The Milagro Beanfield War

Although the storyline, by any account, is both interesting and relevant, John Nichols’ The Milagro Beanfield War is as much about voice and style as about story and tale: once you fall into his amazing river, you don’t worry so much about where it’s going to take you.But then, once the river gathers strength and direction, you find yourself seeing the forces at work more and more clearly, as well as the upcoming battle ahead—and you read on (awake, when you should be sleeping) to find out, to find out…His much larger than life characters (or characters living in a much larger than normal life—for they do) are both pathetic and heroic, and funny; and you cannot help but rooting for them in whatever insanities they set out to achieve. And as an aside, Nichols must have been speaking in Spanish tongues to come up with such a vast field of character names, I continued to amaze at this as I proceeded through the story.Nichols’ description of Amarante Cordova’s beating Death in seven-card stud poker is, on its own, worth the price of admission and sets the tone for the depth and the bordering on pathological stick-to-itiveness of some of the Milagro populace. Yes, once you’re in with this crowd, you don’t want to leave.The pebble-pelting Mercedes Rael is another larger than life character that floats in and out of the narrative as real as any ghost. Nichols handles her expertly and you’re always glad to encounter her again in the most unexpected (narrative-wise) places—though always true to the story.Nichols’ weaving vernacular borders on the miraculous, while through it spring his vast cast of characters, all standing up and casting a shadow (as Faulkner demanded of fictional characters). They grow every-day real as your care and interest increases by degrees and the book (or Kindle) gets harder and harder to put down.I read this book when first published, but have to admit I didn’t know English quite as well then. Twenty years of reading (and looking up words and their meanings) have primed me better for this experience, and this time around it’s a firework of glittering life.Perhaps best of all; even character you like can act like bastards, while you understand why they do: that, in my book, is good—and very real—story telling.

There are certain books that the name alone as stuck with me for many years that eventually I need to read and this was one of them. This is a story about the characters living in the fictional area of Chamisa Valley located in Northern New Mexico who most barely get by at least financially and there efforts to oppose the evil Ladd Devine the man who has all the money you know the one he owns everything in the area including at least part of the bank. Ladd along with his gang of individuals who hope to get there piece of the pie riding Ladd's coat tails by developing the area with a golf course and ski resort and building a dam to make a lake resort. They try to sell the idea to the down trodden in the valley stating on the benefits. But slowly but surely see what the writing on the wall.The unlikely cast of characters start to come together when one of the main characters Joe Mondragon starts diverting water from the irrigation ditch to water his little field of beans. The story as the title states builds up to the impending war.While the area of Chamisa valley is fictional there are many areas in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado talked about as in the San Luis Valley and Pueblo. This story is loosely based on an events that the author and those in the Tao's New Mexico had to deal with. This story is a good steady read.

It took me two separate readings to finally finish this book. The only reason I finally did finish the book is more due to my OCD where I feel compelled to finish a book once I start it... Similar to Catch 22, there were too many characters in the book. Though that's not necessarily a deal-breaker, it didn't work for the book, in my opinion. The Latino characters in the book didn't seem authentic to me, though that could be more related to the specific area of the SouthWest (New Mexico) where the characters are from - as I am more familiar with the Latino/Chicano culture of California. At any rate, I have great respect for the author. It was a good attempt at capturing the class/race struggle of New Mexico. So go ahead and give the book a try. You might enjoy it better than I did.

John Nichols is a cynical version of Steinbeck. His descriptions of characters and situations are insightful and often just a bit twisted. "Cute" can get tiresome but Nichols usually pulls it back just in time. Haven't seen the movie in years so I decided to read the book. Good read about the clash of lifestyle and varied expectations of what the characters want from their journey through life. Think past the simplistic overused theme of the evil corporation vs the little guy. There's something more important going on here. For those who haven't heard the sound track of the movie i recommend it highly.

This is an accurate description of the water issues in all of New Mexico and the misinformation that was given to the people of the state. John Nichols wove a tale of a village on the cusp of losing everything their ancestors had worked for, and he did it with humor and needle sharp accuracy. It is the book that I always send to friends who want to know what New Mexico is all about.

Man this book was great. I saw the film a few years back and although I remember it, reading the book was a whole different ball game. The story was much more intense and enveloped my attention for a few weeks. It is rare to find a book this irreverent and enthralling. Ill likely read it again and again, Que no?

I have loved this book from the first time I read it. I watch the movie ever so often. My brother gave it to me to read. It always reminds me of him and growing up in New Mexico. Thank you John Nichols for it.

Can't help but love the folks of Milagro! Every character is well written, quirky and lovable, and the language of the author is distinctly his own. This great book caused me buy the Robert Redford film, and it is every bit as enchanting as the book. Think I'll do them both again.

Of its time, just not to my taste. I found it painful but if you like this sort of thing it will hit the spot.

=o)

An excellent read, after seeing the movie, or before.