Durango: A NovelIn Ireland during World War II, cattle prices have never been so competitive. Deciding that the local rates are not high enough, Mark Doran leads a daring cattle drive of 200 cattle and thirteen men to the great Trallock Fair, challenging the local business men and their power. They encounter many perils and must rely on all their wits and resources. But Doran's herd and men endure to achieve record prices and the experience of their lives. This fantastic tale is crammed with colorful characters such as Haybags Mullaney, Bessie LieDown, and the impulsive Carabim girls, owners of the Durango Bar. Its warmth and hilarity, countered by moments of lyrical poignancy, will delight the reader. The great cattle drive is as important to this community as World War II is globally. The closeness to nature of the men and their cattle is vividly realized. Durango is an adventure story set in a rural Ireland that is fast dying, but John B. Keane brings it to life with great skill, humor, and compassion. |
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Algie Clawhammer Annie Archie Scuttard army arrived Baby Ford Badger Doran Ballybo Bessie LieDown's Bishop Elect Bollicky Bill brothers bullocks Carabim cattle civic guards cows Crabapple Cunnackawneen Daisy Popple Dango Danny Binge Danny Dooley dogs drink drive Drover Mooleys Durango Bar eyes face fair farmers Father Dugan Father Tapley Fizz Moran Florry Mullanney girls hand Haybags Mullanney head herd hill in-calf heifers Irish Jacko Flannery Jay Mullanney jobbers Killarney knew LieDown Long Gobberleys looked luck money Lullagys mare Mark Doran Mark's Mary McCarthy Mattie Holligan Mick Malone Monnie Monsignor Binge morning mother Neddy Drangen never night Nonie Doran Paddy O'Connor Philly Hinds poitÃn promised Rector replied Roscreas Sally McCarthy Sandy Hassett Sergeant Rowley side sisters stood Sullivan brothers Thade Joe there's told town Trallock Arms Tubberlick turned Vester McCarthy village voice weanlings whiskey whispered wife woman young