Book excerpt: In the spring of 1858, Thompson Grey, a younger farmer, travels to his father''s estate seeking funds to expand his holdings. Far overstaying his visit, he returns home to find that his absence has contributed to a devastating family tragedy. Haunted by remorse, Thompson abandons his farm and begins a westward exile in the attempt to outpace his grief. During his wanderings, he encounters emigrants along the Santa Fe Trail who force him to assert his values and re-awaken his connection with humanity. Unwittingly, he finds himself at journey''s end in the one place where his strongest temptations are able to overtake him and once again put him to the test. Crossing Purgatory deals with questions of unprincipled ambition, guilt, and the price one man is willing to pay for atonement.