You Cant Push a Rope By: Clint Trafton

You Can't Push a Rope

About the Book: "You Can't Push a Rope" is an engaging novel by Clint Trafton that delves into the complex struggles and familial bonds of the Peralta family. Set in New Mexico during the 1960s, this compelling story revolves around Joaquin Peralta's relentless fight to reclaim his family's stolen land, a battle that spans generations and tests the very fabric of his relationships.

Key Characters

Joaquin Peralta: The protagonist, Joaquin is a determined man fighting to restore his family's dignity and rightful property. He marries Bonita, a beautiful Hispanic widow with a half-Anglo teenage son named Chava.

Bonita: A resilient woman who becomes Joaquin's wife and the backbone of their family. She takes on domestic work to support her new family after Joaquin is imprisoned.

Chava: Bonita's son, Chava struggles to fit in with his new family due to his Anglo heritage. He eventually finds common ground with his stepfather while trying to protect his mother from racist threats.

Plot Overview

The story begins with Joaquin's tireless efforts to reclaim the Peraltas' twenty-thousand-acre land grant in New Mexico, stolen by various entities over time. His fight involves hiring lawyers, attending meetings, and even resorting to acts of civil disobedience.

In 1965, Joaquin marries Bonita and adopts Chava into his family. However, tensions arise due to Chava's Anglo heritage and his lack of enthusiasm for the land-grant fight. Matters escalate further when Chava falls in love with Ellie Carter, a woman whose family has innocently settled on disputed land.

Meanwhile, Joaquin becomes involved in a historic courthouse raid led by Reies Tijerina, vaulting him and his fellow raiders into national prominence within the Hispanic civil rights movement. However, their actions lead to imprisonment for several participants, including Joaquin.

The narrative explores the intricacies of family dynamics and cultural identity amidst political turmoil, as Chava's new life with the Carters eventually helps him understand and appreciate his stepfather's passion for justice and land rights.

Book Details

• Binding: Paperback
• Dewey Decimal Classification: FIC
• EAN: 9781552123386
• Height: 213 mm
• ISBN-13: 9781552123386
• Language: English
• Media Mail: Yes
• Number of Pages: 316
• Print on Demand: Yes
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Publisher Date: 30 May 2000
• Returnable: No
• Series Title: English
• Spine Width: 18 mm
• Weight: 404 gr
• Width: 138 mm

Author: Clint Trafton brings to life the complex struggles and triumphs of the Peralta family with his vivid storytelling and insight into cultural identity, family dynamics, and political turmoil.

"You Can't Push a Rope" is a captivating exploration of love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of historical events. By combining rich character development, engaging plot twists, and poignant themes, Clint Trafton delivers an unforgettable reading experience that will resonate with readers long after they've turned the final page.