In Cormac McCarthy's The Crossing, teenager Billy Parham embarks on multiple journeys in the early 1940s, first to return a captured wolf to Mexico, and later to find his brother Boyd after their family is murdered. The novel explores themes of loss, survival, and the complex relationship between humanity and the frontier. The text includes offensive language toward Indigenous Americans and Mexicans.

Cormac McCarthy's The Crossing is lauded for its evocative prose and profound exploration of loss and redemption. Critics praise the poignant narrative and vivid landscapes. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it is recommended for readers who appreciate richly detailed storytelling and philosophical depth.

Readers who enjoy The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy typically appreciate evocative prose, intricate character development, and atmospheric storytelling. Fans of Blood Meridian and All the Pretty Horses will find a similar thematic richness and depth, appealing to those interested in Western settings and existential explorations.

Mysterious / Dark / Gritty / Melancholic / Contemplative

- The Crossing is part of Cormac McCarthy's "Border Trilogy," which also includes All the Pretty Horses and Cities of the Plain.
- The novel showcases McCarthy’s signature writing style, which often omits traditional punctuation marks like quotation marks for dialogue.
- The Crossing is noted for its vivid and detailed descriptions of the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico landscapes.

**Billy Parham**  
A 16-year-old protagonist eager to prove himself to his father, recognized for his stoicism and methodical problem-solving. He makes a significant decision to return a wolf to Mexico, leading to a transformative journey.

**Boyd Parham**  
Billy’s 14-year-old younger brother, who feels overlooked by their father and seeks to prove himself. He becomes involved in a quest with Billy but develops his own sense of agency and direction.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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Book Brief The Crossing

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Overview

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The Crossing Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Crossing Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Part 1, Pages 3-64

The Crossing Part 1, Pages 3-64 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Pages 64-127

The Crossing Part 1, Pages 64-127 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 The Crossing Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 215-274

The Crossing Part 3, Pages 215-274 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Pages 274-332

The Crossing Part 3, Pages 274-332 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 The Crossing Part 4 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Crossing Character Analysis

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Themes

The Crossing Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Crossing Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Crossing Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Crossing Essay Topics

Cormac McCarthy

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The Border Trilogy

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The Crossing

Book Brief

The Crossing

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Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Crossing?

Billy Parham

Boyd Parham