Think it's a western? Well, you're only sorta wrong...
You know the John Wayne film (fine, but not true to the tone of the story). You also know the Coen brother's adaptation (CLOSER-but still not quite there). As with all of the BEST genre books, it's not really about that genre. Meaning, this is really only a "western" in its setting. Some of the most vivid characters ever writ are in Charles Portis' book here and Donna Tart takes on the herculean task of bringing them to life. For the listener, it is an age defying novel. Well read 5th graders on up to elders will find this a captivating and wonderful adventure. (The humor in it may come as a surprise to the listener) I truly can't say enough about the performance here. I have listened to MANY audio books and very few bear repeated listening. True Grit certainly does!