Durango: A Novel

by Gary Hart

With a contemporary Western flavor and plenty of intrigue and suspense, Gary Hart's latest novel Durango brings readers into the world of the small southwest Colorado town as the close-knit community is rocked by scandal and controversy. As a drawn-out battle for water rights looms over the town, one of Durango's most eminent citizens, stoic former politician Daniel Sheridan, is implicated in a shocking transgression, forcing him to clear his name and resolve the contention that has weighed upon his hometown for decades. Drawing on the classic themes of loyalty, honor, redemption, and the land, Durango presents an unforgettable saga of the American west. Gary Hart has been and continues to be one of America's great public servants for almost four decades, from his role in the 1972 McGovern campaign to his years as a visionary senator, from his leadership on national security matters before and after 9/11 to his contributions as a respected statesman on various issues. He is the author of several books, including The Thunder and the Four Seasons in a Burnished Life , as well as two novels published under the pseudonym John Blackthorn. Hart lives in Denver, Colorado.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2012

About the author

There is more than one author with this name

Gary Hart represented the state of Colorado in the U.S. Senate from 1975 until 1987. He is the Wirth Chair professor at the University of Colorado, chairs both the Council for a Livable World and the American Security Project, is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and he was cochair of the U.S. Commission on National Security for the 21st Century. The commission performed the most comprehensive review of national security since 1947, predicted the terrorist attacks on America, and proposed a sweeping overhaul of U.S. national security structures and policies for the post-Cold War century and the age of terrorism. Senator Hart is the author of 17 books, including The Courage of Our Convictions: A Manifesto for Democrats, The Shield and the Cloak: Security in the Commons, and God and Caesar in America: An Essay on Religion and Politics.
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Reviews

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tale of the modern west that has its beginnings long, long ago. It deals with water rights, always a volatile subject in Colorado, especially in the Durango area. Ranchers, farmers and oil folks are all vying for enough, not to mention just the basic needs of the cities and towns down there. Hart humanizes the conflict through Daniel Sheridon, a small time rancher who got burned by politics a long time ago in a raw deal that a young reporter is now trying to stir up once again. The drama moves on to include the Ute reservation and their fight for the rights of the water that is on their land. The themes are old--progress versus protecting the past, money versus quality of life, people versus corporations--all subjects very much in the news these days. This is a political story, a love story, and character study of the West, its people and places. It also gave me a goal of going to explore the Weminuche Wilderness to discover more of Colorado's amazing beauty and unique wilderness.

[LeeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Durango. This is a western story over water rights with love, politics, spirituality and the daily life in the town of Durango. The drama includes the old versus the new views and ideas and drama over the water rights that the Indians, the Utes, wanted. This story shows of the fight where someone always wanted more and that is why it took so long to settle. Gary Hart humanizes this with the main character, Daniel Sheridon who was once burned by politics and stepped down and away but who continues to work behind the scenes to help resolve the issue. Daniel was a man who did not want any glory. Hart humanizes Daniel, Caroline and the old townspeople along with the Utes in this story. He also brings a young reporters view into the story. I learned about Colorado's Animas - La Plata project and some of the difficulties that went into getting it done finally. I was not surprised with the ending as I am truly hoping the Gary Hart has a sequel in the works and tells us about the completion not only of the project but of the love story between Daniel and Caroline. This is a great book and it deserves recognition. I may or may not agree with Mr. Hart’s political views, but this man can write.

[Mike · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to give up on it. Good characters, interesting, human... and the plot may have developed - seemed like it was going to. BUT THE FORMAT! No traditional quotation marks around spoken parts by the characters. My mind just couldn't accept it. Novel idea, but too distracting to me.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting water rights tale in the southwest

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining, poignant and informative.