Alton of Somasco: A Romance of the Great Northwest

"Alton of Somasco: A Romance of the Great Northwest" by Harold Bindloss is a turn-of-the-century story that unfolds amidst the breathtaking landscapes of British Columbia, weaving a tale of grit and the clash between nature and progress. The narrative follows Henry Alton, a steadfast rancher deeply connected to the land, as he grapples with the trials of frontier life, societal tensions, and personal aspirations linked to land and honor. Early in the book, meet Alton battling a wild pony in the freezing heart of British Columbia, immediately displaying his tenacity and bond with the wilderness. Along the way, he meets ranchers and city dwellers, each embodying different views on life in the untamed Northwest; through these interactions, the novel paints Alton as an honest and powerful man fighting through the challenges of survival. The novel hints at potential romance with a woman named Nellie Townshead. Along with his partner, Seaforth, he takes on a rough journey to deliver supplies, pulling the reader into a vibrant illustration of the wilderness.