"Leaving Cheyenne" is a novel by Larry McMurtry, exploring the complex relationships between three main characters: Jacy, a beautiful and self-absorbed woman, and two friends, the ambitious and charming Billy and the more introspective, yet insecure, Abilene. Set against the backdrop of the American West, the narrative unfolds in a series of flashbacks and present-day reflections that delve into the characters' intertwined lives.
The story captures the essence of unrequited love and the struggle of its characters as they navigate their emotions and desires. Jacy's magnetism draws both men toward her, yet she often remains aloof, causing turmoil and heartbreak. Through their interactions, McMurtry expertly highlights the themes of longing, friendship, and the passage of time.