Jack

Jack is the main character of the novel. In the narrative present, he is 25 years old. He has lived in Colorado for the majority of his life. When he was 11, his mother died in a horse accident. Afterwards, Jack grew up with his father on the family ranch. After completing his higher education at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, Jack returned to the ranch to work with his father. He spent most of his time working the land, fishing, exploring nature, and reading books. Then, after his best friend Wynn died, Jack plunged back into grief and guilt. The loss of his friend began converging with the loss of his mother years prior.

Three years later, in the narrative present, Jack is still struggling to escape his plaguing sorrow. He decides to leave the ranch for a season and take a job as a fishing guide in Crested...