People of the West: A Short Story Timeline is a compelling collection of nine short fiction stories spanning 170 years of North American history. Interwoven with fourteen poems, the book explores the lives of individuals who played a role in shaping the Western frontier—some knowingly, others unknowingly.
Beginning with a fictionalized account of the first European to reach the Pacific coast of Canada, the stories dive into the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of settlers, Indigenous communities, soldiers, and drifters. With a masterful blend of historical fiction and poetic interludes, this anthology offers a fresh perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of North America.
Nine short pieces of fiction constructed around 170 years of North American history and interspersed at intervals by fourteen poems.
The first story is a fictional accounting of the first European to reach the Pacific coast of Canada. Following are fictional pictures of the winners and losers who became builders of North America and thus, eventually, all winners and though they didn’t know it or want it, builders of what exists today.
Readers and critics alike have praised People of the West for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth. Here’s what they’re saying:
Untold Reads describes the collection as “a mosaic of enthralling tales” that goes beyond traditional Westerns, focusing on the nuanced lives of everyday people rather than legendary figures.
The book’s strength lies in its authenticity, with standout stories like Marker of Stone, which examines the consequences of cultural conflict, and Lucky, which follows the introspective journey of a war-torn gambler haunted by his past.
McGowan’s meticulous historical research shines through, offering immersive narratives that range from intimate diary-style entries to broader third-person perspectives.
Each story presents a unique voice, yet together they form a cohesive, thought-provoking exploration of identity, survival, and human resilience.
Readers who appreciate historical fiction with depth and rich character-driven storytelling will find People of the West to be a captivating and emotionally resonant read.
If you enjoy immersive historical fiction with emotionally compelling narratives, People of the West is for you. Here’s why:
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