One of the top neo western novels is 'The Power of the Dog' by Thomas Savage. It delves deep into the relationships and power dynamics on a Montana ranch. The story is filled with secrets and hidden motives. 'The Revenant' by Michael Punke is also great. Based on a true story, it shows the harshness of the wilderness and a man's struggle for survival. Additionally, 'Appaloosa' by Robert B. Parker presents a story of lawmen in a western town, with all the typical elements like gunfights and outlaws, but told in a fresh way.
Neo western novels often blend traditional western elements like cowboys, the frontier, and gunfights with modern themes. For example, they might incorporate contemporary social issues or modern technology into the story. They also may have more complex characters compared to traditional westerns, with a deeper exploration of their inner thoughts and motives.
For beginners, I'd suggest 'The Sisters Brothers'. It has a lot of humor which makes it accessible, and the story moves at a good pace. 'All the Pretty Horses' is also a good choice. Cormac McCarthy's writing is beautiful, and the story of the young man's adventures in Mexico is both exciting and thought - provoking. Also, 'Winter in the Blood' can be a good starting point as it offers a unique view of the west that might be different from what you expect.
There's Thomas Berger. His work 'Little Big Man' is a great example of a neo western novel. It deconstructs the traditional western hero and shows the more complex and often absurd side of the western experience. Also, Jim Harrison with his works that often blend the wildness of the West with a more modern, philosophical view. His characters are often in search of something deeper in the midst of the western landscape, whether it's self - discovery or a connection to nature. These authors have all contributed to the development and popularity of neo western novels.
The characteristics often include modern takes on the Western setting. There's a blend of traditional Western elements like deserts, cowboys, and saloons, but with a new perspective. It might involve complex characters with more nuanced moralities compared to the classic Western heroes. For example, a neo - western short story could have a cowboy who is also an environmentalist, challenging the old - fashioned view of cowboys just being about taming the land.
One of the best Neo - Victorian novels is 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' by Alan Moore. It combines various Victorian literary characters in a unique and adventurous story. Another great one is 'Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke. It delves deep into a world of English magic during the Victorian era. Also, 'The Prestige' by Christopher Priest has elements of Neo - Victorianism with its themes of rivalry and mystery set against a Victorian - like backdrop.
One of the best neo noir novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features a complex detective story with a hard - boiled protagonist, Marlowe, and a web of mystery and intrigue in a seedy underworld.
'A Contract with God' by Will Eisner is also considered a classic in the neo noir graphic novel genre. It was one of the first graphic novels and it has a dark, moody atmosphere. It tells the story of a man's struggle with faith, life, and the corrupt world around him.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a classic that vividly portrays the Old West with its complex characters and their adventures. Another might be 'The Ox - Bow Incident' which delves into themes of justice and mob mentality in a western setting. 'True Grit' is also great, following a young girl's quest for vengeance with the help of a tough U.S. Marshal.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry. It's a classic that vividly depicts the American West with its complex characters and epic storylines.
Another notable novel is 'The Ox - Bow Incident' by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. This novel delves deep into the moral and ethical issues that could arise in the lawless western environment. It's not just about the typical western action but also makes you think about right and wrong, making it a very thought - provoking read among the best of Western Writers of America's works.