The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich is a beautifully written and deeply contemplative exploration of life in the vast, untamed landscapes of Wyoming. Through a series of essays, Ehrlich captures the stark beauty, profound solitude, and quiet resilience of the American West, offering readers a window into a world that is both physically demanding and spiritually enriching. Her reflections on the land and the people who inhabit it reveal a deep connection to the natural world and a profound understanding of what it means to live close to the earth.
Gretel Ehrlich, a writer and filmmaker, moved to Wyoming in the 1970s after the death of a loved one. Seeking solace and a new beginning, she immersed herself in the rugged life of ranching and the vast open spaces of the West. The Solace of Open Spaces is the product of this transformative experience, a collection of essays that blend personal narrative, natural history, and cultural observation into a cohesive and compelling portrait of the region.
The book is structured around Ehrlich’s experiences in Wyoming, each essay offering a different perspective on the land and its inhabitants. Ehrlich writes with a poet’s sensibility, her prose both lyrical and precise, capturing the nuances of the landscape in vivid detail. Whether describing the sweep of the plains, the harshness of a Wyoming winter, or the intimate rhythms of ranch life, Ehrlich’s writing draws readers into the world she has come to love.
One of the central themes of The Solace of Open Spaces is the idea of solitude—not just as an absence of people, but as a presence in itself, a space where one can confront the self and find peace. Ehrlich’s descriptions of the open spaces of Wyoming are infused with a sense of reverence for the land’s ability to offer solace and clarity. The vastness of the landscape, with its wide skies and endless horizons, serves as both a physical and emotional backdrop for Ehrlich’s meditations on grief, healing, and the search for meaning.
Ehrlich also explores the lives of the people who make their home in this remote and often unforgiving environment. Ranchers, cowboys, and Native Americans populate her essays, each portrayed with empathy and insight. She delves into the hard realities of ranching, the deep connection to the land that defines the lives of those who work it, and the quiet strength required to endure the challenges of life in the West. Through these portraits, Ehrlich reveals the complex interplay between people and place, showing how the landscape shapes not only the physical lives of its inhabitants but their inner lives as well.
The book is also a meditation on the passage of time and the cycles of nature. Ehrlich’s essays are rooted in the seasons, each one reflecting the changes in the landscape and the rhythms of rural life. From the brutal cold of winter to the brief, bright blossoming of summer, she captures the ebb and flow of life in a way that feels both timeless and immediate. Her writing reminds readers of the importance of paying attention to the natural world, of finding beauty and meaning in the small details of life.
One of the most powerful aspects of The Solace of Open Spaces is Ehrlich’s ability to convey the spiritual dimensions of living in the wilderness. She writes about the land not just as a physical place, but as a source of spiritual renewal and inspiration. Her reflections on the solitude and silence of the West offer a counterpoint to the noise and busyness of modern life, inviting readers to slow down, to listen, and to find peace in the simplicity of open spaces.
Throughout the book, Ehrlich’s prose is marked by a deep sense of humility and respect for the land and its people. She does not romanticize the West, nor does she shy away from its hardships. Instead, she presents it as it is—beautiful, challenging, and ultimately, redemptive. Her writing is a testament to the power of place to shape our lives and to the ways in which the natural world can offer solace and strength in times of need.
The Solace of Open Spaces by Gretel Ehrlich is more than just a collection of essays; it is a profound exploration of the human spirit and its connection to the natural world. Ehrlich’s reflections on life in the Wyoming wilderness offer readers a rare and intimate glimpse into a world that is both harsh and healing, a place where one can find clarity and peace in the midst of life’s challenges.
As Ehrlich writes, The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn’t even think to ask. The Solace of Open Spaces will take you on a journey into the heart of the American West, offering insights into the land, the people, and the profound sense of peace that can be found in the open spaces of the world. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves nature, seeks solitude, or is looking for a deeper connection to the places they call home.
