarron Rose in 1998.

Burke was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up on the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. He attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Missouri, receiving a BA and MA from the latter. He has worked at a wide variety of jobs over the years, including working in the oil industry, as a reporter, and as a social worker. He was Writer in Residence at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, succeeding his good friend and posthumous Pulitzer Prize winner John Kennedy Toole, and preceding Ernest Gaines in the position. Shortly before his move to Montana, he taught for several years in the Creative Writing program at Wichita State University in the 1980s.

Burke and his wife, Pearl, split their time between Lolo, Montana, and New Iberia, Louisiana. Their daughter, Alafair Burke, is also a mystery novelist.

The book that has influenced his life the most is the 1929 family tragedy "The Sound and the Fury" by William Faulkner.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
37(37%)
4 stars
35(35%)
3 stars
28(28%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
pocketcroc
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Early writing that shows his potential but seems to be reaching. It's quite evident that the author has the makings of something great, yet there's a sense that he's stretching to get there. I really wanted to read this one before the others in the series, and I'm not sorry I did. There is a significant time gap between this and the next book, which I am starting now. I truly expect the writing to have evolved and grown to what I anticipate in a JLB book. The potential is clearly there, but it feels like it's still in the process of developing.

If this had been my first encounter with JLB's work, it might have been the last. However, having read other books in the series, I know that there is more to come and that the author has the ability to reach new heights. I'm looking forward to seeing how the writing progresses in the next installment and whether it will meet my expectations.

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octojack
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Hackberry Holland is an incredibly captivating character.

From the moment he appears on the scene, I find myself completely riveted to every word he utters and every action he takes.

He is a man who listens to no one, following his own instincts and doing precisely as he pleases.

He is the kind of individual that many of us secretly aspire to be.

Remarkably, he sacrifices a promising political career for the sake of a woman and a life filled with alcohol and liberal pursuits.

Loyalty to his friends is a defining trait of Hackberry. When an Army buddy presents him with a case, the story takes off with a thrilling momentum.

Overall, I have to admit that I enjoyed this particular tale more than many others penned by this author.

The character of Hackberry Holland adds a unique and engaging dimension to the narrative, making it a truly enjoyable read.

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Fuzzywuz_zy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Hack Holland is a hard-drinking attorney and a candidate for Congress. He has been following the plans that others have set for his life. However, he is constantly haunted by the ghosts of his past as a Korean War POW.

One day, a former Army buddy reaches out to him for help. This simple act opens the door to a whole new world for Hack. He begins to see the emerging civil rights struggle, and he takes notice of the impoverished migrant workers who toil in the fields of Texas, picking crops. Through these experiences, he discovers a new love and a new purpose in life.

James Lee Burke, as always, writes in his lyrical style. His words are so beautifully descriptive that you can't help but reread certain passages just to fully appreciate their flavor.

I suppose this means that I will have to delve deeper into his Holland family saga to learn more about these characters and their lives. I'm eager to see what other adventures and revelations await Hack and those around him.
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littleryan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I truly have an intense love for JLB and Will Patton. Their reading skills are simply beyond compare. JLB, in particular, has an amazing gift for being extremely descriptive. When you listen to JLB read, it's as if you are magically transported and are sitting right there in the middle of each and every scene, watching it unfold in the most vivid and detailed way. It's like a movie playing out in your mind, with every little nuance and emotion being brought to life. You can almost smell the air, feel the textures, and hear the sounds of the setting. It's an experience that is truly one of a kind and leaves you completely captivated and enthralled.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Ignatia
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Particularly with the passing of Cormac McCarthy,

James Lee Burke is, without a doubt, one of the top 5 best American novelists still alive.

This initial installment in the Hackberry Holland series encompasses all of Burke's characteristic themes.

It delves into how to combat the omnipresent evil in the world,

the sheer stupidity and ignorance of numerous human beings,

and grappling with one's own internal conflicts.

Burke's writing is so profound and engaging that it draws readers in and makes them reflect on the human condition.

If you have not yet had the pleasure of reading James Lee Burke,

you are truly missing out on some of the most masterful works of American literature.

His novels are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and offer valuable insights into the human psyche and the world we live in.

So, do yourself a favor and pick up one of his books today.

You won't be disappointed.

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ghoulspoons
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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James Lee Burke is widely regarded as one of the very best writers of our times. His literary works possess a unique charm and depth that sets them apart from the rest. He is truly in a league of his own.

Among the众多writers, he is one of the select few whose books I have an unwavering passion for. I am so eager to get my hands on his latest creations that I don't even bother to wait for the paperback version to be released. Instead, I毫不犹豫地purchase his books in hard cover.

The allure of his writing lies in his ability to craft vivid and engaging stories that draw readers in from the very first page. His characters are complex and believable, and his descriptions are so detailed that they仿佛transport the reader into the heart of the narrative.

In conclusion, James Lee Burke's talent and artistry make him a writer worth celebrating. His books are not just entertainment; they are works of art that deserve to be cherished and studied. I look forward to many more years of enjoying his literary masterpieces.
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Keistere
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I have a deep affection for the books written by James Lee Burke. Among them, the Robicheaux series holds a special place in my heart. However, I also take great pleasure in reading the Hackberry Holland books. Recently, I was overjoyed to come across the first installment in the Holland series, which I had never read before.

Burke's writing style is truly remarkable. It is highly descriptive and gritty, transporting the reader into the heart of the story. It's as if you're not simply reading the book, but actually living it, watching the events unfold before your eyes, and experiencing all the emotions and sensations. His books are filled with raw and visceral emotions, presenting an honest and unfiltered view of the world.

Moreover, Burke has an outstanding command of language. He knows precisely how to use words to create vivid images and evoke powerful emotions. His ability to paint a picture with words is truly a marvel. Overall, I find his books to be of the highest quality and I highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates great literature.
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Kyzan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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He's my favorite author.

When you read a Burke book, it's as if you are in a dark theater by yourself, completely surrounded and engulfed by his vivid images.

I've read all of his works, but I can only do so once every 3 - 4 months. The reason is that in the end, his message about the human condition is not a hopeful one.

Burke's writing has a profound impact on me. His descriptions are so detailed and immersive that I feel like I'm actually experiencing the scenes he描绘s.

However, the pessimistic view he presents about the human condition can be quite overwhelming at times.

Despite this, I still continue to read his books because I believe that they offer valuable insights into the human psyche and the world we live in.

His works make me think deeply about life, morality, and the meaning of it all.

In conclusion, although Burke's books may not always leave me with a positive feeling, they are an important part of my literary journey and I will continue to cherish them.
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