Out of the Canyon: A True Story of Loss and Love

Healing after a great loss followed by new relationship. Story line Two people who suffered tragic incidents are intertwined in the story. Art Daily is a lawyer, living in Aspen, Colorado, was married and had two sons whom he adored. His wife and sons were killed when a boulder from the wall of Glenwood Canyon struck his automobile. Art was uninjured. The family was returning from a kid's hockey game in Vail. As you can imagine, Art was devastated. His world changed in a instant. Art struggles to cope with his loss. He tries chanting, meditating, touching, counseling, crowds and aloneness. He receives letters from many strangers with encouraging messages. Someone tells him they saw three misty clouds ascending with the souls of his family at the time of the accident. Even though his two sons died later in a hospital emergency room. Art speaks eloquently at his family's funeral. Art is supported by his adult daughter who moves into his house for a while. This is a real tragic story. The second person is Allison. She seems to live a life filled with depression, tragedy, and pain. She is in a continuous struggle to cope with life. She tries to connect with people without success. Her brother commits suicide. Her marriage collapses. She runs away from Texas to Aspen and has another tragedy when her Grandfather passes away. Allison continually struggles to find peace. She is one of the people who sends Art a condolence letter. Art responds to her letter and they make contact and a spark between them occurs. However, Allison leaves Aspen for a job in Texas. She and Art keep in contact and interest continues. Allison decides to take a hiking trip into the Grand Canyon. While on this trip she has visions of Art's sons encouraging her to take up with Art. At one point she also encounters Art's dead wife. When she finishes the hike she calls Art and tells him about it. He believes her and really pushes the relationship. The story goes on for a while and Art and Allison are married and have two sons. They have great love for each other and their sons. They also have some hard times. Analysis This is a fantasy romance in its truest form. Loss, followed by more tragedy, mourning, recovery and new love. A true "pulp" romance. Art tells part of his story. Then Allison tells part of her story. This continues throughout the book. Art's story is about true loss and dealing with the loss. Allison's story sounds like a “flake” is acting on impulse and feelings without much thought. She continually tries to get rid of the “pain” she is feeling. At first I was bothered by the visions and trances. But on further thought, I find this is a common literary device. Louis L'Amour gave many of his characters “sight.” Much fiction has people seeing and communicating with the dead. I would not recommend this book to anyone. It is laborious reading. Filled with unbelievable visions and interaction.