"Angle of Repose," a novel by Wallace Stegner, explores the life of an aging historian named Lyman Ward, who reflects on his grandparents' lives. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the story unfolds as Lyman, confined to a wheelchair, digs into the past through letters, journals, and sketches that reveal the experiences of his grandmother, a cultured woman, and his grandfather, a mining engineer. Their contrasting backgrounds and challenges highlight the broader themes of love, ambition, and the hardships of pioneering life.
The narrative intricately weaves the personal struggles of Lyman with the historical context of the American frontier. As he revisits his grandparents' lives, Lyman grapples with his own disillusionment, revealing how the dreams of the past shape current realities. The novel illustrates the complexities of relationships and the sacrifices made for family and ambition within the harsh landscape of the West.