"The West was once about the romance and drama of wilderness. Later, it came to be about the enormous promise of resource wealth. There are only remnants now both of the wilderness and of the promise, and the resources have proved a mixed blessing -- but the people of the West remain. In this bestselling book, Sharon Butala looks at the history and vision of the West, a vision as unique as the winter-tinted prairie moon of her title. Butala challenges stereotypes and myths, not just those held by Canadians from the East, but those held by Westerners themselves. From the pioneer past to party politics, from rural myths to urban realities, Butala blends her own experiences with the great themes of Western life. Intensely personal and deeply thought-provoking, Lilac Moon is a book for all Canadians who want to know and understand one of the founding dreams of our nation."-- Provided by publisher.