LAND OF DUST AND HOPE

In Downing’s novel, a ragtag team from Happy, Texas, goes on a journey that will forever change how they view the world.

This epic, neo-Western tale begins by introducing Brother Bob,a lonely Methodist preacher who’s been stationed in Happy for the past eight years. The locals appreciate his religious inclusivity: “Unlike the other preachers,” Downing writes, “he made it a point not to go on about the cross, sin, and the blood of the lamb.” However, despite his success as a community leader, he lives a lonely life. Elsewhere in town, Jen, a highly empathetic woman, is stuck in a tense marriage with her alcoholic husband, Gil; her sister, Cheyenne, is mentally ill and struggles with visions of demons. James, Jen’s lover, is a cowboy and a brave and loyal presence in the community. Joaquin is a horse trainer who taught James everything he knows, but now it’s his turn to ask something of James. Joaquin’s granddaughter, Angelica, attempted to flee Guatemala when gang members killed her boyfriend, but she was taken captive—first by police, then by others. An unlikely team from Happy, including Joaquin, James, Cheyenne, Jen, and Brother Bob,unites in a bid to rescue Angelica before it’s too late. One of the most surprising features of Downing’s text is how he describes mental illness; Cheyenne is written as a whole person, rather than a diagnosis or case study: “When Cheyenne heard the demons were gone, her whole body seemed to melt into Jen’s embrace. She buried her face on Jen’s shoulder and said, ‘I was so scared, Jen. I was so scared.’” All the other characters ensure her autonomy is preserved and an entire chapter is dedicated to her point of view. However, the development of other characters, such as James and Jenn, are notably abrupt or absent. In addition, many plot points are awkwardly revealed through dialogue, as in characters’ speeches on immigration justice.

A sometimes-charming modern cowboy tale that’s hampered by inconsistent characterization.