Idaho: A Novel Summary
Emily Ruskovich

Idaho: A Novel Overview

Idaho, is a novel that explores the pain of loss in multiple forms. The narrative is written with an omniscient third person narrator that explores multiple characters' perspectives. Wade and Jenny live a happy life with their two daughters on a remote mountain in Idaho until, one day, Jenny murders her daughter May. Jenny confesses to the murder and spends her life in prison while Wade marries a new wife, Ann, who is burdened by his grief. Now Ann must care for her husband while trying to understand how Jenny could have murdered her daughter and how Wade could have forgiven her. Idaho explores the theme of loss and its multiple forms. Characters suffer from losses of marriage, children, and memories. Each person's reaction to their losses is intricately depicted.