Don Winslow's masterpiece is not only a page-turning thriller but also a rich and compelling novel about a very mixed group of characters, each in his or her own way seeking some sort of salvation or redemption. Set on the Mexican border and against the background of the US government's (through the agency of the CIA, FBI and DEA) underhand encouragement, sponsoring and active financing of the development of the drug cartels and their trade in Mexico, The Power of the Dog tells of the stories of a hugely varied cast of characters: a young Chicano boy from the barrio who makes good and becomes a Senator; a morally troubled DEA boss who tries to do good, but who is driven by events and by a desire both for salvation and revenge to sleep with the devil; the leaders of the drug gangs, some of them psychopathic, others urbane, civilised and deadly; a high-class prostitute; and a charismatic Catholic priest who is dedicated to the improvement of the lives of his fpeople. Winslow has crafted a hugely ambitious - and hugely successful - novel that works on so many levels and offers so many satisfactions it defies belief.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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No one since James Ellroy has conveyed the morally troubled heart of the American dream with such savage aim, and Winslow cleverly adds a pointed political dimension to his saga. A future classic.' Guardian
'Don Winslow is the kind of cult writer who is so good you almost want to keep him to yourself.' (Ian Rankin )
'The first great dope novel since Dog Soldiers thirty years ago. It's frightening and sad, with a superbly sustained intensity. A beautifully compressed vision of hell, with all its attendant moral madness.' (James Ellroy )
A damn good read. If you've never read Don Winslow, start now. (Val McDermid )
It is impossible in a few words to do [it] justice... It's a huge book, both in size and scope...' Sunday Telegraph --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
'Don Winslow is the kind of cult writer who is so good you almost want to keep him to yourself.' (Ian Rankin )
'The first great dope novel since Dog Soldiers thirty years ago. It's frightening and sad, with a superbly sustained intensity. A beautifully compressed vision of hell, with all its attendant moral madness.' (James Ellroy )
A damn good read. If you've never read Don Winslow, start now. (Val McDermid )
It is impossible in a few words to do [it] justice... It's a huge book, both in size and scope...' Sunday Telegraph --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
Book Description
Don Winslow's break-out novel. A hugely ambitious, page-turning thriller of power and revenge, in the tradition of the Great American Novel.
'This is Winslow's masterpiece (so far) and should have a place on every crime freak's bookshelf. Superb!' Independent on Sunday
(20030402) --This text refers to the Paperback edition.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By G. Fergus
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
The story of 40 years of history as seen through the eyes of two men on either side of the drugs trade. It will open your mind and should seriously make you question aspects of American Foreign policy and the truth behind the War on Drugs. Full of amazing characters and beautifully written.
Absolute quality that is difficult to put down. Do yourself a favour and read this book.
Absolute quality that is difficult to put down. Do yourself a favour and read this book.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is one of the best crime novels I've ever read. It might make you cry; cheer; feel angry; thrilled; and exhausted. It will certainly not leave you unmoved. For those who just want action, then there is hardly a chapter without action. For those who want an interesting and intelligent read, it is that as well. It is like a cross between 'The Godfather' and 'American Tabloid'.
The core of the story is the crusade of Art Keller, an American-Hispanic DEA agent, against the Barrera family, Mexican drug barons, who he meets as a young man at the beginning of his career, is initially friendly with, but soon becomes their dedicated enemy. The fight between them lasts nearly thirty years.
It is also a tale of political expediency; cynical pragmatism and corruption.
The Mexican government feels it cannot afford to crack down on the drug trade; The American government have their own agenda in South America, in their fight against communism; and the Catholic church wants a way back into Mexico. So the result is a deadly minefield for anyone who dares to try to do some good.
There are five main characters, whose lives criss cross over the years. Art Keller, the constant outsider, who understands the mentality of the barrio;Adan Barrera, who, rather like Michael Corleone, in the Godfather, turns to 'the dark side' after a brutal act of violence against him and wants into the family business; Father Juan Parada, the decent, brave priest who always speaks his mind; Nora Hayden, the call girl with a heart; and, Sean Callan, the hitman who wants out, but keeps being dragged back in. There are many more great characters.
I raced to the end of this book and was sorry I had finished it.
The core of the story is the crusade of Art Keller, an American-Hispanic DEA agent, against the Barrera family, Mexican drug barons, who he meets as a young man at the beginning of his career, is initially friendly with, but soon becomes their dedicated enemy. The fight between them lasts nearly thirty years.
It is also a tale of political expediency; cynical pragmatism and corruption.
The Mexican government feels it cannot afford to crack down on the drug trade; The American government have their own agenda in South America, in their fight against communism; and the Catholic church wants a way back into Mexico. So the result is a deadly minefield for anyone who dares to try to do some good.
There are five main characters, whose lives criss cross over the years. Art Keller, the constant outsider, who understands the mentality of the barrio;Adan Barrera, who, rather like Michael Corleone, in the Godfather, turns to 'the dark side' after a brutal act of violence against him and wants into the family business; Father Juan Parada, the decent, brave priest who always speaks his mind; Nora Hayden, the call girl with a heart; and, Sean Callan, the hitman who wants out, but keeps being dragged back in. There are many more great characters.
I raced to the end of this book and was sorry I had finished it.
11 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By G. Miller
Format:Hardcover
A stunning piece of work. Rewarding on every level.
Immerse yourself in the history of the 'Mexican Trampoline' as drugs make their way from South America, through Mexico and into the US. Believeable characters, well drawn, travel through decades and watch their own part in this history of drugs and cocaine and USA involvement in South America and...
Well the list is endless - it has pace, real drama and tension. Some parts are jaw dropping in their intensity and brutality but never gratuitous.
All his other books are great - this should push him to classic writer status - up there with Ellroy in my estimations.
Immerse yourself in the history of the 'Mexican Trampoline' as drugs make their way from South America, through Mexico and into the US. Believeable characters, well drawn, travel through decades and watch their own part in this history of drugs and cocaine and USA involvement in South America and...
Well the list is endless - it has pace, real drama and tension. Some parts are jaw dropping in their intensity and brutality but never gratuitous.
All his other books are great - this should push him to classic writer status - up there with Ellroy in my estimations.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don Winslow's best book
This is a really great read. Lot's of action, larger than life characters. I doubt the Mexican tourist board will promote it however.
Published 3 days ago by James Armour
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Very interesting multi faceted plot, thoroughly engrossing from start to finish. Fascinating insight in the drug business from South America to the US throughout the 70's to the... Read more
Published 15 days ago by Jonathan Paul Finlay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterpiece!
Wow! This gem stands tall amongst many out there. It has the CIA, DEA, FBI, NSA, NAFTA, Irish mob, Italian mafia, cold warriors, sandanistas, contras, mercenaries, high-priced... Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. Gates
3.0 out of 5 stars
INVOLVED PLOT
READ DON WINSLOW OTHER NOVEL THOUGHT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD READ, VERY INVOLVED PLOT SWINGING FROM ONE SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES TO ANOTHER THEREFORE DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW THE THREAD OF THE... Read more
Published 2 months ago by NICHOLAS PHILLIPS
4.0 out of 5 stars
Clever fictional critique
I am fascinated by the relationship between America and Mexico regarding the so-called "War on drugs" and this fictional tale of some of its main players on both sides of the law... Read more
Published 2 months ago by mc shortall
5.0 out of 5 stars
AWESOME
Bought this book by chance, I was reading a Clarkson book and he mentioned it, I hadn't heard of the author, but it really is one of those books that if you miss reading it you... Read more
Published 3 months ago by dk
1.0 out of 5 stars
Tiresome
A DEA agent pursues a Mexican 'narcotrafficante'. That's the plot, such as it is. The book supposedly makes a point about the US 'war on drugs', although what that point might be... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Clankylad
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Having been a long time fan of James Ellroy, I wanted a novel that approximated his work in terms of style, pacing and excitement. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Joshua
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it.
Fantastic read. A real classic. It is really unputdownable. You simply have to buy this book. A total masterpiece. Brilliant.
Published 4 months ago by James M. Mulholland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Powerful dog
Epic book, makes the competition pale into insignificance, Really good read well researched. Bit gory at times, but you are THERE.
Published 5 months ago by Paul Longden
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