This remains possibly my favourite novel. And I would argue that the excellent film adaptation was one of the best films of the noughties. Hansen is one of the greatest writers alive. A supreme stylist who is able to transform low history (Jesse James, The Dalton Gang, Ruth Snyder, The shipwreck of SS Deutschland) into the highest of art. This might be hist masterpiece though. Evocative, poetic description; rhythmic and compelling dialogue; resonant and masterful thematic control. A breathtaking work.