Local author to introduce new book at library event

The Riven Country of Senga Munro, a novel based in northeast Wyoming by local author Renée Carrier, is now available in both ebook and paperback. Touching on themes of love, loss and restoration, the book follows the story of Senga as she comes to terms with the death of her young daughter.

“In the aftermath, she learns what it means to be ‘other’ in the rural West. Senga can see what others can’t in the novel’s thread of magical realism,” says Carrier.

“An arrow shot through time by a nineteenth century Cheyenne scout jolts her awake from her sleepwalk of a life, but then she is provoked by a modern-day outlaw. In waking from her grief, she re-inhabits the world, warts and all, as they say.”

Carrier’s debut novel is a cross-genre tale is set mostly in contemporary Wyoming – including a few spots that will be familiar to local readers. Carrier’s inspiration came from the work of other authors, including Gretel Ehrlich, Chris Cleave, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Penny, and what she describes as “my father’s mythic life as an early aviator”.

Ideas for Senga herself and the Cheyenne scout came to Carrier around three decades ago, she says, and her scribbled notes have been gathering since that time.

“After passing the entire year of 2014 mostly reading (my husband thought I’d checked out on him), I recognized and honored a more-than-insistent nudge to finally ‘be about it,’” she says.

“I began to work mornings in a tiny cabin below our home, treating it as my ‘work.’ For Christmas, my husband presented me a small propane heater so I wouldn’t be interrupted by a hungry woodstove. I’ve been about it for five-and-a-half years now, and have completed three novels in the series, and have begun a non-fiction project.”

Carrier will be hosting an author talk, reading and signing at the Hulett Branch Library on December 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. to introduce her book. Soup and French bread will be provided for guests.