Desperadoes (Book Notes)

Desperadoes by Ron Hansen (originally released in 1979) is a riveting historical novel that tells the story of the notorious Dalton Gang, one of the most famous outlaw groups in the American Old West. Set primarily in the 1890s, the novel presents a fictionalized account of the gang’s criminal exploits, as narrated by the aging Emmett Dalton, the sole surviving member of the group.

The novel begins with Emmett, now an elderly man in the 1930s, looking back on his youth and his time with the gang. He recounts how he and his brothers - Grat, Bob, and Bill - turned to a life of crime after unsuccessful attempts at ranching and law enforcement. The Daltons, along with a few close associates, soon become notorious for their bold bank and train robberies across Oklahoma, Kansas, and California.

The Dalton brothers are motivated by both economic hardship and a desire to escape the monotony of rural life. But as they delve deeper into a life of crime, they find themselves entangled in increasingly dangerous situations. Hansen vividly depicts the chaos and violence of their robberies, the relentless pursuit by law enforcement, and the complex relationships between the gang members.

The central event in the novel is the infamous 1892 raid on two banks in Coffeyville, Kansas, where the Daltons, dressed in disguises, attempt one of the most audacious bank heists in the history of the West. The robbery ends in disaster, as local citizens and lawmen fight back, resulting in a bloody shootout that leaves most of the gang dead, with Emmett the sole survivor.

Emmett is captured and sentenced to life in prison, but he is eventually pardoned after serving 14 years. The novel explores Emmett’s reflections on the choices that led him and his brothers down the path of criminality, as well as his feelings of guilt and loss after witnessing the violent deaths of his family members.

Throughout the book, Hansen delves into themes of loyalty, brotherhood, betrayal, and the myth of the American outlaw. The novel paints a nuanced portrait of the Daltons, showing them not just as cold-blooded criminals but as complex individuals caught between ambition, desperation, and the consequences of their choices.

Book Notes:

• The author brings the American West of the late 19th century to life, creating a vivid historical setting with rich detail. From dusty small towns to the dangerous expanses of the open plains, Hansen’s descriptions of the landscapes and the era’s lawless frontier atmosphere are immersive and atmospheric. The reader gets a clear sense of the wild, often brutal world the Daltons inhabit.
• One of the most significant strengths of Desperadoes is its characterization of the Dalton brothers, particularly Emmett. While the Daltons are outlaws, Hansen portrays them as deeply human, with their motivations, fears, and relationships explored in depth. Emmett’s retrospective narration adds emotional depth to the story, allowing readers to empathize with his reflections on a life that went tragically wrong. The novel doesn’t glamorize the outlaw life but instead offers a somber and sometimes poignant meditation on its costs.
• Hansen’s novel interrogates the mythologizing of Western outlaws, highlighting the often harsh and tragic realities behind the legends. The Dalton Gang’s criminal acts are not romanticized; instead, they are shown as desperate and reckless, leading to inevitable destruction. Emmett’s recollections from his later years provide a reflective tone, emphasizing the regret and disillusionment that come from embracing the myth of the outlaw.
• Despite being a historical novel with a well-known outcome, Desperadoes is filled with tension and suspense. Hansen’s detailed descriptions of the gang’s heists and their eventual downfall are gripping, especially the fateful Coffeyville raid. The buildup to the disastrous climax is particularly effective, as the reader knows the gang’s plan will fail, but the execution still feels thrilling and tragic.
• The novel occasionally suffers from pacing problems, particularly in the middle sections, where the action slows down as Hansen focuses on Emmett’s inner thoughts and the gang’s interpersonal dynamics. While these moments add depth to the characters, some readers may find the shifts between action-packed scenes and more introspective passages to be uneven.
• The novel’s reflective tone and emphasis on the inevitability of the Dalton Gang’s demise create a melancholic atmosphere. While this adds to the book’s emotional weight, it may not appeal to readers looking for a more action-driven or optimistic narrative.

SUMMARY: Desperadoes is a compelling historical novel that offers a richly detailed, nuanced portrayal of the Dalton Gang and the violent world of the American frontier. Ron Hansen’s skillful writing brings the era to life, while his exploration of the complex motivations and emotions of the gang members elevates the novel beyond a simple Western. Through the eyes of Emmett Dalton, readers are given a thoughtful meditation on the allure and consequences of the outlaw life, as well as the inevitable destruction that comes from choosing that path. While the novel may not appeal to all readers due to its melancholic tone and pacing, those interested in Western history, the myth of the outlaw, and character-driven storytelling will find much to appreciate in Desperadoes. Hansen’s vivid prose and emotional depth make it a standout in the genre of historical Western fiction. A reflective and haunting portrayal of the American West, Desperadoes is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and the exploration of complex moral landscapes.

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