description The Milagro Beanfield War Overview
The Milagro Beanfield War is a 1974 novel by American writer John Nichols, set in the fictional northern New Mexico village of Milagro. The plot follows Joe Mondragón, a poor Chicano farmer whose unauthorized diversion of irrigation water to a small bean field triggers a wider conflict over water rights, land use, and outside development interests. The novel blends social satire, political critique, and a large ensemble of comic local characters. It is the first volume of Nichols's New Mexico trilogy, followed by The Magic Journey and The Nirvana Blues.
Robert Redford directed a 1988 film adaptation.
help The Milagro Beanfield War FAQ
Who authored The Milagro Beanfield War and in what year was it published?
The novel was written by American author John Nichols and published in 1974. It later became a cornerstone of Southwestern American literature.
What is the central conflict that kicks off the plot of The Milagro Beanfield War?
The story follows a poor New Mexico farmer named Joe Mondragón who illegally diverts water to irrigate his small beanfield. This simple act of defiance sparks a massive land and water rights struggle against wealthy real estate developers.
Did The Milagro Beanfield War receive a film adaptation?
Yes, the novel was adapted into a 1988 film directed by Robert Redford. The movie adaptation starred actors like Rubén Blades, Sonia Braga, and Christopher Walken.
Is The Milagro Beanfield War part of a larger book series?
Yes, the book is the first installment in Nichols' New Mexico Trilogy. It is followed by The Magic Journey (1978) and The Nirvana Blues (1981).
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