Preview of Where Is Joe Merchant? Summary:

The novel makes a weak stab at portraying the relational dynamics of a couple who have separated but are still in love. Frank and Trevor had a passionate involvement that crumbled in the absence of good communication.

Frank possesses no insight on how to reach out emotionally to a woman in turmoil. He is a stereotypical male who has never learned to express his feelings or emotionally connect with the needs of his partner. Frank resolves to make an earnest effort with Trevor and reclaim the relationship he thought he had lost. At the story's close he manages to share his heart with her and their relationship holds the promise of permanence as they establish themselves in wilds of Alaska.

The female perspective is not well voiced. It is sketched out in Trevor's quick prejudgment of Frank, which belies her low expectations of his dependability. Once the couple...