THE TRAIL

A young man overcomes grief as he backpacks one of North America’s most arduous trails in a novel that celebrates nature and companionship.

When Gil’s mother asks him to join his father’s old friend Syd and hike the John Muir Trail—220 miles across the top of the Sierra Nevada mountains—Gil is less than thrilled. His mother thinks that the hike will help Gil get his life back on track, but he thinks he’s doing just fine watching kung fu movies, casually hooking up with women, and drinking to excess. In addition, Gil doesn’t want to be responsible for Syd, who’s dying of leukemia; indeed, Gil is convinced that the older man won’t be able to complete the hike. However, Gil is curious to learn more about his father, who passed away a decade ago, so he goes on the trip, ready to cut it short if necessary. So begins a story of two men, bonded by loss, who undertake one of America’s most challenging and beautiful hikes. The more time they spend on the trail, the more they develop a companionable rhythm. Initially miserable, Gil slowly learns to appreciate the nature around him, the community of fellow backpackers, and Syd himself, who’s full of wisdom and tales of how the John Muir Trail came to be. In his debut novel, Gallogly deftly mixes a history of people who helped to preserve the American wilderness with a portrayal of backpacking culture, all while unraveling a realistic story of a young man caught in a cycle of grieving and loss. Although the text is didactic at times, the author shines in his descriptions of the natural world as well as in his methodical portrayal of Gil and Syd’s blossoming relationship. The transformative power of nature is a palpable force that drives the narrative, which is at its best when it focuses on how outdoor living can foster human connection.

A subtle and vivid tale of finding peace in the great outdoors.