In his latest novel “Beartooth,” Callan Wink delves deep into the rugged terrain of Montana’s Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, crafting a mesmerizing narrative that explores the complex bonds of brotherhood against the backdrop of desperate circumstances. Following his acclaimed short story collection “Dog Run Moon” and his debut novel “August,” Wink further establishes himself as a masterful chronicler of the modern American West, delivering a story that is both thrilling and profoundly moving.
Plot and Narrative Structure
The story centers on brothers Thad and Hazen, who live in their grandfather’s hand-built cabin on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. Following their father’s death, they find themselves drowning in medical bills and back taxes, forcing them into an ill-fated scheme involving poaching and trafficking of natural resources. When a mysterious figure known as the Scot enters their lives with promises of easy money, the brothers’ desperate choices set in motion a chain of events that will test their relationship and survival instincts.
Character Development and Dynamics
The Brothers
Wink’s portrayal of the relationship between Thad and Hazen forms the emotional core of the novel. Thad, the elder brother, shoulders the burden of responsibility, managing their practical affairs while wrestling with his role as his brother’s keeper. Hazen, described as “different,” possesses an almost supernatural connection to the natural world but struggles with social interactions and judgment. Their dynamic is masterfully rendered, showing both the deep love and festering resentments that define their relationship.
Supporting Characters
The supporting cast in “Beartooth” by Callan Wink is equally well-drawn, particularly:
The Scot: A menacing figure whose kilt-wearing presence serves as both tempter and catalyst for the story’s tragic events
Sacajawea: The brothers’ long-absent mother whose return adds another layer of complexity to the family dynamics
Naomi: The Scot’s mysterious “daughter” whose true identity remains tantalizingly ambiguous
Themes and Symbolism
Man vs. Nature
“Beartooth” by Callan Wink expertly explores humanity’s relationship with the natural world. The wilderness serves not merely as setting but as a character itself, influencing and shaping the lives of those who dwell within it. Wink’s description of the landscape is both beautiful and unsparing, showing nature’s capacity for both nurture and destruction.
Family Legacy
The weight of inheritance—both physical and emotional—runs throughout the narrative. The brothers’ struggle to maintain their grandfather’s cabin becomes a metaphor for preserving family history while grappling with its burdens.
Moral Ambiguity
Wink refuses to paint his characters in black and white, instead exploring the gray areas where necessity and morality intersect. The brothers’ illegal activities are presented without judgment, allowing readers to wrestle with questions of right and wrong in desperate circumstances.
Writing Style and Craft
Wink’s prose is lean and muscular, reminiscent of writers like Thomas McGuane and William Kittredge. His descriptions of the Montana landscape are particularly striking:
“The river flowed narrow and deep here, the water jade green, a wet crockery smell from the slabs of fallen gneiss.”
However, there are occasional moments where the pacing lags, particularly in the middle section of the novel. Some readers might find the deliberate pace challenging, though it ultimately serves the story’s atmospheric build-up.
Critical Assessment
Strengths
Masterful character development
Vivid sense of place
Complex exploration of family relationships
Nuanced treatment of moral ambiguity
Strong, distinctive prose style
Areas for Improvement
Pacing issues in the middle section
Some subplot resolutions feel rushed
Certain secondary characters could be more fully developed
Occasional overreliance on regional dialect
Comparison to Contemporary Literature
“Beartooth” by Callan Wink sits comfortably alongside other contemporary Western literature like “The Sisters Brothers” by Patrick deWitt and “Fourth of July Creek” by Smith Henderson. While it shares themes with these works, Wink’s voice is distinctly his own, bringing fresh perspective to the genre.
Impact and Relevance
The novel’s exploration of economic desperation in rural America feels particularly timely, as does its examination of environmental exploitation. Wink manages to address these larger themes while maintaining focus on the personal story at the novel’s heart.
Conclusion
“Beartooth” by Callan Wink is a compelling addition to the canon of Western literature, marked by strong characterization and evocative prose. While not without its flaws, the novel succeeds in telling a deeply human story about family, survival, and the prices we pay for both. Wink has created a work that will resonate with readers long after they’ve turned the final page.