In Jack Hodgins latest novel, Broken Ground, the inhabitants of the small forest community of Portuguese Creek are deeply affected by its extreme conditions. Matthew Pearson, a local farmer and former soldier, has his life utterly transformed from living in Portuguese Creek. For Tanner Pearson, Matthew's ten year old son, living in Portuguese Creek has nothing but negative consequences. Lastly, Charlie MacKintosh, Tanner's friend, is adversely affected by his time spent in the harsh wilderness of the settlement. Portuguese Creek touches the lives of all who dwell within its untamed heart. Matthew Pearson is a typical farmer in the wild soldier's settlement of Portuguese Creek, who, like many others, becomes involved in some atypical events. He comes to the settlement with his wife, Maude, whom he marries shortly after the first World War , and fathers two children. He, like many others, is filled with both awe and terror toward the land he is expected to settle, as is proven when he states that "When [he] first set eyes on [the] logged-off stretch of second-growth timber [he was] expected to turn into [a farm], [he was] shaken with the extravagant beauty of the green Pacific world. Snow-peaked mountains, thick underbrush high as [his] waist, and salt water so close [he] could smell it. But. [he was] scared off right away by the unexpected. Forest fires, mountain lions, and rain." (Book 1 Chapter 2 P.17) The harshness of his surroundings also has adverse effects on his sanity. At some points he loses touch with reality and is thrown into a memory of the war. Every time it is caused by either the absolute beauty, or terrible viciousness of nature. In chapter thirteen he takes a midnight horseback ride through the wilderness, and is struck by the elegance of his surroundings. As he rides he notes an abandoned logging building that was left behind after the company decided the area was too uncivilized.