Broken Country

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, child death, graphic violence, suicidal ideation, and addiction.

Beth is the complex protagonist of Broken Country, a woman caught between two loves and haunted by loss. As a teenager, she falls passionately in love with Gabriel Wolfe, but their relationship ends due to misunderstanding and his mother’s interference. When Beth discovers that she’s pregnant with Gabriel’s child, Bobby, she marries Frank Johnson, who raises Bobby as his own. Beth demonstrates resilience and adaptability, transforming from an aspiring poet with Oxford dreams into a capable farmer who finds fulfillment in rural life. Her character embodies the novel’s exploration of how The Unrelenting Grip of the Past, as her unresolved feelings for Gabriel resurface when he returns to their village years after Bobby’s death.

Beth’s greatest struggle is Enduring the Weight of Grief and Loss following her son’s tragic death. The loss creates distance between her and Frank, leaving her vulnerable to rekindling her relationship with Gabriel. Hall portrays Beth with compassion and nuance, showing how her choices emerge from genuine emotional needs rather than selfishness. Throughout the novel, Beth demonstrates self-awareness about her flaws, taking responsibility for her actions while constantly trying to protect those she loves.