The Crimson West

"The Crimson West" by Alex Philip is an early 20th-century novel where readers meet Donald McLean, a young man trying to overcome the consequences of a difficult relationship with his dad and his own problems with gambling and drinking. The story is set in the growing Canadian West, where the story looks at finding yourself, getting a second chance, and adventure, as Donald begins a journey to become stronger and find his way. At the start of the book, Donald McLean is just out of jail, having disappointed his father, who has pulled away because of Donald’s careless behaviour. Donald feels both ashamed and ready to change after a kind encounter with the sheriff, as he thinks about what's next for him. Soon, he finds a friend in Jack Gillis, a Westerner who encourages Donald to go to British Columbia. As Donald faces the struggles of finding work and keeps out of danger, he is moved by the interesting world around him, which changes him through his thoughts and meetings with different characters, setting the scene for a big change in his life out West.