The notion of FIVE CENT RETURN began with the treatment of horses at the killer auctions, and the story progressed into discussing prejudice as found in all races and societies. Because the main character is both Lakota and Welsh, he cannot be easily typecast; those who come up against him either hate him for his color or are able to look past that color into a stranger's heart. The journey is a sexual awakening for Joe Evans as well as the eventual rehabilitation of a rogue horse, while the pair walk across the country. Joe Evans is determined to return the horse to his grandfather's ranch, and the year-long journey reawakens the soul of an isolated man.