A Wintry Scene in Chequamegon

Kristofer Bartol’s A Wintry Scene in Chequamegon centers on ten students from Lincoln High's Class of '85 who spend a weeklong vacation at a family cabin in the deep Wisconsin wilderness. The narrative begins on New Year's Eve, 1984, as the group arrives with their own stock of troubles. Internal violence brews among them, yet the island environment consistently holds the upper hand over their conflicts. The story draws upon Ojibwe traditions, specifically referencing Laura Bawaajige, an Ojibwe medicine woman. Her warning regarding the balance of the earth and the spirits adds a supernatural layer to the isolation of the setting. Bartol structures the plot around this tension between human discord and natural forces. The book suits readers interested in isolated group dynamics and regional folklore. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action without atmospheric buildup. The narrative relies on the specific date of April 2, 2020, for its publication context, though the story itself is set in 1984. The ISBN 9798633439304 identifies this independently published edition. Bartol uses the cabin setting to explore how external pressures affect social hierarchies among teenagers. The text does not provide a table of contents or chapter names, so the organization remains focused on the central conflict between the students and their surroundings. The ending leaves the balance of power unresolved, emphasizing the enduring nature of the wilderness.