Five Skies

Beloved story writer Ron Carlson's first novel in thirty years Five Skies is the story of three men gathered high in the Rocky Mountains for a construction project that is to last the summer. Having participated in a spectacular betrayal in Los Angeles the giant silent Arthur Key drifts into work as a carpenter in southern Idaho. Here he is hired along with the shiftless and charming Ronnie Panelli to build a stunt ramp beside a cavernous void. The two will be led by Darwin Gallegos the foreman of the local ranch who is filled with a primeval rage at God at man at life.<p>As they endeavor upon this simple grand project the three reveal themselves in cautiously resonant profound ways. And in a voice of striking intimacy and grace Carlson's novel reveals itself as a story of biblical almost spiritual force. A bellwether return from one of our greatest craftsmen Five Skies is sure to be one of the most praised and cherished novels of the year.</p>