The Free Range

"The Free Range" by Francis William Sullivan is an narrative that follows Bud Larkin, a sheep rancher who faces fierce opposition from cattle ranchers. At the head of the cattle ranchers stands Beef Bissell, who fights against Larkin's intention to move his sheep to the northern range. The story emphasizes themes of survival, ambition, and the land feuds between rival ranching groups in the American West. The book begins with a face-off between Bud Larkin and Beef Bissell at the Bar T ranch, where they clash over Larkin's right to graze his sheep on the open range. The rivalry between cattlemen and sheepmen is quickly shown as a central issue, with Larkin standing firm on his legal rights against Bissell's strong resistance. Bud is shown as a composed and determined character even when he is faced with anger, paving the way for conflicts to come. As Larkin looks for support, he reconnects with Juliet Bissell, Beef Bissell’s daughter, adding relationship challenges to the struggles he faces. The beginning of the book not only sets up the main conflict but also introduces important characters whose relationships will likely play a role in how the story plays out.