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Caroline Dotson

Caroline Dotson's columns appear Wednesdays in the Craig Daily Press and Saturdays in the Saturday Morning Press.

Gil Adamson's "The Outlander" is a dark piece of literature with words that flow like poetry.

Through Adamson's writing, I connected to a woman in the early 1900s who embarked on a chaotic adventure and who could have benefited from seeking out a mental health professional.

In the story, Mary Boulton is running from her husband's twin brothers, who are seeking revenge for the murder of their brother. Literally running through the wilderness of southern Canada, Mary meets a series of people who want to help her, but none of them make such an impact as the mysterious Ridgerunner.

The Ridgerunner is a recluse, who lives in the wilderness, and leaves Mary after their relationship becomes romantic. Cold and alone, Mary aimlessly wanders in search of a new life.

Mary finds herself in the small mining town of Frank; a town that is full of its own irregular characters. After a few months and the tragic Turtle Mountain Landslide, the twins catch up to Mary.

They haul her to a nearby town, where she is to appear in court for the murder she committed. Mary outwits the sherriff and the twins, and escapes into the arms of her beloved Ridgerunner.

Mary suffers from hallucinations and depression; her thoughts are odd and mysterious.

Adamson describes Mary's mental state:

"She watched the light crawl, the rafters above her, and her mouth constantly whispered."

Mary's lot in life was not one of her own choosing. She was a privileged child who married an older man who deceived her and was often abusive. The abuse led to Mary hearing voices in her head and to the murder of her husband.

She is commonly referred to as "the widow," which I find an interesting identification since she became this way from the slight of her own hand. I would have chosen to refer to her as "the murderess" or "the runaway," names that identify her character more precisely.

Adamson changes between three perspectives: Mary's perspective as she deals with her mental illnesses and starting over in life; the twin brother's perspectives as they search for Mary, often encountering the same people she does; and the Ridgerunner's perspective as he struggles with loving the woman he left behind

I found this historic Western novel romantically involving, while also giving me a piece of Canada's history.

Adamson's use of lavish words describes every detail. For example, "The pines above her were a natural canopy protecting them from the misty rain that floated down."

I enjoyed reading every word, and I examined the characters' thoughts. The suspense kept me guessing and I was satisfied with the adventurous end.

I wonder if Adamson will write a sequel and provide a new adventure for Mary and her Ridgerunner?

Caroline Dotson can be reached at dotsoncrew@gmail.com.