Leaving Cheyenne by Larry McMurtry (1936 – 2021) is the second of the “Thalia: A Texas Trilogy” series. The novel takes place in north Texas during the period 1920 to 1965.

Gideon Fry is a rancher who has his heart set on marrying pretty Molly Taylor. His father works him so hard he doesn’t get to see her as often as he would like. Gideon’s afraid his best friend, Johnny McCloud, the Fry’s ranch hand, is going to win her over before Gideon has a chance.

Johnny McCloud, a fun-loving, carefree ranch hand doesn’t take anything very seriously, but he does have fun with Molly Taylor, especially when her father isn’t around. Johnny isn’t really the marrying kind, which suits Molly just fine.

Molly Taylor lives on a farm with her mean widowed father. She’s a free spirit and sees no point in getting married, but she does love the attention of both Gideon and Johnny. As the years pass the three struggle with a love triangle, yet are loyal to one another.

Leaving Cheyenne reminded me of Larry McMurtry’s later novel, Lonesome Dove; not the story line, but the bantering between the two cowboys. The teasing between Gideon and Johnny is humorous and good natured. The novel is earthy, but realistic. Each of the three main characters narrate a segment of the book, allowing the reader to see their various viewpoints and bittersweet relationships. The novel does a wonderful job of following the time period, describing the Texas countryside and the attitudes of rural people as they struggle to make a living. Leaving Cheyenne was adapted for film as Lovin’ Molly. I enjoyed this book and admire Larry McMurtry’s masterful ability to tell a good story.