Title: Coyote Blue
Author: Christopher Moore
First published January 1, 1993
303 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780060735432 (ISBN10: 0060735430)
Rating: 3.78
Overview
Christopher Moore’s Coyote Blue is a wild ride through love, loss, and the unexpected consequences of one’s actions. Once Samson Hunts Alone, now Samuel Hunter, a successful businessman with a fabricated life, is about to have his world turned upside down.
Destiny strikes in the form of Calliope Kincaid, a woman who ignites a passion within him that he never knew existed. But with love comes danger, and in this case, an ancient Indian god by the name of Coyote.
The trickster god’s arrival unleashes chaos and reawakens the mystical storyteller within Sam. In this irreverent novel filled with myth, metaphysics, outlaw biking, and outrageous redemption, Coyote Blue will leave you questioning what it means to truly live.
About the Author
Meet Christopher Moore, an American author known for his unique style of absurdist fiction. Born in Mansfield, OH, he studied at Ohio State University and Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, CA.
Moore’s books follow relatable characters who find themselves in bizarre and supernatural situations, creating a blend of humanity and the absurd. Influenced by John Steinbeck’s humanistic writing and Kurt Vonnegut’s sense of the absurd, Moore has gained a massive following and cult status with his best-selling novels.
Editoral Review
Christopher Moore’s “Coyote Blue” is a wild and unpredictable journey through the edge of reality and mythology. Published in 1993, the book stands out for its blending of cultural influences and genres, from Native American spirituality to slapstick comedy, from crime thriller to magical realism.
Moore’s style of writing is witty and irreverent, with a knack for dark humor and pithy dialogue. The plot follows Samuel Hunter, a self-proclaimed “has-been” insurance salesman, who suddenly finds himself embroiled in a series of bizarre and dangerous events after encountering his old college roommate, the trickster god Coyote.
Together, they cause a string of chaos and destruction across the desert landscapes of New Mexico and Arizona, involving a local police officer, a Navajo shaman, a Mexican drug lord, and a cast of peculiar characters. Moore’s characters are vividly drawn and highly entertaining, each with their own quirks and flaws.
Samuel Hunter is a sympathetic protagonist, struggling with his past mistakes and his present identity crisis, while Coyote is an enigmatic and charismatic figure, both charming and dangerous. The setting of the story is also vivid and atmospheric, ranging from the urban sprawl of Santa Fe to the dusty roads of Taos Pueblo.
In terms of themes, “Coyote Blue” touches upon several topics, such as cultural appropriation, addiction recovery, religious beliefs, and morality. However, the book doesn’t delve too deeply into these issues, preferring to stay on the surface and enjoy the ride.
As such, some readers may find the book lacking in depth and complexity, especially compared to Moore’s later works. Overall, “Coyote Blue” is a fun and fast-paced read, perfect for fans of urban fantasy and adventure with a dose of humor.
While not Moore’s best work, it still has plenty of laughs and surprises to offer. However, readers who are sensitive to foul language, violence, and sexual content might want to steer clear.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. While the book is entertaining and well-written, it falls short in terms of meaningful characterization and thematic exploration.
That being said, it’s still worth checking out for its unique blend of genres and lively storytelling.