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The River
April 2023: Friendship
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The River by Peter Heller - 4 stars (Subdue)
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This was the first book I read by Heller and I, much like you, liked it more than I thought I would. It was paced so well.
Ellen wrote: "This was the first book I read by Heller and I, much like you, liked it more than I thought I would. It was paced so well."I had tried one other that I did not care much for (The Dog Stars), so my expectations were fairly low, but this one was really interesting. I think it helped that I used to do whitewater canoeing.
There is a lesson here for people out in nature in remote places: (view spoiler)
I think this is his best book. What is the meaning of friendship? Can you go to a funeral? Was the death of his friend his fault? So many unanswered questions - so many points for discussion at book group. peace, janz
As the story opens friends Wynn and Jack are taking a tranquil canoe trip down the Maskwa River in northern Canada. They met in college, where the two young men found they had a lot in common, including a love of literature and nature. They are well-prepared for the trip, and at first everything goes well. When Jack smells smoke, they decide to go back to warn a couple they had passed. At this point something unexpected happens (which I will not spoil), and the trip becomes a fight for survival.
The first part of the book is beautifully done, with detailed descriptions of the river’s natural beauty. The pacing of the book follows the urgency of the trip – starting off unhurried and ramping up to a fast-paced race to the finish. There are many obstacles, and the young men must make life-or-death decisions. There are a few segments that require a suspension of disbelief, and a great deal of information about camping, canoeing, and fishing (maybe too much for those not interested in such activities), but it is a gripping story and I found myself rooting for them to succeed. It is not the type of book I usually read, but I read it for a challenge and ended up enjoying it more than expected.