I know it doesn't take a lot of courage to praise a story that picked up a Pulitzer and National Book Award and sundry other badges, but this one's really good. Really good. Being personally inclined to the impact school of fiction review, rather than the analytical, my highest praise is that it works. Ms. Proulx has constructed a tale as wide as it is long, with humor and remembrance, adventures and surprises that will leave you happy and wistful and deep in thought. If I might be forgiven for emulating her singular style I will conclude with this: Glad you learned to read.