Entertaining, though not terrific - it seemed like it was trying to be more than it was. I bet it would make a pretty good movie, but as a western book it was far less compelling than, say, Cormac McCarthy.

I liked the book well enough in its characterizations, but the plot was a bit strange, and almost felt like it was beside the point. It didn't really matter what happened; the point was to spend some time with the Sisters brothers, and to see them in different situations. I really liked Eli's voice, his observations and philosophizing. I didn't enjoy so much the casual violence against people and animals.

It's dark and funny - almost like a treatment for a Coen brothers film.

This book is highly over-rated. It's mildly amusing, not that interesting and the characters are not deserving of a readers empathy. Save yourself some time and get another book.

Someone in FastCompany Jan 2013 made it sound interesting

I'm not usually one who likes Westerns, but this book is strangely captivating. Beyond commentary into the crazy mentality of the people during the gold rush era, the book dives deep into the relationship between two brothers living in a world that is dangerous and so very strange from our lives. Interesting turn of events, some parts are simply hilarious. The book is hard to put down at times.

An interesting take on the great american western that reads almost like a string of short vignettes. Eli is a terrific narrator at once compassionate and kind as he is brutal and icy. Dark, funny and interesting.

Reads like a post-modernist style Western. The simplistic narrative style reminded me strongly of Spencer Quinn’s Chet & Bernie series, without the charming naiveté. Not nearly as funny or well-written as I was expecting.

A delightfully quirky Western. The highly original cover drew me in. Wonderful cock-eyed humour throughout kept me reading on to the satisfying conclusion.

How this book could have won an award puzzles me. In my opinion it is a stupid piece of infantile writing.