Annie Proulx certainly did her research when writing this novel. As a native Texan, I can vouch for her authenticity in character development, setting and description. I would characterize this book as more literary than commercial fiction. It is, in a sense, Southern. However, it is closer to literary than Southern. The emphasis here is on character development and setting. There's not much plot, but what there is smolders slowly until it bubbles to the top of the pot by the end of the book and satisfies in a curious way.

This is a book about finding your way, self-discovery and providence. Proulx winds her way around this story, jumping seamlessly from present day to distant past (in Texas time). This meandering style of writing and concentration on character, as opposed to plot-driven narrative, is central to understanding the book.

The MC, Bob Dollar, is a very interesting character. He apparently has little ambition and drive, and has taken up with the Global Pork Rind company to scout out land for hog farm development in the Texas panhandle. Conflict arises when Bob, despite his fairly good nature, finds himself in a position needing to lie about his true purpose in Woolybucket. This lie redeems itself and becomes a pivotal point in the development of the plot in the third act of the story. It's almost as if Proulx is winking at the reader saying something like: "See, I told you things would work out. It's that old ace in the hole, you know." This reversal of fortune and planned redemption of the land leaps from the page about Texas tall tales and folklore. Proulx capitalizes on this folklore of the region and provides her own unique twist in the end. Ah, if life would only work out that way--always.