The Land

Devil's Peak is the spiritual center of a certain section of dry, alkaline land in New Mexico. Its flat top decorated with powerful primitive drawings, the peak oversees the passage of time and the passions of man in Swisher's historical saga. Beginning with the Indians, he recounts the love story between Shining Moon and Flying Bear, as doomed as is the fate of their tribe. Next come the Spaniards, represented by Father Majico who builds a church near the ruined pueblo and dreams with equal purity of God and a young woman left in Spain. Mexicans follow, both rich and poor, their haciendas and lean-tos lost with their dreams in the clash between Indians and the U.S. Army. Finally, the land is possessed by ranchers and cowboys, passed down through generations of a family named Simpson. Frank Simpson is the last hero, mute as a child, in special concert with the land that releases its past to him in visions and, when needed, even its hidden wealth. Sometimes excessively emphasizing the passions of a man for his woman, as well as for his land, Swisher's tale doesn't gloss over the harsh cruelties of man or nature. If there were a category of historical romance written for men, this moving novel would fit the bill. (December)