932 The Deerslayer, by James Fenimore Cooper (read 23 Nov 1967) I found this really a silly story, in ways, but it is easy to read and I found it rather exciting. Of course it reads like a story of its time--1841. It tells a tale of Indian fighting on Lake Otsego in about 1741 in what is now New York State. Natty Bumppo is the Deerslayer. He shoots an Indian, is captured, escapes, is captured again, etc. I suppose I will read more of the books on Natty Bumppo. [Eventually, I did read the other four novels in the Natty Bumppo saga.] ( )

All J.F. Cooper's Leatherstocking Tales are good...very descriptive, must be a patient reader, more embodying a love of nature (which man has spoiled to a large extent), than action. Humorous dialogue. The hero, Deerslayer (going by various names in the different books) is charming and very attractive although he's never described to be handsome. Very good character development. ( )

One has to be in the proper mood to enjoy these books. A bit of romance, a bit of adventure, quite a bit of moralizing. I enjoyed them when I read them, but have no desire to read them again. I've since read enough history to realize just how fictional these are. If you read them for the adventure and the descriptions of the Northeastern woodlands, I don't think you will be disappointed. Sadly, the plot of each has sort of blended together and I can't remember the details of any. ( )

Wikipedia: "The Deerslayer" is the sequentially first in the Leatherstocking series of America's first, great, professional novelist, James Fenimore Cooper. I read it in preparation for a trip to Cooperstown, New York and I am glad that I did. Set in upstate New York in the 1740s, it provides the reader with an idolized introduction to the society of white and red of this colonial frontier.
The criticisms that the dialogue and actions are totally unbelievable, while justified, do not detract from the story. While the simple, faith-filled actions of the "Feeble Minded Hetty" and the dialogue between Deerslayer and Chingachgook seem highly improbable, the do hold the readers' interest. While I am generally not one to pick up readily on character development, this novel is an exception. The contrast between Deerslayer and Chingachgook, the romance between Chingachgook and Wah-ta-Wah, the romantic web among Judith, Hurry Harry and Deerslayer, and the varying responses to changes in circumstance coming from sisters Judith and Hetty all contribute to the persistent popularity of this work.
Despite all the criticisms directed against Cooper as to form, the one thing that cannot be denied is that this book is very difficult to put down. I found myself always wondering what would come next and what would happen to the characters whom I had come to know. Whether you are looking for an insight into early American literature or just a good story, your search should lead to "The Deerslayer".