The Continental Divide Stories

The Continental Divide Stories by Bob Johnson, published by Cornerstone Press, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 2025, is a collection of fourteen short stories that delve into the complexities of life in rural Indiana. This Trade Paperback edition, comprising 211 pages, presents narratives that explore themes of violence and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in small-town settings. Each story offers a glimpse into the struggles of men, women, and children as they navigate their circumstances along the St. Lawrence Divide.

Readers will encounter a range of poignant situations, including a country woman’s difficult choice for her family’s survival, a small-town marshal’s pursuit of his son for murder, and a former football hero confronting his past actions in a locker room. The stories are characterized by their raw and realistic portrayal of human experiences, reflecting the challenges and darkness that permeate the lives of the characters. Through these narratives, Johnson invites readers to engage with the intricate dynamics of rural life and the moral complexities that arise within it.