Aftermath

Did it surprise you how Bob Ford's life turned out after he killed Jesse? I suppose the stage re-enactments and dime store photos were that era's version of talk shows and TV movies.

It struck me that the descriptions of Bob after he went to Creede and opened his saloon sounded a little like Jesse. He was hot-headed and jumpy and good with a gun, a local leader and good businessman. But his arrogance and swagger was unpleasant, not charming. People loved Jesse; they hated Bob. It seemed like Bob's dream was always to be Jesse, and he could never quite get there.

Mrs. James

I found Zee's story pretty interesting, especially the way she turned a blind eye to Jesse's criminal activities. What kind of life must that have been for her? It was really sad to me how her life seemed to fizzle out after Jesse's death.

Dirty little coward

What did you think of Robert Ford? Did you sympathize with him? Do you think he deserved to be labeled a coward? Did it surprise you that he went through with Jesse's murder?

Jesse James

What did you think of Jesse, as presented in the novel? He's clearly one of those larger-than-life people who are so charismatic that people are drawn to them no matter what dreadful crimes they commit. I found myself rooting for him in the story, even though obviously I knew he would be killed. I felt let down a bit when he was no longer around. I feel like a dumb American "taking heroes from the criminal classes," as Oscar Wilde said, but I like the guy. I'm guessing the Brad Pitt movie doesn't do much to counter that.

So what did you think? Was Jesse the hero of the novel?