The Sisters Brothers
by Patrick deWitt
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Description
When a frontier baron known as the Commodore orders Charlie and Eli Sisters, his hired gunslingers, to track down and kill a prospector named Herman Kermit Warm, the brothers journey from Oregon to San Francisco, and eventually to Warm's claim in the Sierra foothills, running into a witch, a bear, a dead Indian, a parlor of drunken floozies, and a gang of murderous fur trappers.Tags
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Member Recommendations
whymaggiemay Both have a wonderful, authentic flavor of the old west.
40
cf66 Sería interesante confrontar la visión del mundo de los protagonistas.
02
Limelite Both these Westerns turn the genre on its ear. "Not John Wayne's Old West."
04
by anonymous user
47degreesnorth Exploring the old west with it's treachery and possibilities
Member Reviews
What is it that we find so attractive in wretched villains? Why do we get so interested in the stories of those on the other side of the moral red lines? How does it happen that we genuinely wish them well?
I was wondering what the brothers, who are Sisters, have in common with a mental image I carried all along. And I think the closest image I can conjure is some scene from The Dead Man by Jarmusch. The quirkiness, the lawlessness, the twisted moral code - it’s all there, as is the scenery, the setting in the woodlands of the West.
Go on this trip with Sisters, it’s a wild ride, unpredictable and grim but also unexpectedly touching at times
I was wondering what the brothers, who are Sisters, have in common with a mental image I carried all along. And I think the closest image I can conjure is some scene from The Dead Man by Jarmusch. The quirkiness, the lawlessness, the twisted moral code - it’s all there, as is the scenery, the setting in the woodlands of the West.
Go on this trip with Sisters, it’s a wild ride, unpredictable and grim but also unexpectedly touching at times
Original review (2011)
It's always nice to go into a book with heightened expectations and still have them met. Of course the downside is that it's somewhat difficult to sing the book's praises coherently. Basically, this book was exactly what I was looking for: a wonderfully wry Western with a heart, an excellent narrative voice in the form of put-upon younger brother Eli Sisters, some laugh-out-loud dialogue (e.g. "I did not come here to discuss the quality of your seed") and extremely vivid depictions of violence and gore... fortunately the violence/gore is intermittent and over very quickly. I must confess to being confused about the purpose of the "intermissions", of which there are two (the other divisions of the book into parts show more made sense), but that confusion did not hinder my enjoyment of the story in any way. It was excellent from beginning to end and I am tempted to turn right around and reread it immediately. Highly recommended for fans of Westerns and dark humour, especially those who enjoyed Deadwood or True Grit (particularly the remake).
Re-read review (2019)
My original review still stands, although I just realized that I constructed a sentence incorrectly. I wasn’t *looking* for extremely vivid depictions of violence and gore, but I did come across them! I’d give a content warning for this book: if you don’t like eye injuries, particularly in animals, there’s one part that makes for uncomfortable reading. But it’s not treated lightly or with irreverence. The humour is reserved for the dynamics between Eli and Charlie, and Eli’s matter-of-factness that often disarms the people he encounters. I still recommend this book if it interests you—and definitely get the edition with the amazing cover designed by Dan Stiles. show less
It's always nice to go into a book with heightened expectations and still have them met. Of course the downside is that it's somewhat difficult to sing the book's praises coherently. Basically, this book was exactly what I was looking for: a wonderfully wry Western with a heart, an excellent narrative voice in the form of put-upon younger brother Eli Sisters, some laugh-out-loud dialogue (e.g. "I did not come here to discuss the quality of your seed") and extremely vivid depictions of violence and gore... fortunately the violence/gore is intermittent and over very quickly. I must confess to being confused about the purpose of the "intermissions", of which there are two (the other divisions of the book into parts show more made sense), but that confusion did not hinder my enjoyment of the story in any way. It was excellent from beginning to end and I am tempted to turn right around and reread it immediately. Highly recommended for fans of Westerns and dark humour, especially those who enjoyed Deadwood or True Grit (particularly the remake).
Re-read review (2019)
My original review still stands, although I just realized that I constructed a sentence incorrectly. I wasn’t *looking* for extremely vivid depictions of violence and gore, but I did come across them! I’d give a content warning for this book: if you don’t like eye injuries, particularly in animals, there’s one part that makes for uncomfortable reading. But it’s not treated lightly or with irreverence. The humour is reserved for the dynamics between Eli and Charlie, and Eli’s matter-of-factness that often disarms the people he encounters. I still recommend this book if it interests you—and definitely get the edition with the amazing cover designed by Dan Stiles. show less
The Sisters Brothers (shortlisted for the Booker prize in 2011) is one of those rare genre novels. It's a western yes, but it is so much more than just your standard adventure novel. The story is dark comedy that is essentially about the bonds of family and human nature. The story focuses on The Sisters brothers Eli and Charlie, who are two famous paid killers working for the Commodore. They are hired to find and kill a prospector in San Fransisco during the Gold Rush. The novel presents their journey to California and their adventures while they are there.
The novel really is a psychological examination of what it means to have the same blood; to be kin. Eli and Charlie could not be more different from each other. Charlie is bossy, show more impulsive, a bit of psychopath, loves to drink and does not hold too much respect for his brother. Eli, on the other hand, is sensitive, loves his brother, cares for his horses, does not enjoy killing people uselessly and his dream is to settle down with a woman.
The story is told by Eli, in a gorgeous, wise voice that is also comic. One gets the sense that Eli strives to be a good man but can't quite escape the violent and disturbing nature that seems to run in his blood. This makes it all the more satisfying when the brothers' quest come to end and movingly, Eli returns home to his mother. It's not quite settling down with a woman per se that Eli longs for but it seems to be a sensible ending to this tragicomedy.
Comparisons to Charles Portis (who wrote one of my favorite novels, True Grit) and Mark Twain are apt. This is dark, strange, funny, and unexpectedly moving frontier saga about the bonds of brotherhood, the dark nature of man, the power of greed, and the need for connection. show less
The novel really is a psychological examination of what it means to have the same blood; to be kin. Eli and Charlie could not be more different from each other. Charlie is bossy, show more impulsive, a bit of psychopath, loves to drink and does not hold too much respect for his brother. Eli, on the other hand, is sensitive, loves his brother, cares for his horses, does not enjoy killing people uselessly and his dream is to settle down with a woman.
The story is told by Eli, in a gorgeous, wise voice that is also comic. One gets the sense that Eli strives to be a good man but can't quite escape the violent and disturbing nature that seems to run in his blood. This makes it all the more satisfying when the brothers' quest come to end and movingly, Eli returns home to his mother. It's not quite settling down with a woman per se that Eli longs for but it seems to be a sensible ending to this tragicomedy.
Comparisons to Charles Portis (who wrote one of my favorite novels, True Grit) and Mark Twain are apt. This is dark, strange, funny, and unexpectedly moving frontier saga about the bonds of brotherhood, the dark nature of man, the power of greed, and the need for connection. show less
Charlie and Eli Sisters, professional killers (not "gunfighters", mind you) are hired by a wealthy man simply referred to as "the Commodore" to kill a prospector named Hermann Warm. We don't know why the Commodore wants the man dead, although it becomes apparent that Charlie does know...and isn't sharing that information with his brother just yet. Eli narrates the tale of their journey from Oregon Territory to California, where the search for gold has made a lot of men lose their good sense. Given the set-up, this story is quite a hoot and surprisingly funny, filled with the sort of wry, almost philosophical humor that delights me. It's also full of realistic, sometimes graphic details of death, injury and stone-cold violence, but none show more of that occurs until the reader has gotten to know Eli and, to a lesser extent, Charlie, and seen the practical nature of their approach to life. Somehow, it is still possible to keep some emotional distance from the misery that afflicts nearly every character in the novel, not excluding the animals. Eli is not a fan of his work, and spends a lot of time imagining what life could be like if he could save enough money to give it up. Eli is so likeable, almost innocent in his appreciation of the new-fangled idea of brushing your teeth with a minty-tasting powder, and in his decision to lose a few pounds to impress a woman he fancies...we want him to realize his dream, killer or no. You know your own triggers...I won't try to convince anyone that the tone of this book will make it OK for you if you just don't want to ride along with two men intent on murder. It worked for me---I loved it. show less
This is certainly one of the most unique novels I've read.
There's a randomness to the story that makes the work seem less like an intentional act of storytelling and more like the narration of uncontrolled and unintended events. But with all its strange and unexpected forays, the novel builds a complete experience, and brings you to a conclusion that's deeply satisfying.
For a story about violent men traveling through a violent world, it's a remarkably low-key, understated meditation on the meaning of honor, of acceptance, of violence and greed, of love, of compassion, of human ingenuity and resilience. It's a humorous and sometimes scary portrait of brotherhood.
It's funny, and bizarre, and unexpected, and profound.
It's a work of many show more contradictions, intentionally set in contrast to each other, which - by some remarkable alchemy - creates a whole that works.
The very best part, though, is how Mr. deWitt plays with language. He makes the book a joy to read.
This isn’t to say that the novel doesn’t have some problems.
There are a few moments throughout where I can’t tell if things are supposed to be significant, symbolic – or just random funny bits. Moreover, I’m not at all certain that it was Mr. deWitt’s intention to leave the reader confused about it. These moments strike me as notes that he didn’t hit quite right.
The Sisters Brothers is clearly a post-modern novel and not anything like a traditional narrative story. It’s a picaresque pastiche, a collection of genre tropes toyed with and examined for our amusement. To quote a friend: this book is a lark. As such, I know that I’m not supposed to spend too much time caught up in the plot.
But there’s enough plot in the book that I can’t help but get caught up in it.
So there’s not enough plot for the book to be a true narrative, but there’s too much plot for it to work as a plotless novel. I suspect that it’s not supposed to be either – but then I can’t quite see what it is supposed to be.
I have a favorite quote from Dolly Parton: “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.” I’m certain that every word of The Sisters Brothers is very purposeful. I’m less certain that the book really figured out who it is.
Still, though – this novel is delightful. I enjoyed reading it more than enough to forgive its flaws. show less
There's a randomness to the story that makes the work seem less like an intentional act of storytelling and more like the narration of uncontrolled and unintended events. But with all its strange and unexpected forays, the novel builds a complete experience, and brings you to a conclusion that's deeply satisfying.
For a story about violent men traveling through a violent world, it's a remarkably low-key, understated meditation on the meaning of honor, of acceptance, of violence and greed, of love, of compassion, of human ingenuity and resilience. It's a humorous and sometimes scary portrait of brotherhood.
It's funny, and bizarre, and unexpected, and profound.
It's a work of many show more contradictions, intentionally set in contrast to each other, which - by some remarkable alchemy - creates a whole that works.
The very best part, though, is how Mr. deWitt plays with language. He makes the book a joy to read.
This isn’t to say that the novel doesn’t have some problems.
There are a few moments throughout where I can’t tell if things are supposed to be significant, symbolic – or just random funny bits. Moreover, I’m not at all certain that it was Mr. deWitt’s intention to leave the reader confused about it. These moments strike me as notes that he didn’t hit quite right.
The Sisters Brothers is clearly a post-modern novel and not anything like a traditional narrative story. It’s a picaresque pastiche, a collection of genre tropes toyed with and examined for our amusement. To quote a friend: this book is a lark. As such, I know that I’m not supposed to spend too much time caught up in the plot.
But there’s enough plot in the book that I can’t help but get caught up in it.
So there’s not enough plot for the book to be a true narrative, but there’s too much plot for it to work as a plotless novel. I suspect that it’s not supposed to be either – but then I can’t quite see what it is supposed to be.
I have a favorite quote from Dolly Parton: “Figure out who you are and do it on purpose.” I’m certain that every word of The Sisters Brothers is very purposeful. I’m less certain that the book really figured out who it is.
Still, though – this novel is delightful. I enjoyed reading it more than enough to forgive its flaws. show less
This darkly comic western is a stylish foray into an old genre. From the eye-catching cover art to the strong interior graphic design, this book shouts for attention. Cleverly written, deWitt tells the story of Eli and Charlie, the infamous Sisters Brothers, as they travel from Oregon territory to San Francisco during the Gold Rush. They are killers-for-hire, although one of the brothers is decidedly less blood-thirsty than the other. Eli is worried about his weight and he discovers the joys of dental hygiene along the way. He longs to settle into a quiet life, with a wife and a store to tend, and to leave his current life far behind him.
My attitude about this decision was that it would be the last bit of bloodshed for my foreseeable show more future, if not the rest of my life; I told Charlie this and he told me that if the thought brought me comfort I should embrace it. "But," he said, "you're forgetting about the Commodore."
"Oh, yes. Well, after him then."
Charlie paused. "And there will likely be some killing related to the Commodore's death. Accusations leveled, debts owed, that sort of thing. Could be quite bloody, in fact."
I thought, Then this will be the final era of killing in my lifetime.
The Sisters Brothers is full to the brim with colorful characters and situations. There's certainly never a dull moment as the brothers make their bloody way south. My only quibble with this book is that it lacked depth and substance, but the shiny outer layer was sure pretty. show less
My attitude about this decision was that it would be the last bit of bloodshed for my foreseeable show more future, if not the rest of my life; I told Charlie this and he told me that if the thought brought me comfort I should embrace it. "But," he said, "you're forgetting about the Commodore."
"Oh, yes. Well, after him then."
Charlie paused. "And there will likely be some killing related to the Commodore's death. Accusations leveled, debts owed, that sort of thing. Could be quite bloody, in fact."
I thought, Then this will be the final era of killing in my lifetime.
The Sisters Brothers is full to the brim with colorful characters and situations. There's certainly never a dull moment as the brothers make their bloody way south. My only quibble with this book is that it lacked depth and substance, but the shiny outer layer was sure pretty. show less
This was my second reading and more enjoyable than the first when the book was in the throes of publicity hype, which only points to my contrariness. I enjoyed the humour more this time, and appreciated the fine qualities of the good-natured Eli, a generally kind and generous man. His appreciation of the new toothbrush and powder was delightful. However, the contrasting violent scenes keep this from being a sweet, sleep-inducing account. Not only was this a well told story, filled with wonderful characters, but the relationship between the brothers is remarkably complex. Both are hired guns, and while Charlie is belligerent and violent, Eli can pull his weight with a gun yet is understanding of his brother's malevolence. I'm glad I gave show more this entertaining book a second chance. show less
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ThingScore 92
Sometimes, a novel is like a train: the first chapter is a comfortable seat in an attractive carriage,and the narrative speeds up. But there are other sorts of trains, and other sorts of novels. They rush by in the dark; passengers framed in the lighted windows are smiling and enjoying themselves. You aren't a passenger, you don't care about that destination, and the whole train rumbles on show more without you. show less
added by geocroc
Much has been made, over the last few decades, about the death of the western as a genre. All this talk, however, seems to overlook a single, crucial point: the western was never just a genre....DeWitt not only plays the western straight, he draws from the best. Written with the parsed force of the best of Elmore Leonard, DeWitt’s closest CanLit antecedent seems to be Michael Ondaatje’s show more The Collected Works of Billy the Kid. The influence comes through not only in his attention to every word, every detail, but also in the deadpan, unflinching depiction of violence, reality elevated almost to the level of ridiculousness...Despite being deliberately and effectively part of a tradition (one can imagine it being written and read a hundred years ago, with a few caveats), The Sisters Brothers is a bold, original and powerfully compelling work, grounded in well-drawn characters and a firm hold on narrative. When they say “They don’t write em like that anymore,” they’re wrong. show less
added by geocroc
Because rather than concerning himself with showboating his period-specific research, deWitt has deliberately flouted the rules of straight-laced historical realism here, to stunning effect. And most importantly, what he does get right are the flawed and jagged hearts of his characters, which is all the real this reviewer needs....What Western is real anyway? Aren’t they all revisions and show more stylizations of the past? From the kindergarten morals and the ridiculous bloodlessness of Hollywood Westerns, to Louis L’Amour’s pat Harlequin Romances for men, to the populist machismo of spaghetti Westerns and their impossibly slow gun duels, the genre has never registered very high on the reality scale.....The overall effect is fresh, hilariously anti-heroic, often genuinely chilling, and relentlessly compelling. Yes, this is a mighty fine read, and deWitt a mighty fine writer. show less
added by geocroc
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The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt in Booker Prize (September 2013)
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Sisters Brothers
- Original title
- The Sisters Brothers
- Original publication date
- 2011
- People/Characters
- Eli Sisters; Charlie Sisters; Herman Kermitt Warm; Henry Morris; Reginald Watts; Mayfield (show all 8); Hans Warm; Eunice Warm
- Important places
- Oregon, USA; California, USA; Sacramento, California, USA; American West; San Francisco, California, USA; Oregon City, Oregon, USA (show all 10); Mayfield, California, USA; Westford, Massachusetts, USA; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
- Important events
- Gold Rush (1848 | 1855); California Gold Rush
- Related movies
- The Sisters Brothers (2018 | IMDb)
- Epigraph*
- /
- Dedication
- For my mother
- First words
- I was sitting outside the Commodore's mansion, waiting for my brother Charlie to come out with news of the job.
There was silver in the dawn, and heavy dewdrops weighed down the stalks of tall grass. (Epilogue) - Quotations
- We can all of us be hurt, and no one is exclusively safe from worry and sadness.
The creak of bed springs suffering under the weight of a restless man is as lonely a sound as I know.
Here is another miserable mental image I will have to catalog and make room for.
To me, luck was something you either earned or invented through strength of character. You had to come by it honestly; you could not trick or bluff your way into it.
What would the world be, I thought, without money hung around our necks, hung around our very souls?
When a man is properly drunk it is as though he is in a room by himself--there is a physical, impenetrable separation between him and his fellows. (show all 9)
You are afraid of hell. But that's all religion is, really. Fear of a place we'd rather not be, and where there's no such a thing as suicide to steal us away.
Most people are chained to their own fear and stupidity and haven't the sense to level a cold eye at just what is wrong with their lives.
Looking back at the camp I thought, I will never be a leader of men, and neither do I want to be one, and neither do I want to be led. I thought: I want to lead only myself. - Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)And might I say what a pleasing conclusion this was for me. (Epilogue)
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Despite his protestations I roused him and tied him to Nimble and we rode in the direction of Mother's. - Blurbers
- Adamson, Gil; Helm, Michael; Wroblewski, David; Tower, Wells; Bock, Charles; Evison, Jonathan
- Original language
- English
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
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