Luskin's Shocking 'Into the Wilderness' Revival: What You MUST Know Before It Vanishes!

In a world increasingly defined by division, a love story set against the backdrop of 1960s Vermont is making a timely return to bookshelves. Deborah Lee Luskin’s novel, Into the Wilderness, originally published in 2010, is being reissued by Sibylline Press and will be celebrated with a special event on Friday, April 10, at ByWay Books & More in Brattleboro, starting at 5:30 p.m.. Luskin will read from her work and sign copies for attendees at the iconic local bookstore.

The narrative revolves around Rose Mayer, a woman who, in 1964, finds herself reflecting on her future after burying her second husband. Her journey takes her to her son’s summer home in Vermont—a place devoid of sidewalks, Democrats, and fellow Jews—where she first meets Percy Mendell during the Orton Fourth of July book sale. Their relationship begins with mutual disdain but evolves as they reconnect at the Marlboro Music Festival, where they discover a shared passion for music. The backdrop of Vermont’s shifting political landscape and the changing seasons enriches the novel, which is hailed as a testament to the resilience of the human heart.

Luskin asserts that the themes of her book resonate more profoundly today than they did at its inception. In a recent news release, she remarked, “When I wrote the book, it was a love story. Now, the story of a Democrat and a Republican falling in love seems like fantasy fiction.” This stark realization reflects the current political climate in the U.S., where divisiveness has become the norm. Interestingly, 1964 marked a pivotal moment in Vermont's political history; it was the first time in over a century that the state supported a non-Republican presidential candidate, signaling a shift toward more liberal perspectives.

Like her character Rose, Luskin understands the complexities of being an outsider in Vermont. She first visited Newfane in 1965 and became a permanent resident in 1984. Over the years, she has embraced the Vermont lifestyle, taking on various roles, from office manager to radio commentator. Passionate about civic engagement, Luskin actively volunteers for both civic and social organizations, demonstrating her commitment to the community she now calls home.

In addition to Into the Wilderness, Luskin has authored Reviving Artemis: The Making of a Huntress, a memoir that explores her connection to nature through hunting. She also shares her thoughts and experiences on her blog, Living in Place, which she regularly updates on Substack.

The celebration at ByWay Books offers not just a chance to reconnect with Luskin and her work, but also an opportunity to reflect on the enduring human themes of love, identity, and acceptance. In a time when political and social rifts seem insurmountable, stories like Luskin’s remind us of the shared experiences that unite us all.

ByWay Books is located at 399 Canal St. in Brattleboro, Vermont. Don’t miss this chance to engage with a story that transcends time, encouraging conversations about love and understanding across the divides that so often separate us.