I would like to commend HCN on
running Eliza Murphy’s story, “The Asphalt Graveyard,” as the
cover story (HCN, 2/7/05: Caught in the Headlights).
I’m embarrassed to say I had never thought much about
roadkill before meeting Eliza, last year at the University of
Montana’s Environmental Writing Institute. I was struck then,
as I am now, by Eliza’s unique perspective and strong voice.
“The Asphalt Graveyard” captures Eliza’s passion
for wildlife, her knack with people, and her commitment to making
this crazy world of ours make just a little more sense.
Moreover, the story captures the West: the people, the critters,
the heartaches. The experience. Yet it does so in a way that is
something of a departure for HCN. Eliza’s
story is just that — a story. It’s human, it’s
emotional, it’s intellectual. It ain’t “just the facts,
ma’am.” And that’s okay.
Hope
Miller
Salt Lake City, Utah
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Eliza Murphy captures the West.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
