Northwest!

A novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the journey of Jimmy Leyland, a young Englishman, as he navigates life in Canada, engaging with various characters, including the experienced Stannard, the jovial Deering, and the intriguing Margaret Jardine. As he seeks adventure in the wilderness and grapples with personal growth, the themes of ambition, friendship, and the contrast between city life and the rugged Canadian frontier emerge. At the start of the novel, Jimmy finds himself in a Canadian hotel, feeling the weight of his recent losses at cards and reflecting on his lifestyle choices. The narrative introduces the key characters, including Stannard, who serves as a mentor figure, and Deering, who embodies a more carefree spirit. When he encounters Margaret Jardine, a strong and independent character, he becomes aware of the complexities of his identity and the expectations surrounding him. The opening sets a tone of introspection and foreshadows Jimmy's transition from a life of leisure to one filled with hard work and the pursuit of deeper meaning in ranching and the wilderness.