In Open Spaces

Description

Set in the vast and unforgiving prairie of eastern Montana from 1916 to 1946, In Open Spaces is the compelling story of the Arbuckle brothers: GeorgeA rising baseball star who mysteriously drowns in the river JackA World War I veteran who abandons his family only to return to reclaim the family ranch BobThe youngest brother, whose marriage to Helen creates a fault line between him and the rest of his family BlakeA shrewd, observant man burdened with growing suspicions of Jack's role in his brother's death With breathtaking descriptions of the Montana landscape, Russell Rowland masterfully weaves a fascinating tale of the psychological wars that can rip a family apart...and, ultimately, the redemption that can bring them back together.

Born in Bozeman, Russell Rowland is a fourth-generation Montanan. He served in the Navy, and has worked as a teacher, ranch hand, surveyor, lounge singer, and fortune-cookie writer. He lives in San Francisco.

"Charged with dramatic tension -- a joy to read." -- Ha Jin, author of Waiting, winner of the National Book Award "[An] outstanding debut...Rowland's examination of family dynamics is poignant and revealing...." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A heartfelt debut...[An] unpretentious, involving story told with unfaltering authority." -- Kirkus Reviews "In Open Spaces...is sage, humane, and immensely readable." -- C. Michael Curtis, senior editor, Atlantic Monthly "Like Norman McLean's A River Runs Through It, ...Rowland...brings [Montana's] unique beauty alive....Good reading." -- Denver Post "Compelling. Cinematic. A fine first novel about the strength of family." -- San Francisco Weekly "Russell Rowland's In Open Spaces is as good as it gets...a powerful book." -- C.J. Box, author of Open Season and Savage Run "A family epic that has a muted elegance....A gracefully understated novel." -- New York Times Book Review