High Plains Tango

by Robert James Waller

With over 10 million copies sold, bestselling author Robert James Waller returns with the haunting, evocative story of a small town, a beautiful and mysterious woman, and the man forever changed by both.

The wild places are where no one is looking anymore. Out there on the high plains, among the Sioux reservations and the silent buttes, among the small towns dying and the people with them, you can hear the wind. And on the back of the wind is the sound of an old accordion—tangos—mingling with the lonely thump of a single drum in the nighttime and a far-off warrior’s cry. On the back of the wind is the smell of worn saddle leather and sawdust, of sandalwood, and smoke from ancient ceremonial fires. To this, to a town called Salamander, comes Carlisle McMillan, a traveler and master carpenter seeking a place of quiet amid the grinding roar of progress. Near Wolf Butte, a strange and apparently haunted monolith, he finds his quiet, or so he believes, and begins rebuilding a decrepit house as a tribute to the gruff old man who taught him a carpenter’s skills, rebuilding his life at the same time.

He finds two very different, independent Gally Deveraux, who works at a diner in Salamander and longs for something more than she is, and Susanna Benteen, beautiful and enigmatic, who was drawn to Salamander for mysterious reasons of her own, a woman the town has labeled a witch. The women and his carpenter’s trade and an old Indian known as Flute Player bring Carlisle a sense of contentment for a while. But his quiet is shattered as bulldozer treads begin to turn and the Yerkes County War commences. Run or stand your ground, that is Carlisle’s dilemma, Gally on one side, Susanna on the other.

Robert James Waller’s fully imagined characters become people we know and care for deeply.

High Plains Tango is the hauntingly lyrical story of a small town in the middle of nowhere, a town that forever changed—and was forever changed by—one man.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Adventure, Novels, Book Club

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Robert James Waller was an American author also known for his work as a photographer and musician. Several of his books have been on the New York Times bestseller list including 1992's The Bridges of Madison County, which was the top best-seller in 1993. Both that novel and his 1995 novel, Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, have been made into motion pictures.

Reviews

[Jessaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

“This is sacred ground, so claims Sweet Medicine. Anyone who comes alone to this place believes it. There is nothing out here that cares about you, about whether you live or die or pay your bills, or dance on warm Mexican beaches and make love afterwards. There is nothing except silence and wind, and they do not care for they will be here long after your passing, that much they know…”

I love Robert James Waller’s writing because it is lyrical, and because he can draw you into a story. Not that I have liked everything that he has written, but I have not read much. I barely remember “The Bridges of Madison County,” only remember that I felt sorry for the woman’s husband, who she cheated on. Sorry for this and for her not loving him but staying. Then I read, “Puerto Vallarta Squeeze” and loved it. I still do and have read it twice This book I am unsure of.

The man, Carlyle, drives into a small dusty town in South Dakota. A woman crosses the street in front of him, looks his way, and he finds her looks to be strange and beautiful. When he steps into a restaurant/bar and describes the scene, the people, my mind is taken back to Creston, California. Population 200. A cow town. The mention of an Indian flute player cause me to think of a scene in Creston during their Creston Day parade” Mac and I were standing outside of the bar when B.J. walks up to us. We barely knew her. She was Randy’s girlfriend. She began saying, “Some boxes fell on my head at Walmart and I got a concussion. Then, I told him that I only want to be friends. Then he left me and is seeing another woman. I don’t understand this.” Randy drove into town on his motorcycle, got off and began walking towards us. I noticed that he was wearing a large chain on his jeans with several keys attached. He was the only Indian around. When B.J. saw him, she said, “He is a hunk.” I agree and added, “Mac is more of a hunk.” Then she comments, “I am too classy for him.” Yes, I think. She is conservative in dress and wears her makeup well. But they belong together.” When Randy reaches us, B.J. has left. He begins saying that he likeS her and cares for her. Then after a few moments he says, “I love her.” She would have to come to him and not the other way around. I don’t know what had happened with this story. I don’t recall seeing them again, but it was close to our moving away.

The book was like this story. It was interesting, but it did not move in a fast pace. Not like I like. Waller’s book, that I love, moved, where the couple in love were on the run. Still, I baked in the beauty of his words and at least I was not bored. And at least no one got hurt emotionally, not like Randy and B.J. had. And next I will read his “Border Music.” Maybe you can’t go wrong in Mexico, but that depends on which side of the boarder you are on.

[Maria Roxana · Rating 4 out of 5]

”Am cunoscut atunci o femeie și aș fi renunțat la tot pentru ea; inclusiv la drum. Dar au fost anumite lucruri ce ne-au stat în cale, iar aceea a fost singura mea șansă, după care am pornit din nou la drum, cu aparatele foto după mine. Acum, la sfârșitul vieții, am renunțat la călătorii, dar tot singur sunt (..)
Așadar, în acea viață când tu citeai la lumina galbenă a unei veioze, gândindu-te la tărâmurile îndepărtate și dorindu-ți, poate, să le vizitezi, tărâmuri unde eu am fost de zeci de ori, eu treceam pe lângă fereastra ta, dorindu-mi exact contrariul. Eu îmi doream fotoliul tău și veioza ta, familia ta și prietenii tăi.
Probabil era o noapte ploioasă cea în care eu am trecut pe lângă casa ta, căutând un loc unde să înnoptez. Și poate am găsit unul, după care, a doua zi dis-de-dimineață, am pornit mai departe, amintindu-mi lumina galbenă a veiozei tale.
Totuși, eu am făcut această alegere. Acceptându-mi marele defect de a merge tot mai departe și de a nu privi niciodată înapoi, nesimțind vreodată un gol pentru ceea ce lăsasem în urmă, cu excepția acelei femei, am abandonat veiozele tuturor căminelor și am ales drumul..”

[Drew- Pickleball Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book from the Bridges of Madison County trilogy. You really should read them in this order: Bridges, A Thousand Country Roads, and High Plains.

A Thousand Country Roads was a little bit of a let down, but High Plains is wonderful. Out of the three, this was my favorite. True love wins!

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't finish this book -- it was that bad. It seemed like the author was working hard to sell his political agenda. Just didn't work for me.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

What peculiar writing. Waller uses verbose style in his recently written love story. I stumbled across words like, "folderold" "evanescent" amd found wrangling sentences I did not understand after reading over and over again.

Carlise sat there, remembering what Cody Marx had said about working to close tolerances in all things, numbed by the savage burlesque his life had become."

Say what? The chapters are spaced here, then ten years later, then in the present....they jump in time. The main charcter is Carlisle McMillan and of course he drives a pickup truck. You know he is driving to somewhere he has never been before, seeking an earthy sexual encounter with a woman who is as beautiful as a goddess. I was convinced in the first few pages that this is not his best writing. I wanted more to the plot and better description of the North Dakota landscape besides mentioning tumbleweed blowing down Main Street.
Chapter seventeen made the whole novel worth reading (to me anyway). The author's describes the fall and destruction of rural American towns. "Old Man", who is a resident of the town of Salamander, population 900 something, is speaking to a reporter,
"That sort of mind-less poop appeals to people who have no minds..." The ideas are fruitful and well thought out by the Old Man who describes how people try to save the town.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Robert James Waller’s writing style. Slow times and unique relationships. High Plains Tango was different from the other Robert James Waller books I’ve read. This book has a social message about the false promise of progress.

Fortunately, I have several more novels of his to read.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Descriptive but not overly so. You are left to recall from your own life experiences the high plains that this book is set in. These locales are found in all areas of our country. Politically correct even if not acceptable.

[John Ratliffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third piece in the set that could be subtitled, "The Robert Kincaid Franchise." Readers were so smitten by that character in "Bridges of Madison County" that they continue to show up at National Geographic in D.C. asking to see the "Robert Kincaid Exhibit," earnestly believing he was a real person.

I missed the second piece of the set, "A Thousand Country Roads," but now I have go back and read that one to close the circle of the trilogy. A bit about Waller: I especially loved 'Bridges' for the book and especially for the Johnny Hartman sound track of classical jazz ballads, thanks to that long time jazz fan, Clint Eastwood. I believe his son, Kyle, who is a bassist, played on that track. I have on my shelf also Waller's book of essays, "Old Songs in a New Cafe," which is just great. I recommend. His "Puerta Vallarta Squeeze" was a tall tale full of action and rather too fanciful for me, but it was good enough to be turned into a movie, I believe.

In the end this 'High Plains' is well worth reading, and it goes by quickly. The story builds a little too slowly and ends a little too quickly, and perhaps the writing style seems forced at times--plus, the main characters seem a bit overdrawn and too-good-to-be-true as well, but what the heck, this is just a book! When you add up the pros and cons of the plot and the prose in this one, it is another good book from Waller--it gets a solid four from me. Unfortunately, Waller died March 10, 2017, in the beautiful Hill Country of Texas where he lived, so we will see no more from him. A fine and empathetic writer, he will be missed.

[Gayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was about love, corruption, environment, and beating the odds.

[Savanna Mathis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really deserved 2 1/2 stars, but you can't do that. The story was okay, but I did not like the way Waller's enviornmental messages were crammed down the reader's throat.
It is the story of a carperter, Carlisle McMillan, is tired of the people and noise and problems of other areas (including CA) and travels around and eventually finds the town of Salamander. He settles in an old house there and then rebuild and refinishes it. He beomces involved with Gally Deveraux, a local waitress and then evenutally Susanna Benteen (a woman some locals consider a witch). An interstate highway is scheduled to run through the area of Carlisle's town and home (outside of town) Then the enviornmental stuff starts.
Waller even brings in the theory that some college professors from the East proposed. That is to relocate people from the center part of the country in the "buffalo commons" and relocate them.
The vacated area then is allowed to go back to the buffalo and nature. (the critters would do a better job of managing the area than humans)

[L T · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a wonderful story by a warm wonderful writer. I discovered this book on the shelf of my local library while browsing for books. Hmm, by the author of The Bridges of Madison County? hmm, I loved that book, so why not give this one a try? LOVED IT!

Not necessarily a love story as it is a story of a man finding his path and ultimately himself. Carlisle McMillan is a character that has been evolved from the great plains of America. He is a carpenter by trade driving across America here and there until he reaches a town that is slowly dying and decides to stay put. He meets 2 women different from each other yet complimenting, an old Indian who lives high on the Butte, an old man, an accordion player. His life is content until bulldozers threaten his property and his contentment. Run or stand his ground? Perhaps you will be surprised as I was.

Can not wait to read more by this author.

[Cyndi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like the main character; that's the only reason I kept reading. The book went in too many directions at once, telling the history of the region, the politics of the area, the engineering of road building, and the character development. It was too preachy regarding environmentalism, etc. I did like that the battle against the bull dozer was not entirely a success and how the main character built a good life for himself and others in the end.

[Deirdre · Rating 1 out of 5]

This novel was too self-conscious and the writing felt forced.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet and wonderfully written

this was sweet and wonderfully written .. well developed character’s and lots of atmosphere..loved the descriptions of the landscape and mountains..

[Julie McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot was lackluster, but I loved the descriptions of the stark geography and dying town.

[A.R. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Ballad From the Heart

What I really like about this story is its soft, lingering pace. The lazy yawn of a tomcat named ”Dumptruck”, for instance, and the sensual dance of a mystic goddess that goes by the name of Susanna Benteen, better known as “the witch” among the locals in Salamander.

For those of you who saw one of my favorite movies, “Bridges of Madison County”, you’ll know what I mean about Waller’s languid, unhurried pace. In “Bridges”, Clint Eastwood evoked that mood with a musical composition of his own, titled “Doe Eyes”, towards the end of the film. And to complement those simple chords, the Bluesy ballads of Johnny Hartman, emanated from the muffled speakers of an old Victrola. That was then, in the movie, but this is Waller’s trademark, laid-back style, which he captures once again in this wistful novel. Another story underscored, if not with sorrow, then with melancholy―something I always fall for.

First, about the title and the Hardcover book jacket since that’s what attracted me to the story to begin with. I tend to judge a book by its cover and title so I had a feeling that whatever was beyond the dancing, ghostly figure on the cover, clad in a yellow dress, would be ever so nostalgic, and it was. That’s always one of those rare pleasures, when the title and cover artwork blends with the story in such an organic way. Although, I’ll have to admit that it seemed a bit too romanticized for me but I soon got over it.

The last chapter is as beautifully written as the first. Both serving as philosophical bookends to the writing in between, which seems to float somewhere amid the casual and unadorned, almost austere in its approach, which suits the storyline deftly. Clearly, we get from the outset that the main character, Carlisle McMillan, is a man of sparseness, a minimalist at heart. We know we’re in for a slow, wandering excursion into something familiar, yet something difficult to put into words, wondering if Waller can pull this off―the ending that is, because we get the feeling that there’s a little something wrong with the telling along the way.

It seemed as though there was no distinction between the narrator and the main character, and that’s too bad but I had already learned more than I should have about Waller’s own backstory, which inadvertently echo’s throughout this book so I always pictured him as the narrator. (That’s what I get for wanting to know more about the author.)

I’ll also admit that I skipped several chapters where a feud about the construction of a highway through sacred ground, took over and broke through the wonderful stillness that Waller, up until then, had so wonderfully managed to evoke. Yes, it’s conflict, but the kind of conflict that goes on for too long and with far too much detail. It seemed off key to my ear--cutting against the grain for this kind of story, to use a metaphor that Carlisle McMillan would appreciate.

The “mandatory” sensual scenes come across as awkward and almost gratuitous, compared to the overall tone and context of the story, but tastefully written nonetheless. Here again, my fault for delving too far into Waller’s background. (I know, I know. My psychiatrist has pointed out that I blame myself way too often.)

I just couldn’t get Waller’s image out of my head--his McMillan-esque ways and looks. It’s one of the reasons why high profile actors refuse to give interviews. It really spoils the mystery between the actor and the character they portray--the ability for the reader in this case to disassociate the main character from the narrator who also sounds like the author. For me, it’s almost as if Carlisle McMillan and Robert James Waller were the same person. In my own mind, based on what I already knew about Waller, that seemed to ring true, and a little too close for comfort for my taste.

An aside: It’s a lot like when J.D. Salinger came out of hiding after 40 years of self-imposed seclusion. It was as if the mystery behind “The Catcher in The Rye” dissolved right before my very eyes. Especially when the 90-year-old Salinger commented on a scene from a Terminator movie, saying: “Holy crap, was that fucking cool or what?” Something outrageously disconcerting to that effect. Can someone please shoot me now? I’ll never be the same. Thank you.

Okay, as an author myself, not that I’ll ever reach the notoriety of Salinger or Waller, but I’m going to stay in hiding and keep my big mouth shut, just in case I ever do write a classic story―like Harper Lee. I just don’t want to spoil anything for the readers. Lord forbid.
All that nonsense aside, I don’t think this story can match the sadness of “Bridges” either, but we eventually realize that it is not meant to. Waller paints these words with honesty, longing, and a quietness that is both magical and gracefully inaudible at times.

Maybe even as lonely, as a High Plains Tango.

Okay, you get the picture. Scratch the needle across the record. Here’s my favorite line in the book:

“It’s a Tango, you dumb bastard.”

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

BTW, this book has gotten many mixed reviews and for good reason. I believe that Waller is an excellent writer and that's clear based on the first and last chapter of this novel. But something happened in between, from chapter 2, in fact, that didn't ring true with most of this story.

An environmental message and what seemed like a first draft as far as concepts go, permeated the middle of this story.

That's a shame because it almost comes off as a bad story, sandwiched between a great lead-in an a sentimental ending, which is the last impression one gets and the reason I liked it so much.

Maybe this proves what they say: that the most important parts of a book are the first ten pages and the last ten pages. If that's the case, this book is the quintessential example of just that.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rating: 2.5
There is a term for a character who possesses an implausibly large number of skills, talents, and positive character traits without having offsetting negative traits: a "Mary Sue." This character is, more often than not, the author's poorly disguised attempt to write a fantasy narrative centered around an idealized version of himself or herself. I am left wondering, what is the term for a male Mary Sue?

This book centers on a strong, silent Stanford graduate who decided to become a master carpenter and build things that last. He flees from the rampant commercialism and development on the coasts to the high plains, becomes the most sought-after carpenter in the state, saves an almost extinct species of raptors, and gets laid a lot.

On the upside, the author provided a few rather poetic descriptions of life on the high plains and the slow death of small town America.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlisle is somewhat of a drifter who decides to settle on the high plains of Montana near the small town of Salamander. As he demonstrates his expertise at carpentry by remodeling the old house on his new property, he becomes accepted by the locals and develops friendships and romantic relationships. But just as he becomes part of the community, his life is disrupted by threats to everything he has built including his relationships.
I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did because I had heard that it wasn’t as popular as the author’s previous bestseller. But, this story was a slow build with great character development and just enough philosophical thinking thrown in. I loved the way the various animals, both pets and wild creatures played roles in the story. And the ending was really nice - good resolutions for the main as well as minor characters.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sequel to A Thousand Country Roads, itself a sequel to The Bridges of Madison County, and though it focuses on one of the main characters of that first sequel, it is a very different kind of book in many ways, though not so much in others. Carlisle Macmillan, son of Robert Kincaid, the former a traveller and carpenter of great skill, moves from California to a small town on the High Plains called Salamander. Here, he lovingly and expertly renovates an old property, as a tribute to his mentor and all that is good in the world. Romantic, powerful, inspirational and comical, I loved this book so much I would give it ten stars if I could.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book evoked that feeling of nostalgic reverence you get when driving across long expanses of barren, American landscape and through small run-down towns, wondering how a person could have ended up there and what it may have been like when it was colourful and alive. In a poetic and slow-and-savoury build up, Waller takes the reader on a vivid adventure across space, time and cultures, to confront "the man" and his capitalist agenda, and ultimately move beyond him with integrity and values to good craftsmanship.

[Linda Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audio book version. This is my third James Waller book that I've read/listened to and they have all been great. At times it's almost like reading/listening to poetry. This book brought present day issues (environment, treatment of Native Americans and seniors, for example) into the story line about mid-way into the story, which I don't recall in his other two books that I've read. I just really love his writing and have encouraged friends to read him as well.

[Peter Hedlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story with a melancholy feel to it. Beautiful scenery and the setting of rural Montana definitely acts as a character in and of itself here.

One strong theme in the book was high consumption and environmental consumption. Though the theme is more meditated on. There are no real solutions or strict points made by Waller, which made reading the novel all the better. My kind of book.

Plus Susanna Benteen sounds like a fox.

[Casey · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little dry for my tastes. I especially disliked all of the description about carpentry. And from the synopsis I thought it would be more of a love triangle type of a story. Out of the novels I read by Robert James Waller A Thousand Country Roads was my favorite. This one just didn’t do the trick. There were some very funny parts but nothing to really justify reading it as a whole.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the fourth book of Waller's that I've read, and it's my least favorite. I liked Carlisle McMillan quite a bit as the story's hero, but I found the structure to be problematic in a few ways, and also felt that it was overly long and rambling in some key places. If you're only going to read one of his novels, read Bridges... or Slow Waltz... and skip this one.

[Tulipán · Rating 3 out of 5]

Esta es la tercera novela sobre "Los Puentes de Madison", cuyo protagonista es el hijo del fotógrafo que tuvo de joven con una novia ocasional. Una historia prescindible que resta encanto a la historia de amor que vivió con Francesca.

[Amie Wagner Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this story about starting a new life in a new place, how new characters get fleshed out going into their pasts and how they intertwined with the main character, and fighting beaurocracy.

[Patty Jaacks]

Easy to become engrossed in this well-written story featuring some distinct well-developed characters. The environment is also a character

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an easy and enjoyable summer read.

[April Franklin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me forever to get into his books Ive read. Im not a big fan. Dont know if Ill read anymorr of his.