Return to Oakpine

by Ron Carlson

Oakpine, Wyoming. 1999. Jimmy Brand has returned to his hometown after leaving 30 years ago. He has come home to die.

Jimmy finds that not much has changed in Oakpine. In fact, the gang’s all here: Frank Gunderson owns a bar, Craig Ralston owns the hardware store, and Mason Kirby is fixing up his parents’ house to sell. He also makes some new friends in town: Craig’s son, Larry, and Larry’s friend, Wendy. As Jimmy’s health fails, everyone else seems to thrive, even find a new lease on life.

I really enjoyed this quiet novel. It is about life, death, the past, the future, friends, family, and just one more chance to make one’s life right.

1/24/15