FICTION

Backlands: A Novel of the American West

by Michael McGarrity
Dutton. May 2014. 512p. ISBN 9780525953241. $28.95; ebk. ISBN 9780698157118. F
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McGarrity's second novel (after Hard Country) in his sweeping Kerney family saga set in southern New Mexico covers the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and World War II. Sick with a weakened heart, independent Emma Kerney moves from town to her ex-husband's ranch where she can be cared for. Patrick, her gruff former spouse, struggles to build an amicable relationship with their son, Matt. Preferring school over life on the ranch, Matt seeks refuge in town after his mother's death. Patrick and Matt are frequently at odds over finances, Patrick's alcoholism and past mistakes, and the running of the ranch.
VERDICT McGarrity's well-researched details about life in New Mexico during the Great Depression will appeal to historical fiction fans, and his details about life on the ranch will appeal to readers of fiction set in the West. Loyal fans of the Kevin Kerney mystery series will also seek out this novel.
Reviewed by Emily Hamstra, Univ. of Michigan Libs., Ann Arbor , Apr 18, 2014
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