Saving the West

by Peter R. Decker

John Marlow, a fourth generation Colorado rancher, has lost his family's ranch to its creditors; while also losing his wife and son to a less stressful life in town. When the National Open Land Conservancy (NOLC) purchases the 60,000-acre ranch from the bank to save it from development, Charles Devlin, New York s leading investment banker and NOLC s chairman, ends up with the ranch, while gaining a generous tax credit and a gorgeous summer retreat for his family. He hires Marlow as manager, but John s way of running the ranch quickly conflicts with the conservation ethic of Charles and his wife Amanda, and the profit expectations of Charles accountant, Fred Rigby. The Devlins expect the ranch to become an environmental showcase in the West, a region, they believe, is slowly destroying itself from mining, timber cutting, and over grazing. But John not only rebels, he retaliates as well. What ensues is mayhem involving eastern bankers, industrialists, and philanthropists being pitted against long-time local residents, Indians, and a narrow-gauge train in Durango, Colorado. The clash of John's rural values with those of Charles' urban culture serves as the back drop for Peter Decker's gentle satire. Cover by William Matthews

286 pages, Paperback

First published November 7, 2010

About the author

Peter Decker received a Ph.D. in American History from Columbia University, and taught at both Columbia and Duke University. After relocating to Colorado, he served as Commissioner of Higher Education, Commissioner of Agriculture, and a Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Denver. In addition to scholarly publications about the history of the West, Decker self-published Saving the West, a satirical novel. Decker makes his home on a ranch in Colorado.

Reviews

[Carol Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot to like about this book, but mostly I liked the generational pull and understanding of what drives a cattle rancher, and the perils that exist for all small ranchers and farmers. Good perspective on the West, the land, the people, and the changes that are coming to all of it.

[Candice · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Eastern banker, a conservation easement and a struggling ranch in the San Juans. Quick easy read, a bit stereotyped though I loved the determination of the rancher.

[Wayne Geiser · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story felt very contrived and a few corners were cut, particularly at the end to try to tie up any loose ends. I would also have liked a bit more content review. I don't know anything about cattle ranching and trains, but I DO know that tie-rods are not inside an engine and one doesn't use a tourniquet for a flesh wound. Makes me wonder what details in other areas I should be skeptical of.