How Gabriel Tallent’s novel ‘Crux’ explores the risks of climbing and life

On a video call, Gabriel Tallent is recounting a terrifying climbing experience he hoped to capture in his second novel, “Crux,” a relentlessly intense but often funny coming-of-age story.

“I was on a climb called Batwing Deluxe,” he recalls, describing a 20-foot unprotected portion of the climb that he was not prepared for. “There’s a piece of gear you could use, but I didn’t bring it. I went into it really confident. Then I accidentally stepped on my laces and untied the lace of my shoe.