The Simple Wild: A Novel

The novel begins by revealing the fracturing of the Fletcher family, which creates a physical and emotional chasm between Calla and her father, Wren. As an adult, Calla's relationship with her father is nearly non-existent, as she stopped speaking to him 12 years ago when he failed to make good on his promise to visit for her graduation. This physical and emotional distance creates a sense of estrangement that adversely affects Calla’s life. News of Wren’s terminal cancer prompts Calla to cross the divide and return to Alaska. Living in forced proximity to her estranged father forces Calla to confront her bitterness over the past and prompts Wren to make an earnest effort to get to know his daughter. At times, the experience feels overwhelming as Calla thinks, “How do you form a relationship with someone without forgiving them first?” (125). Calla and Wren's experience depicts the agony of estrangement and the challenging but rewarding journey to forgiveness and understanding.

Years of misunderstanding, unspoken grievances, and missed opportunities have created a wall of resentment and hurt and threaten Calla and Wren’s chances of reconciliation. Wren’s commitment to his life in Alaska, including his work as a bush pilot, clashes with his ability to be present for Calla, sparking her old feelings of abandonment.