The 1986 Pulitzer - winning novel is 'Lonesome Dove'. This novel stands out for its detailed portrayal of the frontier. It shows the lives of cowboys, their dreams, their losses, and their loyalty to each other. It has elements of love, war, and the ever - present struggle against nature and outlaws. The prose is engaging and really draws you into the world of the story.
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a book that has been judged by a panel of experts to be exceptional in various aspects such as plot, character development, and social commentary. It represents the best in contemporary fiction and leaves a lasting impression on readers and the literary community.