

The Langs introduce the Morgans to other academics, which helps Larry build a network and gain more job security. The Langs quickly befriend the Morgans in Madison.

Although they came from different backgrounds (poor vs wealthy), all four shared interests in humanistic pursuits like writing and spirituality which helped them bond over time as they dealt with existential stresses together. Luckily, Larry met Sid and Charity at this time who became close friends of theirs both couples were expecting children around the same time too. Larry had to fight for an extended teaching position with the college staff so they could support themselves. He was also trying to finish his first novel that he wrote while living in a small, dingy basement apartment with Sally and their soon-to-be born child. Larry reminisces about his early life in Madison, where he struggled to find a job. In flashbacks that take place on a single day, we learn about his youth as well as how he came to be who he is today through his interactions with two other couples: Charity Lang and Sidney Lang (who are both academics) and Sally Morgan and Larry himself (who are married). It’s set in the late 20th century and tells the story of Larry Morgan, an aging academic whose life has been filled with compromise. 1-Page Summary of Crossing To Safety Overall SummaryĬrossing to Safety is a semi-autobiographical novel written by Wallace Stegner.
