Hard Country: A Novel

I enjoyed Michael McGarrity's new book. It's different than his other books--following a family in New Mexico in the 1800's and early 1900's. The ending left me wondering if there will be a sequel. George Guidall is a wonderful narrator.

I'm a Michael McGarrity fan and I like his Kevin Kearny universe. This is a waaaay prequel that delves into the Kearny ancestry between the Civil and First World Wars. I was looking for some insight into what made Kevin Kearny...Kevin Kearny. Perhaps I'm asking too much. But, I'd like some foreshadowing and such. Not there. Not really. So, this story must be taken on its own merit and the result is a standard cowboy yarn. Not bad. Not terrific. Just okay. That is all.

Mr McGarrity did outstanding job of research in New Mexico history and seamlessly wove it into his plot. His characters ring true - with all their strength and flaws. I love the way he portrays strong women. I recognize my father in his gentle hard working people of Tularosa and my mother (a Canadian), a World War II veteran nurse- another strong woman of character - who met ( and later married) my father in that war. His descriptions of the geography and weather of New Mexico. The way he used Eugene Manlove Rhodes in his story was great. The hard life of the ranchers was very well portrayed as well as the Mescalero Indians.

I was fortunate to meet Mr. McGarrity when he spoke and read the first chapter of this book in Alamogordo, NM. It is my understanding it was the first of 3 books. I look forward to the rest and thank him for all his hard work on this book.

I've heard people compare it to Lonesome Dove - but they are wrong - it stands alone and will become the new benchmark. It is a cut above.

Yes, he does a fine job of narrating this tale.

I don't think a movie would cut it. It needs to be a mini series.

This book is a tribute to all New Mexicans.

The book very nicely walks you thru a family's day to day life, in New Mexico from late 1800's to early 1900s. The characters were developed well and very real.
I really enjoyed sharing part of their life on their small cattle and horse ranch and in the small towns, feeling their joys and sorrows.

I have been audible member for almost 10 years and this book is in my top 10 list, up there with Painted House. I was very disappointed when it ended.
I am going to pick up another one from this author this month.

I really enjoyed this book - the writing and narration were way above average. I would have enjoyed it more if there had been an ending that matched the story. It just sort of stopped at the nearest scene even if the scene didn't make sense

I am a fan of the entire Kevin Kerney series, and this epic back story of the Kerney family is simply marvelous. Narrator George Guidall is a master.

George does a great job!

I think that the author goes into just enough detail to keep you interested and the story line is excellent.

This is the best book I have listened to in over a year. My husband is the lover of coyboy stories, but this sounded interesting so I decided to give it a try. Don't let the lenght of the book deter you, I wanted more.
The characters are really well developed, the writer and narrator give you a real feel for the times and country. This is no place for wimps and thouchy-feely types, rather tough, stoic, deal with the situation and move on types. Which is not to say there is no friendship or love for characters. Quite the opposite, the story shows how love, loyalty and friendship bridge the years.
The story runs from the mid 1800's to WWI, chronicling the changes in the country side, towns coming and going, and inventions (electricity/ cars). The characters are so real, and the narration is superb. I will definitely look for more books narrated by George Guidall.

great story.. loved the western take on New Mexico.. the characters were well developed.. although Patrick is a complete regret on the gift God gives of life.. at times he was hard to take.. CJ was a hero and Emma was taken for granted.. Cal was the ranch and this book is worth the credit.

I very much enjoyed the audio edition of this book, and my ability to take it everywhere with me.

I cried more than once during this story and sobbed at the end. The characters are so real and I got to know them very well. Then, as the years passed and they aged and then died, it I felt I was losing a good friend.

George Guidall was a good choice for narrator of this book. He did the voices of the youngsters and the aging, roughened cowboys with equal believability.

Heart rending, amusing, and always completely absorbing, I recommend Hard Country to all readers, and everyone interested in New Mexico history.