The Beautiful and the Wild

One woman’s quest to survive the harsh Alaskan wilderness and the even harsher people is a riveting read of determination and perseverance from Townsend (The Thin Edge). Growing up poor, abused, and isolated, Liv is working as a waitress when she meets and falls hard for charismatic filmmaker Mark. When Mark’s film career implodes, he convinces Liv to travel with him, getting temporary jobs only when they run low on funds. When their son Xander is born with a rare genetic condition, Liv and Mark settle down. Life is hard but Liv is happy, even though Mark is moody and sometimes disappears for days. When Mark dies by suicide, Liv is devastated but soon discovers signs that Mark might have faked his death. Following clues to rural Alaska, Liv finds him. Mark, a follower of a philosopher who preaches hedonistic pleasure above all else, encourages Liv to join their group. When she refuses, Mark holds her prisoner. In desperation, Liv pretends to change her mind while plotting to escape with Xander.