Walt Coburn
The man who hated himself
"The Man Who Hated Himself" by Walt Coburn is a novel set against the backdrop of the harsh Montana cattle trails during the infamous Great Blizzard of '86. Written in the early 20th century, the story delves into themes of desperation, morality, and redemption as it follows the rugged lives of cattlemen. The central topic revolves around the struggles of the protagonist, Buck Bell, against both the unforgiving winter and the weight of his own choices. The narrative follows Buck Bell, a cowboy who, driven by a series of unfortunate events and poor decisions, resorts to stealing a large payday intended for miners. As the story unfolds, Buck grapples with guilt and the consequences of his actions during one of the worst winters in history. He finds himself caring for a fellow cowboy, Cotton Eye, who he had previously been wronged by during a poker game. Their relationship complicates Buck's situation further as he confronts his past misdeeds. Ultimately, the story leads to themes of forgiveness and the arduous journey of redemption as Buck battles the elements and his own inner demons, culminating in a profound transformation sparked by survival and sacrifice.