Little Big Man: Amazon.ca: Thomas Berger: Books

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23 Reviews

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4.8 out of 5 stars (23 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars The Funniest Tragedy I Have Ever Read, Jun 5 2003

By	Alios (New York State) - See all my reviews

A plodding first chapter by the fictional author of a fictional biography, is necessary because it prepares us for the story of Jack Crabb, Little Big Man. With the second chapter the hilarity begins (with some lapses in the regional speech). There is a minimum of a laugh per page. The tragedy is a man caught between two cultures. He admires the Cheyenne, his adoptive people, but is carrying so much baggage from his original upbringing that he feels shame and guilt. Consequently he belongs to neither. He is a man lost to both as circumstance moves him back and forth between them. The book is culturally, but not historically accurate. Still I believe it ranks with the best American fiction.

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5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest American novels, Jan 5 2003

By	J. Remington "John Remington" (Adams, Oregon USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Long before Micheal Blake's politically correct tome "Dances With Wolves" gave voice to other side of the American West, Thomas Berger wrote the expertly crafted, humourous, tragic and down right entertaining "Little Big Man". Written in 1965, when it was still fashionable to portray the Native American as a "in the way savage", Berger deftly blended the genres of tall tale and history in a manner that really has yet to be matched.

The character of Jack Crabb is cut of classic cloth. His story may very well be pure hogwash, but it is filled with touching humanity that underpins all the comedy. Berger portrays The Cheyenne people, or the "Human Beings" as possessing many of the same foibles and warts as their European counterparts. They are not painted as noble savages as in Blake's new agey work, but rather as complex characters deserving of respect and honor.

Berger's General Custer is a wry study of madness that somehow avoids cynicism. One of this book's many virtues lies in its ability to lend the Western myth a critical eye, while avoiding the nihilistic pessimism that frequently goes hand in hand with such work (something the film version couldn't avoid).

"Little Big Man" is a must read to all who love good yarns spun with a big heart and a bigger mind.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Forrest Gump in the Old West -- only better!, Jun 24 2002

By	Richard E. Hourula (Berkeley, CA. United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What great fun to follow the amazing adventures of Jack Crabb. From a wagon train in the 1840's through Custer's Last Stand in 1876, the narrator shares tales of his journeys in the Old West.
It's actually a simple premise. 111 year old man recounts first third of life, much of which was spent living with the Cheyenne Indians. Journeys include encounters with Wild Bill Hickock, Wyatt Earp and George Armstrong Custer. Simple idea but to pull it off is another matter entirely. Berger succeeds. Crabb is an engaging character whose wit and wisdom permeate the narrative.
The reader also becomes familiar with an important slice of American History, gaining a fresh perspective on the tragic fate of native tribes. This is not a strictly politcally correct interpretation but it is senstivie, and realistic.
Coincidental encounters are so frequent as to become expected but they always delight. "Little Big Man" is thought provoking, educational and most of all a whole lot of fun.
(The 1969 movie of the same name starring Dustin Hoffman, is a nice supplement to the book, whether seen before reading the book , after, or during.)

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book for Old West fans!
Mr. Berger writes a fabulous, highly improbable story -and records an accurately portrayed (for the era), yet extremely readable social account at the same time. Read more

Published on Jun 17 2002 by Emuru

3.0 out of 5 stars A tall tale about a kid who is raised by injuns.
Little Big Man is a great book for a fun read. I had to read it for a class which pressured me to read it in a certain amount of time so I wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I... Read more

Published on Feb 15 2002 by Shrimpy McMichealson

5.0 out of 5 stars HUMOR AND HISTORY
Thomas Berger's Little Big Man, when written, was 20 years ahead of its time. What we now take for granted, i.e. Read more

Published on Mar 20 2001 by MARY E. RILEY