The novel takes place in the real town of Willow Creek, Montana, located in Gallatin County. It has a population of approximately 200 people, comprised mainly of ranchers and farmers. West uses the rugged atmosphere of the landscape to reflect the internal struggles of the characters. The beautiful but harsh landscape teaches those who grow up in the area the importance of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. However, the desolate nature of the landscape also reflects the depression and loss of its inhabitants. Sam and Diana move to Willow Creek because they see their pain and grief reflected in the landscape. The expanse of the unrelenting and unforgiving nature surrounding the town soothes Sam and Diana because it makes them feel like they are not alone in their grief. The rugged landscape also serves to unite the locals as their community is the only solitude from the harsh environment around them. Sam gains comfort from the legend of the Indigenous American Crow tribe blinding their ponies because he knows that countless human beings before him have lived on the same land and faced a similar kind of grief to his own. Sam’s experience with the landscape teaches him that so much life exists past his personal struggles.