In a mythical Midwestern town, locals converge along the banks of the muddy river to sample pulled pork, baked beans, and corn on the cob. Jim, a 19-year-old runaway comes to the fair looking for meth; while Karen, a New Yorker on a rare return to her roots, picks at her barbecued chicken, potato salad, and a very old would; and her townie brother, Tripp, sharpens his teeth on some juicy ribs -- and simmering sibling rivalry. In The Common Swallow, it's the birds living in a muddy nest under the bridge that may be the town's only thriving, cohesive and supportive community.