Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes, from the Great Plains to the towering Rocky Mountains, have inspired many authors to set their stories amidst its natural beauty.
From contemporary literature to historical epics and from psychological thrillers to post-apocalyptic tales, here are eight novels that bring the spirit of Colorado to life.
Set in the fictional small town of Holt, which is located on the eastern plains of Colorado, “Plainsong” is a novel that weaves together the stories of various townspeople as they navigate life’s challenges.
Kent Haruf’s prose is both spare and beautiful, echoing the stark, unadorned landscape of the region.
With characters that are as real as they are varied, “Plainsong” is a poignant look at the interconnectedness of a small community and the surprising ways in which their lives intertwine.
James A. Michener’s epic novel “Centennial” spans two centuries, chronicling the history of Colorado through a blend of real and fictional events.
The book takes readers on a journey from the formation of the land and the early Native American tribes, through European settlement and frontier challenges, to the 20th century’s boom and bust economies.
Rich in historical detail and narrative scope, “Centennial” remains a landmark novel exemplifying the spirit and evolution of the state.
Set in the 1870s, “Butcher’s Crossing” is a western novel that follows a young man who leaves his comfortable life in Massachusetts to experience the rugged existence of a buffalo hunter in Colorado.
John Williams leads readers through an intense tale of survival and transformation as his protagonist ventures into an untouched mountain valley near a fictional town in Colorado.
A raw and unforgiving depiction of the American West, the novel brings the overwhelming force of nature into sharp focus.
One of Stephen King’s most famous works, “The Shining,” takes place in the remote Overlook Hotel in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
This psychological thriller tells the story of Jack Torrance and his family as they care for the haunted hotel during its off-season.
Isolation and supernatural forces collide, creating a chilling atmosphere that utilizes the desolation and severe weather of Colorado’s high country as a formidable character in its own right.
“The Dog Stars” is a post-apocalyptic novel that offers a unique twist on life after a global pandemic decimates the population.
Set in and around a small airport near Erie, Colorado, the story centers on Hig, one of the survivors, as he navigates his new reality.
Peter Heller weaves the natural beauty and ruggedness of Colorado into a tale of survival, loss, and the search for hope in a changed world.
Jean Stafford’s “The Mountain Lion” is a novel that captures the coming-of-age story of two siblings during their summer vacations in Colorado.
The setting deep in the Rocky Mountains becomes a crucible that exposes the rifts between them and the harsh yet transformative nature of adolescence.
Stafford’s use of the Colorado landscape underscores themes of wilderness and civilization, innocence and experience.
“Mission to America” is a contemporary satire that follows two young missionaries from a fictional isolated Colorado mountain cult as they venture into the wider American culture to recruit new members.
With a sharp wit, Walter Kirn dissects modern societal quirks and contrasts them with the pair’s sheltered upbringing, creating a storyline rich in both humor and commentary.
Although not primarily set in Colorado, “Fifty Shades Freed,” the final book in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” trilogy, does feature key scenes taking place in Aspen, Colorado.
E. L. James uses the opulent backdrop of this luxury resort town to escalate the drama, romance, and intrigue in the lives of her characters, providing a stark contrast to the sensibilities of the other novels mentioned.
These novels, each in their unique way, paint a rich canvas of Colorado’s landscapes and cultural tapestry.
Through the pages of these diverse works, readers can traverse the state’s vast open plains, scale the heights of its imposing peaks, and explore the complexities of its people and their histories.