Not Between Brothers Paperback – March 2, 2010

I read this book on the recommendation of Rick Perry. I worked for Governor Perry during 2001, and although I don't agree with everything he's done, I have a lot of respect for him, and this was a good recommendation. You don't have to be a Texan to enjoy it, although if you are a Texan, you will probably appreciate it a great deal more than others.This is not a perfect book by any means. The title is awful. There are coincidences piled on top of coincidences. The entire work is pervaded by a sense of determinism--characters act in such a way as to get them to the end of the book and not as they probably would behave, given their druthers. The frontier dialect is laid on with a trowel. The main characters have absorbed enough loss and grief and pain to choke Edvard Munch.But it's intensely readable, rich in description, and densely plotted. Wilkinson has authored a sweeping saga that covers Anglo settlement in Texas up until secession. It's worth a read no matter what your political sensibilities.

This is the best novel I've read in a while... It's called "Not Between Brothers". It's a historical novel set in Texas from the early days of the anglo colonies to the beginning of the Civil War (1816-1861), I usually don't read historical novels for some reason and I'm not really a Texas history freak, but this book is really, really good. Best novel I've read since "Shantaram". Definitely should be a movie or a mini-series. It's long... over 600 pages, but I was sad to get to the end. Couldn't put it down. It will really change your perspective and understanding of the birth of Texas.... Great characters, lively pacing, good balance of historical data (OK... maybe a little heavy in some places but I actually liked it) It is a page turner for sure. More readable than Michener's tomb but more historically accurate than Lonesome Dove.

This is my favorite novel of all time. I've read it at least 15 times. I love the two main characters, the hardships they face, and the way their paths cross and leave them bound to each other forever.As a Texan, born and raised, I also wanted to note how much I enjoy reading the characters of Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston.I laugh and I cry every time I read this book, because even though I've read those moments so many times before, the book is so immersive and well written that I'm caught up in the story all over again.I've owned a hardback copy of the book since 1997 (signed by Wilkinson at a Barnes & Noble, Austin TX), and I recently purchased the Kindle edition so I could have it whenever I wanted without carrying around such a heavy book. Also, because honestly, putting a bit more in his pocket for the hours and hours of entertainment he's brought me seemed like the obvious choice.

An absolutely fabulous historic novel. Well written with believable fictional characters who interact with famous historical figures. Most Texans, and most anyone for that matter, will appreciate the multi-cultural aspects of this great story. It provides a lesson about how our great country struggled to become what it is today, not yet fulfilling the dreams of its founding fathers.

This is the third time I’ve read this book and I find new and interesting aspects with every read. My favorite quote from the book comes from the acknowledgment section where he tells his sons the “future is their wilderness”How apropos in the year 2020!

This is by far one of the best books that I have ever read! The author does a wonderful job of combing the unique history of Texas with fictional characters. It was hard to put this book down as I wanted to follow the story more and more. As a true history fan, I cannot recommend this book enough. Do yourself a favor and get this one. I will read it again...soon!

History intertwined with a good story

Not Between Brothers is one of the best books I've ever read. Great characters, interesting plot. I've read it several times & will read it again. It's that good.