From the award-winning, bestselling author of Snow Falling on Cedars comes a coming-of-age novel about two different visions of what it means to live a good life and the compromises that come with the search for fulfillment. - "Gorgeous, haunting.... A deeply considered tragedy of social alienation and hubris." --The Washington Post Book World

John William Barry and Neil Countryman shared a love of the outdoors, trekking often into Washington's remote backcountry where they had to rely on their wits--and each other--to survive. Soon after graduating from college, Neil sets out on a path that will lead him toward a life as a devoted schoolteacher and family man. But John William makes a radically different choice, dropping out of college and moving deep into the woods. When he enlists Neil to help him disappear completely, Neil finds himself drawn into a web of agonizing responsibility, deceit, and tragedy--one that will finally break open with a wholly unexpected, life-altering revelation.