Inland by Tea Obreht is historical fiction based on the little known Army Camel Corps, when camels were brought from Turkey to the Western United States in the late 1800’s to explore the new territory and be used as pack animals.

Two stories converge, Nora a frontierswoman dealing alone with a drought and unsure where the men in her life have gone, and Lurie a wanted man who forms an unusual bond as he travels across this desolate landscape.

This book absolutley blew me away, Obreht’s writing is lyrical, mythical, poetic, otherworldly; the old west becomes the most powerful character in this novel. At times reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy, but wholly original. A highly recommended read.