Big River

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In the fall of 1860, on the eve of the Civil War, fifteen-year old Ed Perkins gets into serious trouble at home in southern Missouri. Haunted with guilt and saddled by an uncontrollable temper, he flees home and family. His flight takes him up the Missouri river, then along the Yellowstone river, finally settling in the Utah Territory.

 

Along the way Ed meets a handful of memorable characters in his quixotic quest for wealth; has life-defining experiences including war and love; and, two decades after his flight, eventually attempts to come to terms with his violent self.