Don Winslow’s The Power of the Dog is a sprawling, 560-page saga that delves deep into the brutal realities of the drug trade between Mexico and the United States, exposing a disturbing level of collusion between drug lords, the Mafia, and elements of the U.S. government. Published in 2005, this novel offers a unflinching and often sickening portrayal of the “Mexican Trampoline,” the trafficking of cocaine from Medellin to the States. It’s a story that is as complex as it is riveting, packing one gut punch after another, and ultimately leaving the reader stunned and disillusioned by the dark underbelly of American democracy.
The novel masterfully dissects the U.S. policy regarding the War on Drugs, presenting it as a largely ineffective endeavor. Instead of solely focusing on law enforcement, the narrative implies that resources could have been better allocated to more essential areas, such as supporting drug addiction treatment programs. This critical examination of governmental deception is a cornerstone of the book’s power, but it is equally elevated by Winslow’s cast of evocative and deeply human characters.
At the heart of the story is Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) special agent Art Keller, a tormented soul who bookends the narrative. A former CIA operative, Keller is of mixed heritage, having grown up in San Diego. His personal motivation for fighting the drug war stems from witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of heroin on his childhood neighborhood. This deep-seated resolve is further complicated by his past in Vietnam, where he participated in the assassination of Viet Cong leadership. Keller grapples with the weight of his actions, striving to live decently in an indecent world.
Keller’s assignment in Mexico to stop the trafficking of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana into the United States is fraught with challenges. His superiors emphasize teamwork and official channels, often hindering his more proactive undercover approaches. Fate, however, intervenes, aligning him with Miguel Ángel Barrera, known as “Tío,” an influential figure in the Sinaloa State Police. Tío sees Keller’s drive as an opportunity to advance his own ambitions, using Keller’s efforts to dismantle the poppy fields of Don Pedro Ávila, “El Patrón,” as a stepping stone to seize control of the drug empire himself.
With the complicity of Mexico’s corrupt administration and a shady deal with American intelligence services, Tío Barrera ascends to become the most powerful and feared man in Mexico. His ruthlessness eliminates competition, but he relies on his nephews, Adán and Raúl, to maintain his empire. Adán is the shrewd businessman, while Raúl recruits desperate youth into the drug trade. Keller finds himself frustrated by his inability to touch the well-connected Barreras, leading to a strained relationship with his wife, Althie, who eventually flees Mexico with their children for their safety.
Winslow illustrates a triangular operational structure: drugs flow north, money flows south, and weapons are provided to covert Central American forces aligned with U.S. intelligence. These arms are supplied by the U.S. Mafia, which includes them as part of their payment for drugs. The Mafia, with its own collection of dangerous individuals, is represented by Sean Callan, an Irish hitman whose brutal efficiency makes him a formidable figure. Callan’s story is interwoven with the Barreras and the U.S. government, leading him down a dangerous path.
Adding a crucial female presence is Nora Hayden, a striking femme fatale who navigates the world of wealthy and powerful older men. Recognizing the power of her allure, Hayden becomes a high-class call girl, learning to distance herself from her work and invest her earnings. Her path intersects with the novel’s other plotlines as Saxon, her madam, supplies girls to both the mob and the Barreras. Hayden becomes involved with both Sean Callan and Adán Barrera, and her platonic relationship with Bishop Juan Parada, a priest dedicated to the poor, offers a compelling emotional bond that Keller seeks to exploit.
Winslow’s meticulous research is evident throughout, referencing historical events like the Iran-Contra scandal and plausibly linking the Contras, Mexican drugs, and the Mafia. The CIA is personified by John Hobbs, a character embodying the same ruthless mentality as the Barreras.
Despite the overwhelming darkness and cynicism, The Power of the Dog is not entirely devoid of hope. Even Art Keller, bloodied and bruised, holds onto the possibility of redemption, finding solace in the simple act of tending to his garden and maintaining faith. Winslow’s novel is a maelstrom of political and historical fiction, filled with passion, betrayal, and the enduring quest for redemption. It’s a book that has the power to break hearts and open minds, urging readers to confront the often-unseen forces that shape our world.