Member Review

Lassoing the Myth

While “Coyote: The Dramatic Lives of Sam Shepard” is a meticulously researched account of Sam Shepard's turbulent personal life, its main failing is the lack of a critical analysis of his dramatic genius.

Sam Shepard embodied an American ideal: a successful actor and acclaimed writer with a compelling cowboy persona. A prolific and highly respected playwright, his accolades include a Pulitzer Prize and ten Obie Awards, along with Oscar, Tony, and Emmy nominations. In Ireland, he was even hailed as the successor to Samuel Beckett. His acting resume includes notable films like “Days of Heaven” and “The Right Stuff.” Beyond his professional life, his high-profile relationships, such as those with Patti Smith, Joni Mitchell, and his decades-long partnership with Jessica Lange, also drew attention.. Oh, and of course, he was a pretty decent rock and roll drummer. This was a star, many times over.

Shepard was haunted throughout his life by his troubled relationship with his abusive, alcoholic father. This emotional turmoil became a central motif in his work, frequently replayed in the intense confrontations depicted in his plays. Sam's father's challenges to his masculinity seemed to provoke an overcompensation, leading Sam to feel a need to prove his macho side. Tragically, he also inherited his father's alcoholism, a demon that ultimately sabotaged friendships and romantic relationships.

Robert M. Dowling's biography provides a detailed, intimate portrait of the man, leveraging Shepard's personal journals and family letters. However, a significant gap in the narrative is evident due to the lack of participation from key individuals, including his children, his first wife, O-Lan Jones (who is reportedly writing her own memoir), and Jessica Lange. This absence is particularly limiting; for instance, without his children's accounts, the book misses their perspective on his fatherhood, which is critical given the prominence of father-son conflict in his plays.

“Coyote” provides an excellent, detailed look at the Sam Shepard "myth," successfully covering his significant social connections, romantic life, and courageous approach to new endeavors. It offers a fascinating read about this unique American figure who succeeded in nearly all his ventures while constantly struggling with personal challenges. For any reader, the book is a worthwhile journey into the life of the man himself.

However, the book falls short in offering a deeper analysis of Shepard's dramatic output or what set it apart from his contemporaries. Although it asserts that his was a fresh voice, it focuses more on the public reception of his work than on actual critical analysis. Nevertheless, the book succeeds in its ultimate goal: prompting readers—especially theatre scholars—to revisit plays such as “Buried Child” or “True West” with a more informed perspective on the author's private life. For these scholars, this rereading serves as a perfect supplement to their existing knowledge.

Thank you to Scribner and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.