The Simple Wild: A Novel

Calla, the novel’s protagonist, is a city girl from Toronto who is estranged from her father, Wren, an Alaskan pilot. Raised by her mother in a comfortable urban setting, Calla initially views Alaska as a lonely place that represents her family’s breakup. Her reluctance to reunite with her father reflects unresolved feelings of abandonment and a desire to understand her family's fragmented relationships. Agnes’s invitation for Calla to visit Alaska comes at a crucial point in her life. Choosing to step out of her comfort zone, Calla journeys to Bangor, Alaska to reunite with her father. As she immerses herself in the raw beauty of Alaska's environment and reconciles with her father, Calla challenges her preconceived assumptions and begins to untangle the complexity of her own identity. Her journey of self-discovery, from an awkward, cosmopolitan outsider to a member of Wren’s family and the community, exemplifies the power of an open heart and her character’s willingness to step outside her comfort zone.

Calla isn’t seeking romantic love when she boards the plane. Yet, when she meets Jonah, an Alaskan pilot with a tough exterior but a kind soul, she discovers an unexpected connection with someone who is her opposite.