Gabe King, Anthropologist returns home to,Libby, Montana after being ill with a deadly virus in the field. His parents, Helene and Monty King are were he must reside, but tells no one of his recent illness. It has been ten years since he has been home. Ten yrs. ago Monty told hin to get out and stay out. He has just received the news that his brother has died leaving a widow,Siddah and a young son,Bobby. The first half of this story prevails with gloom and grieving. All are mad at Gabe for being gone so long and missing his brothers funeral. The entire family is grieving this loss, Bobby is dispondent, Gabe's father is as harsh and unforgiving as ever. With all of the conflicts the story is fascinating. It begins to fill in the answers about 3/4 into the story and it kept me reading to find out what was going on with these folks.