Page Count:  255

Author:  Elmer Kelton

Publisher:  Forge/Tom Doherty Associates

ISBN:  0-812-54019-0

Category:  Fiction

Genre:  Western

Dove's (Personal) Review:  The story of Hewey Calloway is reawakened in "The Smiling Country." It's the continuation, or Part Two, of The Good Old Boys.
     When we first met Hewey Calloway in 1906, he was a freewheeling cowboy, who refused to grow up and accept change. Now, four years later (in 1910), things are different.
     After a severe injury while breaking a spirited bronc, Hewey realizes he's getting older. He sees his future as bleak and lonely. Thoughts of Spring Renfro - the only woman he's ever loved - reenter his mind, forcing him to regret running away from her four years ago. He still loves her, but he's learned she is soon to be married to someone else.
     Regardless, he heads back to the smiling country of his West Texas home, to make a life for himself, alongside his brother, sister-in-law, and two nephews. Reunited with Spring, he soon realizes her feelings for him are still very much intact.
     Elmer Kelton has done it again with "The Smiling Country." He's delivered a powerful drama, sprinkled with humor, compassion, and western-reality that defines the Texan way of life.
     TWO-THUMBS-UP, GOLD-STAR!!!! A "Must Read" for all fans of books!