Doc

Though a work of fiction, almost all of the characters in Russell's [b:Doc 8911226 Doc Mary Doria Russell https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1320560135s/8911226.jpg 13787599] are historical characters. The main character is John Henry Holliday, better known to most as “Doc” Holliday. When reading historical fiction based on actual historical characters, one always has to wonder how much of it is real. The answer in this case, in Mary Doria Russell's own words, is “not all of it but more than you might think.” This book is not about the famous gunfight at the O.K. corral. It covers Doc Holliday's early life but is mostly about Doc's time in Dodge City. The relationship between Doc and the Earp brothers is central to the story. It is not just a character study, however. It is also a murder mystery, and a good one.We get wild cowboys blowing off steam, gunfights, fistfights, prostitutes plying their trade, gambling for serious stakes, horse racing, murder, revenge, love, religion, and compassion all tied together by Russell's beautiful prose. What's not to like?Good book. Now on to [b:Epitaph 18739541 Epitaph Mary Doria Russell https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1404411572s/18739541.jpg 26617057].