An Instinct for Movement

The narrative follows a boy's exploration of a local stream, leading him on a transformative journey filled with violence and absurdity. Central to the collection are complex relationships and the unreliable instincts of the protagonist, Michael Mattes. As he navigates various settings—from a troubled Mid-Atlantic city to the hills of California and a woodland outpost in the Pacific Northwest—he seeks fleeting truths amidst the chaos of human experiences. Each dislocation reveals deeper insights into life's comedic and often challenging nature.