Book cover of The Unforgiven

Book description

In this epic American novel, which served as the basis for the classic film directed by John Huston, a family is torn apart when an old enemy starts a vicious rumor that sets the range aflame.

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked The Unforgiven as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

What I loved (and appreciated) about this more typical Western and what elevated it in my mind was how the author dealt with the looming specter of racial bigotry toward indigenous people.

Ben Zachary, a physically strong character, is enhanced by his ethical convictions. This is something that draws me to a protagonist, the idea of what he (or she) stands for and will do to live up to it.

Ben risks everything to protect Rachel, his adopted “sister,” who is Kiowa. Abandoned by hate-blinded, white neighbors, Ben proves steadfast in living his moral code.

Always a winner for me,…

If you love The Unforgiven...

Book cover of December on 5C4

December on 5C4 by Adam Strassberg,

Magical realism meets the magic of Christmas in this mix of Jewish, New Testament, and Santa stories–all reenacted in an urban psychiatric hospital!

On locked ward 5C4, Josh, a patient with many similarities to Jesus, is hospitalized concurrently with Nick, a patient with many similarities to Santa. The two argue…

Want books like The Unforgiven?

Our community of 13,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Unforgiven.

Browse books like The Unforgiven

Book cover of News of the World
Book cover of The Black Echo
Book cover of The Homesman

Share your top 3 reads of 2026!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

186

readers submitted
so far, will you?

📚 If you like The Unforgiven, you might also like...

Book cover of Child of Vanris

Child of Vanris by Nikki McCormack,

At five years old, Kasiel was found with the pointed ends of his ears cut off. Despite that brutal start, he’s lived twelve peaceful years with the man who took him in. Keeping his hair long over his mutilated ears helps him hide the fact that he is Vanrian, a…

Book cover of Almost Home

Almost Home by Howard Means,

Almost Home is a fictional retelling of the last great tragedy of the Civil War.

In late April 1865, almost 2,000 newly freed Union prisoners of war are packed onto the steamer Sultana, in poor repair and with a listed capacity of 376 passengers. Among them are four Indiana soldiers…

5 book lists we think you will like!