"The Desert of Wheat" is a novel written by Zane Grey. The novel revolves around the wheat country of eastern Washington state during World War I and explores the themes of patriotism, social class, and the challenges faced by farmers in the early 20th century. The main character of the novel is Kurt Dorn, a wealthy wheat farmer who is drafted into the army and sent to France to fight in the war. While he is away, his farm is taken over by a group of German spies who are plotting to sabotage the American war effort. When Kurt returns home, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the spies, risking his life to protect his country and his farm. Will Kurt get successful to protect his farm and country? Throughout the novel, Grey portrays the struggles of the farmers in the eastern Washington wheat lands, who face droughts, pests, and the harsh conditions of the desert landscape.