Billy Gashade

An American Epic

By: Loren Estleman

Narrated by: George Guidall

Loren D. Estleman, one of America’s most critically acclaimed authors, is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award nominee who has won three Shamuses, four Golden Spurs, and three Western Heritage Awards.

One of Estleman’s most unique works, Billy Gashade follows the adventures of a 16-year-old vagabond who wanders the Old West, crossing paths with such legends as “Billy the Kid,” Jesse James, Chief Crazy Horse, and “Wild Bill” Hickok.

©1997 Loren D. Estleman (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Forrest Gump in the Old West

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. Good Western with good narration

Who was your favorite character and why?

Billy is the star

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His voice gives depth to some otherwise stereotypical characters

Maybe I missed something?

I acquired this novel because I so much appreciated Journey of the Dead and Johnny Vermillion, both of which were excellent, both as verbal constructs and as audio presentations: Two very different works that are tied together in my mind by a recognizable intelligence.

Gashade, though, is oddly vacuous: both the person and the novel. I wish I could say otherwise.

Guidall is excellent, though, as always; and there are, truly, many interesting moments in this novel.

Billy Gashade

This is a thoroughly entertaining fictional narrative wriiten against a historical tapestry. Anyone who grew up appreciating the wild west and its characters should enjoy it. The narrator is excellent.