"Prudence" is a poignant novel by David Treuer set in rural Minnesota during World War II. The story follows Frankie, a young man grappling with his sexual identity, as he returns home from Princeton before his military deployment. Amidst family tensions and societal pressures, Frankie's reunion with his kin and comrades at the lakeside resort intertwines with the pursuit of an escaped German prisoner of war, leading to tragic consequences that shape the lives of those involved, particularly Prudence, a young woman navigating loss and unrequited love. Treuer's narrative weaves together themes of identity, repression, and cultural tension, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected tales against the backdrop of historical upheaval.