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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My word, James Lee Burke can write!

His writing is truly a work of art.

When it comes to crime fiction, there is no doubt that he stands out as one of the most talented and lyrical writers in the genre.

His ability to paint vivid pictures with words, to create complex and memorable characters, and to tell a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat is simply remarkable.

Whether you're a fan of crime fiction or not, you can't help but be impressed by the beauty and power of Burke's writing.

So if you haven't read any of his books yet, I highly recommend that you do.

You won't be disappointed.

I have read the second installment in this series and I am truly in love with the work of James Lee Burke.

The first book in the Hackberry Holland series was, for me, a fascinating historical journey through the 1970s. It vividly depicted the activities of the Farmworker's union, which was a significant part of that era.

Moreover, it served as a grim reminder of political corruption, a theme that is unfortunately still relevant today.

The horrors of being a prisoner of war were also portrayed in a very realistic and heart-wrenching way.

James Lee Burke has a remarkable ability to bring history to life and make the reader feel as if they are a part of it. His writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, and I cannot wait to read more of his work.

I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or just a good story in general.

I read this particular piece after I had already read Rain Gods.

It marks the onset of Hack's adulthood, a time when he rejects the notions of success and corruption that seem to be thrust upon him, despite his full awareness that he is a flawed and error-prone individual.

When read in conjunction with Rain Gods, this book bears a resemblance to Henry V. In Henry V, at the end of the play, during the magnificent ceremony, there is a note of caution.

It shows that things have a tendency to erode and fall apart, and we, too, deteriorate along with our world.

If our souls are to follow the path of our bodies, then what becomes of us?

It makes one wonder about the consequences and the meaning of our existence in a world that is constantly changing and decaying.

These thoughts linger in the mind, making us reflect on our own choices and the direction our lives are taking.

It is a powerful and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impression.

I'm giving it three stars because his writing is beautiful.

This is a hard book to explain. It's a story, yes, but it's not tightly structured in the way we are accustomed to stories being tight. Instead, it's more of a character study and a vivid description of locations and interesting minor characters. You are right there with Hack, seeing everything clearly through his eyes. It's not that it isn't interesting, but the plot doesn't conform to what one typically expects in a plot.

It sort of meanders through some of the big events in Hack's life, vividly showing us his background in the war and his relationships with the people in his life. However, in the end, it doesn't really come together into something that I could really sink my teeth into. Then again, that's a bit the way life is, with one event after another, some bigger, some smaller, all moving along at a rapid pace.

This book was originally published in 1971. He uses language that we no longer use and might even consider offensive, but those were the words used in the early 70s. They were jarring, but not the author's fault. Hack is not a racist and is actually standing up for the decent rights of farm workers, but he is still describing his world through the eyes of someone from that era. There was also a lot of "not trying to look at her breasts" kind of thing, which I almost feel was added just to have something there that involved sex. It was very random.

I loved Burke's 'Wayfaring Stranger', and although the writing in this book is just as beautiful, I didn't close the book and say 'wow'.