Description
Book SynopsisMarshall is learning to love the land. He's in the process of transforming his father's ranch into prime spring creek fishing, literally molding the land as he attempts to fashion himself. He's a guide, along with his two closest friends, Molly and Alton. All three are trying to step out of a youthful fascination with the freewheeling, fish-guiding life, and into a sustainable life on the land and water of Montana. Pale Morning Done is a coming-of place novel, in which Marshall must decide between the woman who wants him and the woman who loves him; between the future desired by his father and the future created by himself; between the truth that will bind and the omission that will free. It is about the tides that toss friends, sometimes against each other, and ultimately unites them against enemies. It is about the delicate balance of our lives that violence can abruptly topple. Beautifully written, this first novel scours the landscape of emotion as it revels in the physical landscape of Montana. Pale Morning Done is sure to place Jeff Hull in the company of other great chroniclers of the new West, including Norman McLean, William Kittredge, and Tom McGuane.
Trade Review"A promising debut: rich in local color and uncontrived dialogue, with a plot that moves like a mountain stream."--Kirkus "An impressive first novel, which balances vivid, meticulous outdoor writing with fine characterization . . . the novel stands out for its graceful, lovely evocation of the outdoors and as a chronicle of the struggle for control of a rare plot of Western wilderness."--PW "The ending of Marshall Tate's tale is beautifully crafted and bittersweet . . . His second novel is hoped for. It ought to be a dandy."--The Toledo Blade (circ. 176,823) "A vivide package of emotions in strong color . . . The moods, inspired by the waters, move magically like a stream, taking the reader through the author's love for Montana's landscape and rivers."--Montana Quarterly “Various passages of this novel remind one of John Steinbeck’s style…a fine new writer…”--Big Sky Journal
