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Kerney Family Trilogy #2
Backlands
Backlands continues the story of Patrick Kerney; his ex-wife, Emma; and their young son, Matthew, shortly after the tragic battlefield death of their eldest son, CJ, at the end of World War I. Scarred by the loss of an older brother he idolized, estranged from a father he barely knows, and deeply troubled by the failing health of a mother he adores, eight-year-old Matthew is suddenly and irrevocably forced to set aside his childhood and take on responsibilities far beyond his years. When the world spirals into the Great Depression and drought settles like a plague over the nation, Matt must abandon his own dreams to salvage the Kerney ranch. Plunged into a deep trough of dark family secrets, hidden crimes, broken promises, and lies, Matt must struggle to survive on the unforgiving, sun-blasted Tularosa Basin.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2014
155 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
Michael McGarrity
22 books495 followersWith the publication of Tularosa in 1996, Michael McGarrity turned to writing full time. Many of his novels have been national best sellers. He holds a BA with distinction in psychology and a master's degree in clinical social work. As an undergraduate, he held a Ford Foundation Scholarship at the University of New Mexico. Additionally, he is an honor graduate of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy.
His career in criminal justice spanned over twenty-five years and included creating treatment programs for drug offenders, supervising outreach services for at-risk juveniles, and re-establishing mental health services for the Department of Corrections after the infamous 1980 riot at the New Mexico Penitentiary. As a Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, he worked as a patrol officer, training and planning supervisor, community relations officer, and was the lead investigator of the sex crimes unit, which he established. Additionally, he taught courses at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, served as a caseworker and investigator for the Public Defender's District Office, and conducted investigations for a state government agency. In 1980 he was named New Mexico Social Worker of the Year and in 1987 was recognized by the American Legion as Police Officer of the Year.
In 2004 he received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts -- Literature. He is also the 2015 recipient of the Frank Waters Exemplary Literary Achievement Award and the 2015 Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature. He has been instrumental in establishing the Hillerman-McGarrity Creative Writing Scholarship at the University of New Mexico, the Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship at the Santa Fe Community College, and the N. Scott Momaday Creative Writing Scholarship at the Institute of American Indian Arts.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Emily Beth (Mimi).
His career in criminal justice spanned over twenty-five years and included creating treatment programs for drug offenders, supervising outreach services for at-risk juveniles, and re-establishing mental health services for the Department of Corrections after the infamous 1980 riot at the New Mexico Penitentiary. As a Santa Fe County deputy sheriff, he worked as a patrol officer, training and planning supervisor, community relations officer, and was the lead investigator of the sex crimes unit, which he established. Additionally, he taught courses at the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy, served as a caseworker and investigator for the Public Defender's District Office, and conducted investigations for a state government agency. In 1980 he was named New Mexico Social Worker of the Year and in 1987 was recognized by the American Legion as Police Officer of the Year.
In 2004 he received the New Mexico Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts -- Literature. He is also the 2015 recipient of the Frank Waters Exemplary Literary Achievement Award and the 2015 Santa Fe Mayor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts – Literature. He has been instrumental in establishing the Hillerman-McGarrity Creative Writing Scholarship at the University of New Mexico, the Richard Bradford Memorial Creative Writing Scholarship at the Santa Fe Community College, and the N. Scott Momaday Creative Writing Scholarship at the Institute of American Indian Arts.
He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico with his wife Emily Beth (Mimi).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
April 13, 2020
****3.5 Stars****I was in the mood for a sweeping family saga right now and this novel was a perfect selection. It was a continuation of the Kerney family, those New Mexico ranchers introduced in the first novel of this trilogy that began after the Civil War period. This 2nd installment covers the first half of the 20th century. The author is obviously familiar with (and loves) this state. The historical details of Las Cruces and the Tularosa Valley made me want to visit this area of New Mexico.
This was an easy read that touched on major events within that period such as the dust bowl years, the Great Depression and WWII. I needed a reminder right now that we’ve been through more than a few devastating events throughout generations and time periods and we endured.
This was an easy read that touched on major events within that period such as the dust bowl years, the Great Depression and WWII. I needed a reminder right now that we’ve been through more than a few devastating events throughout generations and time periods and we endured.
May 27, 2019
Definitely enjoyed this second (and middle) installment of the Kerney Family trilogy more than the first one. I think the main reason was that with Matt, we finally had a male Kerney protagonist that is pretty darn likeable versus his crustier predecessors like father Patrick who is still a big presence here in Book 2. I also enjoyed the plot a bit more here as the story moved into the 1920s/30s and that a large majority of the book took place in my new-ish hometown of Las Cruces, NM. It is pretty cool to read a book - especially one which includes a lot of history - where you can ride down the very same street or pass by a park that you had just read about earlier in the day.
I am now well invested in this sweeping family saga that I suspect I will read the final book of the trilogy sooner rather than later -- and then maybe explore some of McGarrity's mystery novels which also stars a Kerney family member (and preceded this historical fiction trilogy, tho still in progress). But great storytelling - basically a old/wild-west soap opera - but in a refreshing no-frills, testosterone way that will have you flipping the pages.
June 30, 2014
Darn good, old-fashioned Western storytelling: Western nostalgia and the beauty and serenity of southern New Mexico (1920 – 1943): Second in a trilogy, Backlands illuminates New Mexico’s heart and spirit in a family saga as expansive as the landscape. By centering on one family – the Kerneys – it offers a personal understanding of how the years of the stock market crash, Depression, Dust Bowl, Civilian Conservation Corps, and WWII’s Army Specialized Training Program affected the lives of hardworking ranching families in New Mexico’s desert Southwest.
The Tularosa basin, where much of the novel is told, lays in the remote backlands of the San Andres mountains overlooking the Mescalero Apache reservation, a “land of hidden canyons and wide mesas and high pasturelands and forested mountaintops and rugged mountains.” The prose is “quiet, serene, and calming” resonating the scenery of the Tularosa:
The creative writing maxim – write what you know – is skillfully on display. Not only is New Mexico the author’s home, but I reckon his psychotherapy and social work background is why the novel is so heartfelt. (In the same way that McGarrity’s extensive law enforcement experience undoubtedly plays into the success of his Kevin Kerney crime series, a dozen penned from 1996 to 2008 prior to creating this New Mexican epic, called a prequel to the Kerney mysteries.)
As a fine Western novel should, this one is filled with colorful stories and characters that sweep us along its 503 pages. They all revolve around the central character, Matthew Kerney:
MATT: You’ll visually watch him grow from ages 8 to 30. He loves his Ma, his horse, reading, education, and a beautiful gal, Beth Merton, who has come to New Mexico from Cleveland to be healed by its dry climate in one of the State’s TB sanatoriums. We see him as a cowboy, a cattle rancher, an engineering student, an auto mechanic, a forest service ranger, and an army officer. He’s a good, obedient boy and a very decent man who goes through a lot of tough times, often feeling an “empty weariness about life.” But he’s brave and resilient.
EMMA: Matt’s Ma. She has a serious heart condition, is fiercely independent, a smart financial planner, and divorced early from Matt’s Pa. That’s why some of the novel is set in Las Cruces, where Matt and Emma live, not on Pa’s Double K ranch in the Tularosa. While she gets lonely, it’s “not as important as my freedom.” Emma has earned notoriety for having endured a roundup trail drive. Perfectly introduced to us at the time of the passage of the 19th amendment, the women’s right to vote, she’s a terrific example of how a ranch woman’s life was more equal to a man’s in the early 20th century than a woman’s from the East. That accounts for her native counterparts praise when a famous Western writer, Eugene Manlove Rhodes, writes a story about her cowboying escapades, yet she’s scorned by those eastern women. Rhodes is one of several authentic New Mexican historical figures nicely folded into the novel. He wrote about the beauty of the Tularosa, his stories serialized in magazines like The Saturday Evening Post, but he’s all but forgotten – except for now. Perhaps Rhodes’ poetic writing inspired the author to bring him back to life?
PATRICK: Matt’s ornery Pa with a past that haunts him. One of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the Spanish American War, so he’s not afraid of hardships but a disagreeable character whose estranged from Matt, does best alone, and while not physically abusive to Emma hurt her “with words and looks.” To his credit, he cares deeply about the Double K ranch, “one of the nicest outfits on the Tularosa” despite its lack of modern conveniences. His character shows us that sound agricultural practices and foresight matters in the cattle ranching business, under the constant stress of weathering nature and financial crises.
PATCHES: Matt’s pony is to be appreciated because “you can learn a lot about a man by his horse.” In fact, “sometimes a man’s pony can be his best friend, the most important critter in a cowboy’s life.”
THE IGNATIO & LUCERO families: Teresa Ignatio is Matt’s maternal aunt, and Nestor and Gaudalupe Lucero are Matt’s neighbors in Las Cruces. Both Mexican families pay tribute to the historical heritage of Hispanics in settling New Mexico and the role of the Catholic church; gracious hospitality and fiestas; and the “closeness and affection” of proud families – proud of their traditions and their State.
AUGUSTA & CONSUELO MERTON: Gus, a professor at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanics in Las Cruces and his wife Consuelo are the beloved and watchful aunt and uncle of Matt’s “wonderful love” Beth. Their hacienda is a great example of New Mexico’s ubiquitous architecture: thick adobe walls, “low-beamed passages” that sprawl onto an open courtyard with endless views of the desert. Beth is another strong female character: she dreams to become a doctor.
VERNON CLAGETT: What would a Western be without an outlaw? This one allows the author to depict New Mexican law enforcement in the early 20th century.
ERNIE PYLE and BILL MAUDLIN: Pyle, the renowned WWII reporter and Maudlin, Pulitzer-Prize winning WWII cartoonist, add two more compelling New Mexican historical figures to the cast of characters. They help tell the fascinating story of New Mexico’s role in WWII: Operation Husky.
There are more characters, more stories, but to say more would be a spoiler.
With all this telling of tales comes a delightful mix of old-fashioned, Western language – hornswoggling and lickety-split and hogwash and greenbacks and jake – and a swell balance of depicting New Mexico’s “stark beauty” against its parched lands and sobering history. As Matt’s friend, Boone, declared when he set eyes on the Tularosa: “I’ve never seen anything like this place.” You may feel the same, when you see it through the visually evocative prose.
Lorraine (EnchantedProse.com)
The Tularosa basin, where much of the novel is told, lays in the remote backlands of the San Andres mountains overlooking the Mescalero Apache reservation, a “land of hidden canyons and wide mesas and high pasturelands and forested mountaintops and rugged mountains.” The prose is “quiet, serene, and calming” resonating the scenery of the Tularosa:
“an expanse that filled the eye, stretched beyond blindingly brilliant sand dunes to the south and dangerous, ink-black malpais to the north. Most days the basin shimmered under crystal-clear skies, with mountains looming and lurking in all directions.”Backlands stands well alone. But its feel-good values are so beautifully told you’ll be sorry when it ends and anxious for the final chapter. If you can’t wait, or need another reminder about freedom and the “Code of the West” that vividly reveals “what kind of life a person lives” – especially when that life is physically, emotionally, and financially challenged – treat yourself, as I intend to do, to the saga’s beginnings, Hard Country (1875 – 1918). The prose and the deft storytelling are a tonic.
The creative writing maxim – write what you know – is skillfully on display. Not only is New Mexico the author’s home, but I reckon his psychotherapy and social work background is why the novel is so heartfelt. (In the same way that McGarrity’s extensive law enforcement experience undoubtedly plays into the success of his Kevin Kerney crime series, a dozen penned from 1996 to 2008 prior to creating this New Mexican epic, called a prequel to the Kerney mysteries.)
As a fine Western novel should, this one is filled with colorful stories and characters that sweep us along its 503 pages. They all revolve around the central character, Matthew Kerney:
MATT: You’ll visually watch him grow from ages 8 to 30. He loves his Ma, his horse, reading, education, and a beautiful gal, Beth Merton, who has come to New Mexico from Cleveland to be healed by its dry climate in one of the State’s TB sanatoriums. We see him as a cowboy, a cattle rancher, an engineering student, an auto mechanic, a forest service ranger, and an army officer. He’s a good, obedient boy and a very decent man who goes through a lot of tough times, often feeling an “empty weariness about life.” But he’s brave and resilient.
EMMA: Matt’s Ma. She has a serious heart condition, is fiercely independent, a smart financial planner, and divorced early from Matt’s Pa. That’s why some of the novel is set in Las Cruces, where Matt and Emma live, not on Pa’s Double K ranch in the Tularosa. While she gets lonely, it’s “not as important as my freedom.” Emma has earned notoriety for having endured a roundup trail drive. Perfectly introduced to us at the time of the passage of the 19th amendment, the women’s right to vote, she’s a terrific example of how a ranch woman’s life was more equal to a man’s in the early 20th century than a woman’s from the East. That accounts for her native counterparts praise when a famous Western writer, Eugene Manlove Rhodes, writes a story about her cowboying escapades, yet she’s scorned by those eastern women. Rhodes is one of several authentic New Mexican historical figures nicely folded into the novel. He wrote about the beauty of the Tularosa, his stories serialized in magazines like The Saturday Evening Post, but he’s all but forgotten – except for now. Perhaps Rhodes’ poetic writing inspired the author to bring him back to life?
PATRICK: Matt’s ornery Pa with a past that haunts him. One of Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders in the Spanish American War, so he’s not afraid of hardships but a disagreeable character whose estranged from Matt, does best alone, and while not physically abusive to Emma hurt her “with words and looks.” To his credit, he cares deeply about the Double K ranch, “one of the nicest outfits on the Tularosa” despite its lack of modern conveniences. His character shows us that sound agricultural practices and foresight matters in the cattle ranching business, under the constant stress of weathering nature and financial crises.
PATCHES: Matt’s pony is to be appreciated because “you can learn a lot about a man by his horse.” In fact, “sometimes a man’s pony can be his best friend, the most important critter in a cowboy’s life.”
THE IGNATIO & LUCERO families: Teresa Ignatio is Matt’s maternal aunt, and Nestor and Gaudalupe Lucero are Matt’s neighbors in Las Cruces. Both Mexican families pay tribute to the historical heritage of Hispanics in settling New Mexico and the role of the Catholic church; gracious hospitality and fiestas; and the “closeness and affection” of proud families – proud of their traditions and their State.
AUGUSTA & CONSUELO MERTON: Gus, a professor at the New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanics in Las Cruces and his wife Consuelo are the beloved and watchful aunt and uncle of Matt’s “wonderful love” Beth. Their hacienda is a great example of New Mexico’s ubiquitous architecture: thick adobe walls, “low-beamed passages” that sprawl onto an open courtyard with endless views of the desert. Beth is another strong female character: she dreams to become a doctor.
VERNON CLAGETT: What would a Western be without an outlaw? This one allows the author to depict New Mexican law enforcement in the early 20th century.
ERNIE PYLE and BILL MAUDLIN: Pyle, the renowned WWII reporter and Maudlin, Pulitzer-Prize winning WWII cartoonist, add two more compelling New Mexican historical figures to the cast of characters. They help tell the fascinating story of New Mexico’s role in WWII: Operation Husky.
There are more characters, more stories, but to say more would be a spoiler.
With all this telling of tales comes a delightful mix of old-fashioned, Western language – hornswoggling and lickety-split and hogwash and greenbacks and jake – and a swell balance of depicting New Mexico’s “stark beauty” against its parched lands and sobering history. As Matt’s friend, Boone, declared when he set eyes on the Tularosa: “I’ve never seen anything like this place.” You may feel the same, when you see it through the visually evocative prose.
Lorraine (EnchantedProse.com)
November 22, 2014
McGarrity's saga of the Kerney family is outstanding
Having been a Michael McGarrity fan for many years and having read all of his Kevin Kerney books, I can say that for me that the first two books of the Kerney family saga grabs you and they are hard to put down. The depth and detail of his characters and the history of the times he creates is wonderful. I waited along time for the first two books to come out and now I'll wait for the third book. It will be worth it.
Having been a Michael McGarrity fan for many years and having read all of his Kevin Kerney books, I can say that for me that the first two books of the Kerney family saga grabs you and they are hard to put down. The depth and detail of his characters and the history of the times he creates is wonderful. I waited along time for the first two books to come out and now I'll wait for the third book. It will be worth it.
February 29, 2020
Backlands follows the life of Matt. Starting as a young man it follows him through the Great Depression and into WW1. It's a great read.
June 1, 2014
Emma Kerney is dying of heart disease and is determined to insure that her son, Matthew, eight years old at the beginning of this novel, will be financially secure. She’s also determined that her ex-husband, Patrick, a drinker and all-around nasty individual, will be able to touch very little of what she’s leaving for Matthew. While she has a sudden upswing in her health, she accomplishes all she set out to do and even has some amicable moments with Patrick. But life is never that simple, and eventually Matthew is left with only his father to raise him. At first it all goes well as Patrick tries to train Matthew in riding and caring for horses, Matthew’s great love. Matthew’s ultimate goal, however, is to finish high school and attend college, a dream Patrick mocks!
As time passes, we read the remainder of the story of Matthew, Patrick, the New Mexican Spanish residents, including one who eventually marries Patrick for a short time. This is the story of survival in the lean years of the early twenties and thirties, when these New Mexico residents were faced with drought and the Great Crash that financially destroyed people in this community as well as throughout America.
Matthew, however, evolves into one determined, hard-working man. As his relationship with his father deteriorates, his luck in obtaining work with the CCC of Roosevelt’s administration and other choices force him into becoming the owner and caretaker of the ranch his father used to run.
Without giving away the many exciting, challenging scenes in this novel, suffice to say it’s a great novel of the West and a story of the Darwinian struggle to persist and succeed at living and working in a beautiful but tough land beloved by so many – the Great American West! Very nicely crafted, Michael McGarrity!
As time passes, we read the remainder of the story of Matthew, Patrick, the New Mexican Spanish residents, including one who eventually marries Patrick for a short time. This is the story of survival in the lean years of the early twenties and thirties, when these New Mexico residents were faced with drought and the Great Crash that financially destroyed people in this community as well as throughout America.
Matthew, however, evolves into one determined, hard-working man. As his relationship with his father deteriorates, his luck in obtaining work with the CCC of Roosevelt’s administration and other choices force him into becoming the owner and caretaker of the ranch his father used to run.
Without giving away the many exciting, challenging scenes in this novel, suffice to say it’s a great novel of the West and a story of the Darwinian struggle to persist and succeed at living and working in a beautiful but tough land beloved by so many – the Great American West! Very nicely crafted, Michael McGarrity!
July 8, 2014
3.5 stars
Did I enjoy this book: Yes!
I thought Mr. McGarrity did an especially nice job of developing his characters in the book. I understand it’s the second in a series; I haven’t read the first book, but had no problem picking up the story line.
This story begins in the 1920s, survives the Great Depression, and ends with the Second World War: McGarrity covers a lot of ground in five hundred pages. That’s probably why the book seemed to drag on so long for me.
I thought a huge conflict was brewing about 40% through the book when the main character’s trustee told him, “You’ll be a very well-off young man . . . I’ve leveraged the stock by buying it on margin . . .” Knowing that the Great Depression was right around the corner, I was bracing for the worst. But the book just breezed through the Depression with no single climax or resolution that I could sink my teeth into.
I did see a huge difference in Patrick’s character from the beginning to the end. I didn’t understand why he changed… maybe just old age.
Even in a series, I like a book to contain all the elements that a novel should. I think Mr. McGarrity might be saving some of his big moments for the last book.
Would I recommend it: Knowing that it’s long and what it’s about, if it still sounds interesting to you, then yes. There’s a huge audience for people who like this kind of old West, historical literature.
As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/06/re...
Did I enjoy this book: Yes!
I thought Mr. McGarrity did an especially nice job of developing his characters in the book. I understand it’s the second in a series; I haven’t read the first book, but had no problem picking up the story line.
This story begins in the 1920s, survives the Great Depression, and ends with the Second World War: McGarrity covers a lot of ground in five hundred pages. That’s probably why the book seemed to drag on so long for me.
I thought a huge conflict was brewing about 40% through the book when the main character’s trustee told him, “You’ll be a very well-off young man . . . I’ve leveraged the stock by buying it on margin . . .” Knowing that the Great Depression was right around the corner, I was bracing for the worst. But the book just breezed through the Depression with no single climax or resolution that I could sink my teeth into.
I did see a huge difference in Patrick’s character from the beginning to the end. I didn’t understand why he changed… maybe just old age.
Even in a series, I like a book to contain all the elements that a novel should. I think Mr. McGarrity might be saving some of his big moments for the last book.
Would I recommend it: Knowing that it’s long and what it’s about, if it still sounds interesting to you, then yes. There’s a huge audience for people who like this kind of old West, historical literature.
As reviewed by Belinda at Every Free Chance Books.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/06/re...
April 20, 2019
Second portion of the Kerney family trilogy. Very well written and worth the read for someone who enjoys historical fiction McGarrity incorporates well known people into his story and historical facts as well. The first volume included Spanish American war and World War I. This one has Mathew serving during the invasion of Sicily with the 45th Infantry.
May 23, 2014
The saga of the Kerney family continues with Emma and her son. It is a great read with love, heartbreak and courage. McGarrity weaves this tale of the Kearney's in New Mexico in the 1920's up to WWI. I can't wait to for the 3rd book!
June 3, 2014
Good second installment but because it is a trilogy and we already know Kevin has to be born, there was not real tension in Matt's adventures some how coming to a bad end.
That being said, Mr. McGarrity has written a darn good historical fiction novel covering a lot of time and place.
That being said, Mr. McGarrity has written a darn good historical fiction novel covering a lot of time and place.
October 17, 2014
Wonderful continuation of the saga begun with "Hard Country" taking the Kerney family and New Mexico history up to the middle of World War II. Like the first book besides the entertainment of reading it makes me want to saddle up in Tularosa and ride the canyons.
November 3, 2014
Hard Country and Backlands are excellent novels of historical fiction. Fortunately, this saga is a trilogy and another story of the Tularosa and the Kerney family is forthcoming. This is as close to Larry McMurtry's golden Lonesome Dove as it gets. I highly recommend it as a Goodread!
December 26, 2014
Great read
this is a fast paced narrative. characters are interesting and compelling. author has obviously done a meticulous job of researching. this is obviously a labor of love. anyone with an interest in the American west should read this book. entertaining and informative.
this is a fast paced narrative. characters are interesting and compelling. author has obviously done a meticulous job of researching. this is obviously a labor of love. anyone with an interest in the American west should read this book. entertaining and informative.
January 6, 2015
This book is the second in a trilogy about the settling of New Mexico, but it also is a history lesson in the settling of America. Finely researched and written, it is excellent and I am looking forward to reading the final book (still being written) by this very good writer.
September 18, 2014
I had a very hard time putting this book down. The characters are so interesting, the scenery so vivid, and the story line is fantastic! I'm eagerly waiting for Book #3 of this Trilogy!
Read
June 4, 2016Exceptional - this is such a good series. And this book? I didn't want to finish it because- then what?
I highly recommnd!
I highly recommnd!
April 21, 2020
Once again, Mr. McGarrity, spins a story, captivating, raw, and down to earth story. Continuing from the first novel "Hard Country" you are lead into the life one generation ending and a new one beginning. Set just before the Great Depression and ending with WWII, the intertwine characters, their lives, deaths, set against this backdrop of the depression, the will to fight against all the odds to keep the ranch going, along with love, death, and all the rest life deals out, is a fascinating and gripping story.
Mr. McGarrity's writing style, draws the reader in immediately, with both character and story development at its finest. The reader is there, living with the characters, seeing, smelling, sharing in the lives of the characters. The reader is a part of the story, if only a silent observer, but the reader is there through the writing of Mr. McGarrity.
A wonderful story, raw in its stark depiction of life. The reader is exposed to the reality of life, death, mistakes, disgraces, triumphs, success and failure. All the realities of life, not glossed over with romantic idealism, but the reality of life vs. death. Love attained and lost. Success and the sense of acheivement, only to see it all washed away, by the ravages of events, beyond the control of anyone and for no fault of anyone. The struggles just to put a loaf of bread on the table, a roof over ones head, etc. The story is rivitig and intriguing, keeping the reader engaged and glued to the story to the very end.
With all the events which everyone is facing today with the C-19 virus, this series is very befitting and is highly recommended to one and all. You will not regret your time and will find yourself well rewarded in this story.
Mr. McGarrity's writing style, draws the reader in immediately, with both character and story development at its finest. The reader is there, living with the characters, seeing, smelling, sharing in the lives of the characters. The reader is a part of the story, if only a silent observer, but the reader is there through the writing of Mr. McGarrity.
A wonderful story, raw in its stark depiction of life. The reader is exposed to the reality of life, death, mistakes, disgraces, triumphs, success and failure. All the realities of life, not glossed over with romantic idealism, but the reality of life vs. death. Love attained and lost. Success and the sense of acheivement, only to see it all washed away, by the ravages of events, beyond the control of anyone and for no fault of anyone. The struggles just to put a loaf of bread on the table, a roof over ones head, etc. The story is rivitig and intriguing, keeping the reader engaged and glued to the story to the very end.
With all the events which everyone is facing today with the C-19 virus, this series is very befitting and is highly recommended to one and all. You will not regret your time and will find yourself well rewarded in this story.
July 2, 2017
Growing up
Very attractive series based on a lawman in New Mexico and his family. This is part of the series called the Kevin Kerney Novels. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. The story’s are great, but what makes this series stand out is how the country is worked into the story, It’s almost as if you are there. The author is a gifted story teller.
Do you need to read this series in order: Yes, it helps a lot. Note that Hard Country and Backlands (and one pending maybe) are the prequels.
Triggers: Cops and police situations, there are rapes, homicides, and crime.
In the New York Times bestselling Hard Country, Michael McGarrity gave readers an expansive, lyrical period Western in the tradition of A. B. Guthrie Jr. and Larry McMurtry? (Hampton Sides). Now McGarrity continues his richly authentic epic of life on the last vestiges of the twentieth-century American frontier. — Scarred by the loss of an older brother he idolized, estranged from a father he barely knows, and deeply troubled by the failing health of a mother he adores, young Matthew Kerney is suddenly and irrevocably forced to set aside his childhood and take on responsibilities far beyond his years. When the world spirals into the Great Depression and drought settles like a plague over the nation, Matt must abandon his own dreams to salvage the Kerney ranch. Plunged into a deep trough of dark family secrets, hidden crimes, broken promises, and lies, Matt must struggle to survive on the unforgiving, sun-blasted Tularosa Basin.
Very attractive series based on a lawman in New Mexico and his family. This is part of the series called the Kevin Kerney Novels. This paragraph applies to all books in this series. The story’s are great, but what makes this series stand out is how the country is worked into the story, It’s almost as if you are there. The author is a gifted story teller.
Do you need to read this series in order: Yes, it helps a lot. Note that Hard Country and Backlands (and one pending maybe) are the prequels.
Triggers: Cops and police situations, there are rapes, homicides, and crime.
In the New York Times bestselling Hard Country, Michael McGarrity gave readers an expansive, lyrical period Western in the tradition of A. B. Guthrie Jr. and Larry McMurtry? (Hampton Sides). Now McGarrity continues his richly authentic epic of life on the last vestiges of the twentieth-century American frontier. — Scarred by the loss of an older brother he idolized, estranged from a father he barely knows, and deeply troubled by the failing health of a mother he adores, young Matthew Kerney is suddenly and irrevocably forced to set aside his childhood and take on responsibilities far beyond his years. When the world spirals into the Great Depression and drought settles like a plague over the nation, Matt must abandon his own dreams to salvage the Kerney ranch. Plunged into a deep trough of dark family secrets, hidden crimes, broken promises, and lies, Matt must struggle to survive on the unforgiving, sun-blasted Tularosa Basin.
October 27, 2020
This is the 2nd novel in this pastoral yet powerful trilogy and the 1st one I bought used. I felt I had to read No. 1 (Hard Country) first before starting Backlands; I'm glad I did. All the background of the 1st novel is followed up here in the 2nd. A western, but with lots of story and plot behind it. There is murder and rustling, but told quite differently from the usual. The Double-K ranch continues to operate by surly, obnoxious Patrick Kerney (spelled their name wrong in my earlier review and am correcting it here). His son, Matt Kerney, grows up with the help of his mother's will, spending time in Las Cruces during the winter and attending high school there, only returning to the ranch during the summer months, always heading toward a break with his father. Yet on matters concerning horses and the ranch, Matt manages to win praise from Patrick. When the break comes it seems like it will go on forever. I whipped through this novel in just 3 days and it's a long one--503 pages. When Matt finds a job after the failure of the banks in 1929, there are details of his work for the Civilian Conservation Corps much of which was new to me. When World War II starts up and Matt goes to war, he surprises himself. I enjoyed this novel so much, I can't wait to read the third and more of Michael McGarrity's westerns.
October 7, 2023
I just love McGarrity's descriptive prose! I feel like I "am there" on the "Ponderosa", lol. His female characters are strong, strong, strong and independent minded (just like in THE LONG AGO). I really appreciate that.
Loved Matt's character and how it was developed throughout the book. Patrick was another story...a bit worrisome, actually. He started out strong...we, the readers, "knew" his motivations, thoughts and concerns in particular about his wife. Then...it changed. When and how did his marriage to Evangelina come about? Why didn't we see what brought this on? What was the impetus for that decision? Why was he so cold and cruel to her later? There was a gap of 4 years where all this happened and there was really no exposition. That was troubling to me. My eyebrows raised up! It was nice, however, how he mellowed with age.
Quibble: The last few chapters were too heavily focused on the war and Matt's exploits, challenges and triumphs. Too many details of the battles!! I'm NOT a war aficionado and found those passages and pages and chapters to be tedious. I also "knew" he'd get back home somehow and return to his sweetheart so that was no surprise.
All in all, though, an enjoyable read. LOVED LOVED LOVED the connection to horses that Matt and Patrick had throughout the book. Lovely.
Loved Matt's character and how it was developed throughout the book. Patrick was another story...a bit worrisome, actually. He started out strong...we, the readers, "knew" his motivations, thoughts and concerns in particular about his wife. Then...it changed. When and how did his marriage to Evangelina come about? Why didn't we see what brought this on? What was the impetus for that decision? Why was he so cold and cruel to her later? There was a gap of 4 years where all this happened and there was really no exposition. That was troubling to me. My eyebrows raised up! It was nice, however, how he mellowed with age.
Quibble: The last few chapters were too heavily focused on the war and Matt's exploits, challenges and triumphs. Too many details of the battles!! I'm NOT a war aficionado and found those passages and pages and chapters to be tedious. I also "knew" he'd get back home somehow and return to his sweetheart so that was no surprise.
All in all, though, an enjoyable read. LOVED LOVED LOVED the connection to horses that Matt and Patrick had throughout the book. Lovely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
His characters truly get fleshed out and that's the quality I like most in this Kerney Family series. Other than that, it is just too long winded in prose style for my taste re the period and placements.
That doesn't sound fair, and probably isn't. But I find that overall with so much emotive or physical description and often repetition - after a place change or death or any time lapse- the entire becomes jumpy. In other words, the style does not lend itself to much continuity beyond the plots of story line.
My fiction loves are almost all far more succinct to the cores than this. In fact, I find myself not much liking any of the characters. Even Matt, the prime, seems rote flat after awhile.
Overall, I like stand alone Or Kevin series McGarrity much better. It doesn't get as "tell, tell, tell" so much. This does for me. But it sure is fixated and has depth for the Arizona, New Mexico of that time.
That doesn't sound fair, and probably isn't. But I find that overall with so much emotive or physical description and often repetition - after a place change or death or any time lapse- the entire becomes jumpy. In other words, the style does not lend itself to much continuity beyond the plots of story line.
My fiction loves are almost all far more succinct to the cores than this. In fact, I find myself not much liking any of the characters. Even Matt, the prime, seems rote flat after awhile.
Overall, I like stand alone Or Kevin series McGarrity much better. It doesn't get as "tell, tell, tell" so much. This does for me. But it sure is fixated and has depth for the Arizona, New Mexico of that time.
October 4, 2018
I had forgotten how much I enjoy Michael McGarrity's writing!! I have read all the Kevin Kerney novels and got this series as they were published, but forgot I had them.
This is a rich, satisfying book of New Mexico history. Matthew Kerney, son of Patrick, who was featured in the first book, is living with his mother away from the ranch where his father still lives. He doesn't know what happened between his parents, but it was BAD. Now his mother is dying and he will soon have to live with his father, who he barely knows and is somewhat afraid of.
He and his father do not get along any better, but Matt grows up and goes to war in Europe, where he is badly wounded. He returns to the ranch a different person.
This is a rich, satisfying book of New Mexico history. Matthew Kerney, son of Patrick, who was featured in the first book, is living with his mother away from the ranch where his father still lives. He doesn't know what happened between his parents, but it was BAD. Now his mother is dying and he will soon have to live with his father, who he barely knows and is somewhat afraid of.
He and his father do not get along any better, but Matt grows up and goes to war in Europe, where he is badly wounded. He returns to the ranch a different person.
November 15, 2018
This book is even more engrossing than the first Kerney Family saga, Hard Country. This is the story of Matthew, Patrick's second son. When Emma, Matt's mother, realizes she has a heart condition and is likely to die, she sets up a trust to make sure he is taken care of and does everything in her power to make sure that Patrick can't get his hands on the money. But after the boom of the 1920s, the depression and drought strike the Double K, putting both Matt and his disagreeable father into a precarious position. Matt, it turns out, is ten times the man his father is and has inherited his mother's smarts. The Kerney men slog through the personal tragedy, Depression, and WWII. Epic, sweeping, and swiftly paced, this is a damn fine read.
February 13, 2020
The second of a trilogy of the Kevin Kearney clan in the American southwest. You must read #1 first. This is an epic trilogy that deals with pioneers settling in New Mexico. It's fantastic writing as the author is great at creating lifelike characters, an accurate historical setting and beautiful descriptions of the life in that ear. This second book is a little depressing though as one of the main characters was abandoned as a child and became a rather cold adult. It's a very long book and has a lot of interesting sub-plots or side stories including romances, a rancher's life and the protagonist's experience as a Rough Rider in the Spanish-American war. Highly recommended for any western historical fans.
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June 13, 2025While this book is categorized as a fiction novel, it is also an in-depth look at three generations of ranchers in New Mexico. See what happens when the US Government wants the land, how the farmers are muscled off their land, and hold on as they may, all farmers eventually end up losing when resisting the powerful US Government. If you love ranching or want to know more about it in the Southwestern USA, this a your book. Small town business and social life, rodeos, and vivid characters bring it all to life.
July 2, 2019
Western fiction - McGarrity continues on the backstory for the Kerney family. This takes Patrick and Matt Kerney from just after WW1 to the mid 1940's. McGarrity has a true love for New Mexico and the hard scrabble life the ranchers lived there. A good beach read.
Canadian reference - character wants to take a steamship to Canada from Cleveland.
Pharmacy reference - several references to the drug store in town where Matt buys soda pop, condoms and chocolates (in that order.)
Canadian reference - character wants to take a steamship to Canada from Cleveland.
Pharmacy reference - several references to the drug store in town where Matt buys soda pop, condoms and chocolates (in that order.)
December 30, 2021
A fantastic historical story ... And an old-fashioned horse turds and gun powder Western to boot! This one found me get deeply interested in the Great Depression and the program given to the country by Roosevelt to aid the people. You sure don't see today's politicians thinking of the good of the people! You know it's a book to recommend when it sends the reader on the path of interest and resesrch!
January 25, 2025
I absolutely love this trilogy - or at least the first two books I've read so far. It is very strongly character based, with action, history, cowboy ways, and a bit of law and order thrown in.
This second of the three books covered the time shortly after World War I and well into World War II. The author wrote so interestingly about the Great Depression, Roosevelt's CCC initiative, WWII's Specialized Training program, and of course the challenges of ranch live in New Mexico.
This second of the three books covered the time shortly after World War I and well into World War II. The author wrote so interestingly about the Great Depression, Roosevelt's CCC initiative, WWII's Specialized Training program, and of course the challenges of ranch live in New Mexico.
March 15, 2018
A very insteresting and stirring novel.
Financial tragedy. The horrors of war. The heartbreak of lost love. An old man learning his lesson. All come together to flesh out this second book in the series. It was definitely worth reading.
This is well written by Mr. McGarrity and expertly performed by Mr. Guidall. Another well done gentlemen!
Financial tragedy. The horrors of war. The heartbreak of lost love. An old man learning his lesson. All come together to flesh out this second book in the series. It was definitely worth reading.
This is well written by Mr. McGarrity and expertly performed by Mr. Guidall. Another well done gentlemen!
March 5, 2019
Volume two of the trilogy unlike many trilogies is actually even better than volume one. I have no ranching experience so could not comment on the authenticity of that facet of the book. I did however do 23 years in the US Army and served in combat as an infantryman so I can say with some authority that the author's narrative is very realistic.
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