The Man Called Teacher is a work of fiction in the western action and drama genres and was penned by author David A. Poulsen. Recommended for more mature readers due to some moderate scenes of violence and a few sexual situations, this intriguing novel shows how the arrival of a mysterious stranger in a small Montana town can shake things up. The man they call Teacher is true to his name as he takes a position at Kecking Horse School, but he’s got a lot of lessons to deliver to certain townspeople than just those regarding horses. What follows is a deep and complex drama with plenty of thrills and social tensions.

Author David A. Poulsen has done a fantastic job in creating a compelling interpersonal small-town drama that would appeal to a lot of contemporary readers but also keeping the whip-cracking and hard-edged spirit of the traditional western novel alive as well. For me, Virgil Watt was by far the most interesting character, with a lot of frank and eye-opening conversations caused by his presence wherever he went. I found the social issues of the novel really well handled and contrasted against the tough world of which Poulsen paints a vivid portrait, and there were also plenty of atmospheric and historical details to keep you firmly rooted in the period whilst you’re reading. Overall, The Man Called Teacher is an intelligently penned western to rival any contemporary read for its depth, action, mystery and complexities. A highly recommended read.

The story of The Man Called Teacher is told to us by William Dearing through his memories of what happened in his Montana town, Kecking Horse, four years ago. When the new teacher arrives, it is a great surprise to find out he is not a woman but a man wearing a gun and not at all whom they expected. Teacher is a man who comes to town as the new school teacher but is there for reasons other than teaching. He arrives by stage with his friend Virgil Watt, who is the first black man to ever come to Kecking Horse and he is not a very welcome addition. With Teacher’s arrival comes fighting and gun battles and men dying. It appears that someone wants Teacher dead and will do whatever is necessary. Teacher has the same idea and the only thing he is really interested in is seeing the man he came to seek out dead as well. The final battle in the new schoolhouse is the deciding factor of who lives and who dies.

The Man Called Teacher by David A. Poulsen is a different western book than just the old wild west story but more a story of retaliation for a wrong and Teacher wanting to make it right. It was hard to think of him as a gunman because he was a smart, likable character. It was all told as a story that happened and was being written by someone who had shared in the adventure. This was a little different and interesting approach by author David A. Poulsen. I enjoy reading western stories and The Man Called Teacher did not disappoint.