A Land Divided Paperback – November 19, 2019

A modern-day western with more twists and turns than the Oregon Trail. Set in the southeastern town of Burns, Oregon, this cleverly written novel by Jack Wills is closely based on the 2016 standoff at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge where armed ranchers faced off with the Feds over BLM land-use rights and ownership. It is a fictional story surrounding that harrowing event in Harney County as feisty locals scheme to secretly take over what they claim is theirs.At 343 pages, the novel delivers a generous group of deeply developed characters immersed in violence and intrigue, but this macho theme isn’t without tender moments. A moving dialog surfaces between a terminally ill mother and her Navy SEAL son, Shawn Bryant, as he comforts her at the family homestead. On a lighter note, readers will embrace Professor Mac, a retired charismatic soul, who lectures on ecosystems and western civilization over shots of whiskey and pizza! At the very core of the plot is a ruthless leader in Darren Simpson, who learns that Bryant’s tactical skills and keen anticipation make him an impossible nemesis.Some words about the author: Mr. Wills has a proclaimed love for nature and his innate ability to paint landscapes with expressive words flows naturally as well. As an admired and accomplished photographer, it explains his many artistic compositions and poetic tones rooted throughout the story.A Land Divided exemplifies cultural divisions (past and present) between native rights, self-entitlement, and government control. It is a masterful story of the human condition: one that triggers real conflicts and national debate. Nonetheless, it raises awareness of the abusive land use discrepancies that exist today. I especially like the fact that the author grew up on a family farm in Missouri and has that perspective. So, I highly recommend this book for all readers who crave resourceful story telling.

The armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge back in January 2016 brought to national attention a festering issue in the American West. Who owns public lands? Few of these occupiers were local. Instead of dwelling on the notorious occupiers in this well- publicized drama, Jack Wills, the author of this engaging novel, more aptly chooses to focus on a fictional family that has lived in the southeastern corner of Oregon for generations, particularly on a troubled young Navy SEAL who returns from duty in Afghanistan to lend a hand to his ailing mother and her ranch.Full of psychological insight, the novel lets us see the gradual enlightenment and moral growth of Shawn Bryant as he looks to shed his painful adolescence. Ironically, he has left a deadly civil war to find himself in what could soon develop into a civil war at home. While possessing considerable physical skills needed for his role as a SEAL, he knows little of the history of the Malheur region and its ecological significance, having been preoccupied by his own traumatized past. He needs to find light and sustenance through personal growth.Wills skillfully presents the full spectrum of views about the land issue, preparing us in stages for an impending showdown, the threat of violence always just around the corner. He dramatizes the behavior patterns that lead to violence, but he also, through deft characterization, points out a more peaceful path forward that could serve us humans well.As to be expected with a young man’s development, romance is also present, along with the testing of family bonds. Wills combines these elements very effectively. While the novel is deeply unsettling at times, we also get a reassuring vibe that decency can win out.

"A Land Divided" by Jack Wills is one of the best books I've read in a very long time. Believe me, it had a lot of competition says this avid reader - especially during the times of COVID which significantly upped the time available for reading. The protagonist has a lot on his plate in his own personal life while serving in the military, and life just gave him a heaping helping of more real-life issues that reach back to his childhood when he must go home to confront them. The characters you meet along the way are well fleshed-out and there's at least a piece of every character that you definitely will identify with. The Author lets these characters walk you through both sides of a difficult issue that has its origins during settlement by Oregonian pioneers on Native American land, and sets this issue right in front of you with the current events of Malheur, preceded by the likes of confrontations in Waco and Ruby Ridge. Add to this beautiful descriptions of the environs and wildlife of east Oregon, and you have a real page-turner with a heck of an ending. A brilliant debut novel that makes you more from Mr. Wills.

Very compelling. Just couldn't put it down. There was never a stopping point. Got it on Monday finished it on Thursday. Ready to see it in movie form. Absolutely loved it.

I really enjoyed reading this book! The writing flows smoothly. The characters have depth. The author knows the wildlife, plants & landscape well of the area. It is very well written.

This was such a fun read! A Land Divided is a real page-turner, full of adventure and intrigue. Highly recommend it!

Definitely feel like this will be made into a movie someday. Well-written and interesting. Really enjoyed reading this and found it very interesting that this was loosely based on true events. Highly recommend.