book tom\'s crossing

toms crossing book by mark z. danielewski

dive deep into the heart of the american west with mark z. danielewski\s monumental novel, \toms crossing\. this epic tale masterfully weaves together themes of friendship, courage, and the haunting specter of mortality against a rugged utah landscape. the story centers on a daring mission to save two horses from a grim fate, a journey that spirals into a much larger and more perilous adventure. prepare to be captivated by a narrative that is as expansive and untamed as the mountains it describes.

about the author mark z. danielewski

mark z. danielewski is a celebrated american author renowned for his innovative and experimental approach to storytelling. born in new york city, he is the brilliant mind behind the critically acclaimed and cult classic \house of leaves\, a novel that challenged conventional literary forms. danielewski\s work is often characterized by its intricate narratives and unique typographical layouts, creating a truly immersive reading experience.

toms crossing summary

set against the stark backdrop of orvop, utah, in the autumn of 1982, \toms crossing\ tells a powerful and heart-wrenching story. the narrative is set in motion by a solemn promise between two friends: the courageous tom gatestone, who is facing a terminal illness, and the loyal kalin march, a relative newcomer to the small town. tom\s dying wish is for kalin to rescue two beloved horses, navidad and mouse, from their cruel owner, old porch, who intends to send them to the slaughterhouse. true to his word, kalin undertakes the perilous mission, stealing the horses and embarking on a treacherous journey into the unforgiving katanogos massif. what begins as an act of compassion quickly escalates into a desperate flight for survival, as they are relentlessly pursued. the novel is a sweeping epic that explores the depths of human determination and the ghostly echoes of the american west.

a journey of courage and consequence

kalin is not entirely alone in his quest; he is joined by tom\s younger sister, landry, and is guided by the spectral presence of tom himself. their path is fraught with danger, not just from the harsh wilderness but also from the relentless pursuit led by old porch and his son. the narrative is a stunning blend of genres, shifting from a poignant coming-of-age story to a tense police procedural and a chilling horror tale with a body count that has been compared to the works of cormac mccarthy. danielewski\s rich and evocative prose, infused with a distinct local dialect, brings the rugged utah setting and its complex characters to life in vivid detail.

a modern american epic

more than just an adventure story, \toms crossing\ is a profound exploration of myth, memory, and the enduring power of human connection in the face of insurmountable odds. the novel\s immense scope and intricate plotting create a truly immersive experience, inviting readers to lose themselves in its world. the story is a testament to the idea that even the smallest act of defiance against cruelty can have far-reaching and unforeseen consequences, echoing through the lives of all who are touched by it. it is a monumental work of fiction that reaffirms danielewski\s place as one of the most daring and original voices in contemporary literature.

frequently asked questions about toms crossing

1. what is the genre of toms crossing?

   toms crossing is a multi-genre novel that primarily blends elements of a western with horror. it also incorporates aspects of a police procedural and has been described as a postmodern, maximalist work of literary fiction with a sweeping, epic scope.

2. what is the basic plot of toms crossing?

   the story, set in 1982 in the small utah town of orvop, follows a teenager named kalin march. fulfilling a promise to his terminally ill friend, tom gatestone, kalin resolves to rescue two horses destined for slaughter and lead them to a place ofdom called tom\s crossing. this act sparks a relentless pursuit and a chain of violent events.

3. who are the main characters in toms crossing?

   the central characters are kalin march, a newcomer to orvop, and his friend tom gatestone, who is battling a terminal illness. other key figures include tom’s younger sister, landry, and the menacing owner of the horses, orwin "old" porch. tom also appears as a ghostly guide to kalin after his death.

4. how does \toms crossing\ compare to mark z. danielewski\s other works like \house of leaves\?

   while his debut novel \house of leaves\ is famous for its complex typography and ergodic format, \toms crossing\ is considered more of a traditional narrative, though still epic in scale. however, it maintains danielewski\s signature multi-layered storytelling and genre-bending style.

5. how long is the book \toms crossing\?

   \toms crossing\ is a notably long novel, with a page count of 1,232 pages in its hardcover edition. this substantial length contributes to its characterization as a "maximalist" and epic work of fiction.