Two old buddies try to recapture their youth among the rapids in this “stunner, a remarkable tale of high adventure” (Elmore Leonard, New York Times–bestselling author of Get Shorty).
Twin journeys—fifty years apart—along the Firesteel River become dangerous, thrilling, and illuminating milestones in the lives of two best friends. It begins in 1950, when Ben and Harry, young men from Wisconsin, know their fun is coming to an end. Ben is departing for the war in Korea while Harry is headed for college. But they’re determined to close summer on a high note. A canoe trip to Lake Superior, known to the Chippewa as Gitche Gumee, will open their eyes to the marvels, terrors, and wonders of nature. It’s a twice-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Five decades later, Ben and Harry decide to recreate their run to Gitche Gumee. Once again, they pack their bags, ready their canoe, and set out for what they’re sure will be another unforgettable trip. They fish, hunt, and explore as they did when they were younger, but they soon come to realize that their friendship—and the river—are not at all what they remember.
