381 Quotes by Larry McMurtry

He had known several men who had lost limbs in battle; the men all claimed that they still felt things in the place where the limb had been. It was natural enough, then, that with Bill suddenly gone he and Gus would continue to have some of the feelings that went with friendship, even though the friend was gone.

Wantin’ takes too much time... I’d rather be working.

In fact, July felt he had reached a point in his life where virtually nothing was known.

When the lightning struck, the whole prairie would be bathed for a second in white light.

During the day he had not trusted enough, and had worn himself out with pointless scurryings.

You don’t get the pint, Woodrow,” Augustus said. “I’ve walked the earth in my pride all these years. If that’s lost, then let the rest be lost with it. There’s certain things my vanity won’t abide.

People got opinions, that’s all they’ve got.

You told me to stay,” July said. “I know I did, son,” Augustus said. “I’m sure you wish you had. But yesterday’s gone on down the river and you can’t get it back. Go on with your digging and I’ll tidy up.

As she was finishing her song, the notes dipped down low – they carried a sadness that was more than a sadness at the death of men; rather it was a sadness at the lives of men, and of women. It reminded those who heard the rising, dipping notes, of notes of hopes that had been born, and, yet, died; of promise, and the failure of promise.