Oddly enough this very evocative book about the American West was suggested for and by my very British book club. I say oddly, of course, like American culture hasn’t permeated all corners of the globe, especially the English-speaking globe, but there’s something specific about wide open vistas and the loner cowboy that I always assumed would be of interest only to those of us who have some passing familiarity with the place. After all, you’re talking about giant swaths of land with disproportionate electoral and Congressional say (what election, I’m not bitter about any election).
But I suppose there’s nothing particularly distinguishing about American novels set in large American cities. Swap “tube” out for “subway,” and NYC can stand in for London. But there’s nothing quite like the allure of the West–e.g., the middle of Australia will kill you, and the idea of being sandwiched between two cultural hubs doesn’t exist either (sorry, Perth). Which is to say, the ability to have a country with this giant expanse of fertile, largely temperate land between two coasts densely packed with all of us who can’t fathom the lack of density is so uniquely American that it’s not surprising how fascinating a book like this is.
I haven’t said much about what the book entails, but that’s because it’s sort of about nothing and everything all at once. A memoir/series of vignettes from Ehrlich’s time in Wyoming, we are introduced to ranch hands and teachers, rodeos and loners, and slowly begin to understand why despite only planning on a temporary artistic stint, Ehrlich decided to stay for the long haul (well. other than the causal reference to potentially being assaulted, but it’s the 70s!!!! sdjksdjksdjk)
Would I ever move out to these areas? Never say never but also, I literally moved from one city to a bigger city in my quest for cultural crowds. Do I wish there were a time of my life when I could wake up and see rolling land as far as the eye can see and be hours away from any civilization? Yes, of course! Until then, perhaps this is as close as I’ll get.