In the early 19th C. a man moves west, first to the USA in pursuit of a better life, then out west searching for creatures which have captured his imagination. Accompanied by an Indian himself displaced westwards, like his tribe, but in their case by white settlers, the man leaves behind a young daughter now exposed to the perils of growing up. Told with great economy, this gripping tale seems like a tragic allegory but gives complexity its due. A rather too neat ending does not detract from the impact of a beautifully written and compelling story.
(Tony Pratt - bwl 108 Spring 2023 ) |
