Håkan Söderström is a man who has become a legend. Giant in size, rumoured
to be bloodthirsty and fearless, he is known simply as 'the Hawk'.

But behind this myth is a tale of longing and survival. As a young man he is
sent from Gothenburg with his brother Linus, to seek their fortunes in New
York. In the chaos of the port, he is separated from Linus and finds himself
instead on a ship bound for California. Determined to find Linus, Håkan sets
out on a journey east, moving against the tide of history, experiencing the
Gold Rush and its effects, encountering capitalists and colonialists, explorers
and early scientists, and witnessing the formation of America and the betrayal
of its dream.

This is the story of a stranger in a strange new land, looking out onto the vast
landscape in confusion, fear and wonder - all the while keeping the image of his brother, and
the hope of companionship, in the distance.

This lyrical western about loneliness and companionship follows legendary giant 'the Hawk' as he yearns to be reunited with his brother Linus, lost after their arrival in New York from Gothenburg. Capitalists, colonialists and early scientists populate the raw and nascent America the Hawk conducts his search through, in this hypnotic, violent and surprising debut.