The Milagro Beanfield War (novel)

The Milagro Beanfield War is a 1983 novel by American author John Nichols. It is the first book in Nichols's "New Mexico Trilogy," which also includes The Magic Journey and Nirvana Blues. The novel is a satirical and humorous tale of a small, impoverished town in northern New Mexico, Milagro, where the community's fragile existence is threatened by encroaching development.

The story centers around Joe Mondragon, a local handyman, who illegally diverts water to irrigate his family’s long-abandoned beanfield. This seemingly small act of rebellion ignites a community-wide conflict, pitting the traditional Hispanic villagers against powerful outside interests, including wealthy developers and corrupt politicians, who plan to exploit the region's natural resources and build a large-scale recreation resort.

The ensuing "war" is less about actual violence and more about a cultural clash, a fight for survival, and the preservation of a traditional way of life. Mondragon's actions inspire others in the community to resist the development plans. The novel explores themes of environmentalism, social justice, cultural identity, and the struggle against corporate greed.

The book is characterized by its colorful characters, vibrant descriptions of the New Mexico landscape, and a blend of realism and magical realism. Nichols's writing style is known for its humor and its sympathetic portrayal of the Hispanic community. The Milagro Beanfield War received critical acclaim and was adapted into a 1988 film directed by Robert Redford.