61 pages • 2 hours read
Charles PortisTrue Grit
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1968A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In True Grit, 14-year-old Mattie Ross seeks justice for her father’s murder by hiring grizzled U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn. Together with Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, they track the killer, Tom Chaney, into Indian Territory. Their journey tests their resolve and grit as they face numerous obstacles and danger. The story is narrated by an older Mattie, reflecting on her past. Instances of violence and explicit descriptions may be present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
True Grit by Charles Portis has garnered acclaim for its sharp prose, memorable characters, and engaging narrative. Reviewers praise its blend of humor and brutality, with many highlighting the protagonist's strong voice. Some critics, however, find the pacing uneven and the secondary characters underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a celebrated novel in Western literature.
Who Should Read True Grit?
Readers who enjoy True Grit by Charles Portis are fans of classic Westerns, strong-willed protagonists, and moral exploration. Similar to Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, they appreciate adventure-filled narratives and richly drawn characters navigating rugged landscapes.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
800L