Michael McGarrity’s Backlands ... a review

“Backlands continues the story of Patrick Kerney; his

ex-wife, Emma; and their young son, Matthew, shortly

after the tragic battlefield death of the 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, Matthew 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, Matthew must

struggle to survive on the unforgiving, sun-blasted

Tularosa Basin.”

                                                ~~ {From the book cover}  

Michael McGarrity’s Backlands, the 2^nd in a trilogy continues the family saga of the Kerney’s who make their living ranching on the Tularosa in southern New Mexico. McGarrity makes a fine historical writer covering several events including the market crash of ‘29, the depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and WWII and how they affected ranchers during those times.

The use of era appropriate language is fascinating and the prose is smooth and easygoing. Even with 500 or so pages, readers will fly through this well paced story with rapt interest.