"Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West" is a novel by Cormac McCarthy that delves into the brutal realities of violence and human nature in the American West during the mid-19th century. The story follows a nameless protagonist known as "the Kid" as he becomes embroiled in a violent gang led by a morally ambiguous figure named Glanton. The narrative is stark and vivid, showcasing the harsh landscapes and the relentless cycle of brutality faced by the characters.

One poignant moment in the novel raises the question of the dangers of what one might consume: "What have you got that a man could drink with just a minimum risk of blindness and death?" This quote encapsulates the dire circumstances and the constant presence of mortality within the story. It reflects the pervasive themes of survival and the choices individuals must make in a world rife with violence and despair.