The Elkmoon Valley

The Elkmoon Valley, a lush and arable piece of land in the middle of Montana's gorgeous landscapes, is a significant setting throughout the novel because of its relationship to naturalism and sustainable farming practices. The novel's central conflict—between manmade development and spiritual community with nature—is staged against the backdrop of the Elkmoon Valley, as a holding company known as NorBanCo attempts to insert itself upon the natural landscapes and push the local farmers, wildlife, and flora out of the region so as to facilitate a tourist industry. Furthermore, the location has personal connection to Risa McKeig, one of the novel's central characters, whose father was born and raised there. As such, its spiritual importance to Risa—and its broad importance to spirituality—contributes to the novel's themes about naturalism and personal development alike.

The Inner Elkmoons

The Inner Elkmoons function as something of a...