A writing style that clearly describes the physical and spiritual sides of nature seems to come easily to Rick Bass. In his previous books, his descriptions of people have somewhat paled in comparison to the lush depictions of the landscape. Now, with his first full-length novel, not only are we rewarded with more fine writing on place, but Bass has honed his talents to create more fully-developed characters. The story takes place in a remote mountain valley that has only produced dry oil wells—nineteen times. Why does the eccentric owner of an oil company send his best engineer off to live with the owner's daughter in this valley for the winter? It might be to find oil or to stir up his daughter, who is studying the valley's wolves. It might be to reward a favorite employee, to punish everyone, or for some reason that a normal mind couldn't even hazard a guess at. The relationship between the engineer and the daughter that forms while he's mapping the valley is uniquely written. It starts with him slung over her shoulder, hanging on for dear life, on a wild ski ride through the dark night to her cabin. This book is a clever, surprising, and rewarding read. ( )

Does this fall into some sort of nature literature? Maybe. A lot of narrative about the ecosystem and geology. Compelling characters and well-written. ( )

Set in Montana, the story pits a culture of survival living against that of oilmen. The author is not neutral and the reader is expected to appreciate the stance of the daughter. The story is intense but never strays far from its purpose, to present the seriousness of the impace of industry on the environment. It is an interesting read. ( )

Floundering, overreaching, unsatisfying. Bass is a master short story writer; this novel was nothing like I wanted it to be. ( )

epic struggle between Old Dudley, his daughter & her 2 lovers in the Arctic

3.03 ( )