In "Crossing to Safety," Wallace Stegner explores the complexities of human relationships, focusing on the bonds of friendship and the impact of life's choices. The narrative centers around two couples, their joys, sorrows, and the profound ways they influence each other's lives. As they navigate personal trials and the passage of time, the story delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

The quote from Henry James suggests that true experiences resonate deeply and do not require notes or analysis to be understood. Stegner's work embodies this idea, as the emotions and connections portrayed are felt instinctively by both the characters and the reader, highlighting the ineffable nature of genuine experiences in life.