Wind River by Tom Morrisey

Publishers Weekly

Morrisey's sixth novel begins in a promising way with convincing, vivid descriptions of his young protagonist, first in the back country of Wyoming, and then in Iraq. The attention to detail suggests that the reader is in expert hands. But several more chapters in, the book devolves into a plodding and superficial treatment of two presumably scarred souls seeking redemption in the mountains near Wyoming's Wind River. Much of the novel is a dissertation on wilderness camping and fly fishing, which seems designed more to showcase the author's considerable knowledge of these subjects than to drive a narrative. The inevitable revelation of past secrets doesn't start until two-thirds of the way in, and then spills forth in a single rush of confession, followed by an equally hurried and predictably convenient ending. Even readers who might appreciate the slow-paced exploration of beautiful country will be disappointed in the book's hasty, shallow reflections on confession. Good and evil are carefully contained on separate sides of the track, with no question as to which characters belong where, and therefore little drama in their redemptive moments.
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Violet Nesdoly - BlogCritics.org

The Wyoming mountain setting is one of the things that makes this story special. Morrisey has obviously hiked and fished in these places. His respect for nature and love of spending time in it is contagious. Throughout we feel as if we're part of the action - fly-fishing, cooking on open fires, eating fresh-caught trout, sleeping under the lightning-washed sky, and hiking the high ridges....

Morrisey's writing style brings to mind realist paintings. His descriptions of nature are detailed and lyrical. His way of recounting the minutiae of the most mundane tasks puts the reader in the middle of the action.... But the story turns out to be about more than nature's grandeur and the joys and challenges men face when they interact with it. As Ty and Soren spend time together they confide secrets and learn about each other, themselves, friendship, loyalty, forgiveness, facing the past and the importance of truth. Thus Wind River becomes the story of a double exploit. Not only is it an outdoor adventure of a young man and his old friend revisiting their favorite Wyoming mountain fishing spot (fly fishers will find Morrisey an especially kindred spirit), but it's also a spiritual adventure about finding the courage to face the past and live truthfully and responsibly in the present. Whichever side of the story you're after, Wind River won't disappoint.

What People Are Saying

Mary Fairchild
"What captured me most in Wind River was the realistic way in which the two main characters demonstrate the harsh-sometimes wildly tempestuous-reality of what it means to be a Christian. Ty Perkins has just come back from fighting in the Iraq War. Now he is desperately running from the haunting memories of his recent past. He escapes to the wide-open world of his 86-year-old friend and mentor, Soren Andeman. In the wilds of Wyoming he finds himself entangled in the sins of Soren's past. From the deep shadows, the two men find the courage to expose their buried secrets and lies, allowing confession and forgiveness to set them free.

Careful readers can't help but notice the powerful spiritual truths metaphorically reinforced by the wilderness activities of Ty and Soren and the natural forces at work around them. The unspoiled landscapes really come alive with cinematic clarity as Morrisey creates beautiful motion-picture scenes with his words."--(Mary Fairchild, About.com)

Cindy Crosby
"The love of fly fishing has fueled more than one good story: think A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT or THE RIVER WHY. In WIND RIVER, a short but pithy faith fiction novel ... adventure writer Tom Morrisey turns his pen to the story of an old fly fisherman and mountaineer and a young boy he once tutored, now a man, who is haunted by an incident from the war that threatens his chance at happiness. Themes of forgiveness --- especially forgiving yourself --- and the cost of honesty, the importance of taking responsibility for your actions, the power of friendship and faith are woven together against the beautiful backdrop of Wyoming.... Those who enjoy a thoughtful story with a faith-based message, lightly applied, coupled with plenty of beautiful nature lore and scenery, should find Morrisey's latest tale much to their liking."--(Cindy Crosby, FaithfulReader.com)

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