True Grit

True Grit by Charles Portis (1968) As much as I loved this book, it’s crazy that it’s not even my favorite book by Charles Portis (that would be Dog of the South) and also, I might add, I intend to read it still… as I listened to the audiobook—which I liked so much, I listened to it twice—without a lot of time in-between. I had the book kicking around for a while, and while I read three other Portis books, I had trouble finding enthusiasm for starting this one—only because there were two movies based on it and I’d seen each of them countless times—both good, and very different—as is the book. Everyone knows the story. (If you, for some reason, don’t, stop reading this now and consider yourself the luckiest person in the world—who gets to approach this book with an open mind! Probably read it first, then listen to the audio book, then watch each of the movies. Your evening’s planned out!) It’s interesting, because Rooster Cogburn is the star, the center of the story—but the real star, and real center of the story is 14-year-old Mattie Ross, and the book is from her point of view and in her voice. And I never ceased being surprised by her—how brash and funny she is. I read somewhere that the Coen Brothers were worried when casting her part—the entire movie hinged on that actor. Fortunately, it was well-cast, as was the earlier film version. As good as both of those actresses were, they’re eclipsed by Donna Tartt, reading the audiobook, as her voice and inflections I found perfect for the character—it’s possible she improves on it. There’s an essay of hers (likely in later editions of the book) which she reads at the end of the audiobook—well worth staying around for. It’s probably why I soon listened to the whole thing again. And also, still intend to read it.

4.3.25