As most people in our book club thought the last book was a total slog, we decided to read something that promised to be faster-paced. Karla suggested The River (2019, 253 pages) by Peter Heller. After quickly googling it we all agreed to read it for the next meeting.
Wow did I love it!
What’s to love? A lot:
- Wynn and Jack are the main characters, best friends taking time off from school to leisurely canoe a river in northern Canada. They are smart, outdoorsmen, and have a beautiful friendship. Parts of their characters are revealed as the canoe trip progresses, and their relationship evolves with the story.
- This is not just a bromance in the wilderness. This becomes a page-turning drama as things start to get challenging for Wynn and Jack. First here is a huge forest fire they discover coming their way. There are seedy drunk guys who are oblivious to the oncoming danger. Then they hear a couple fighting in the woods….
- Peter Heller seems to be a true outdoorsman as all of the nature and camping and canoeing details appear to be impeccable, at least to this not very outdoorsy NJ gal.
- Peter Heller is as good a writer as he is an outdoorsman. With all the action there is still time for reflection and beautiful writing.
I’m not going to tell you the ending – you’ll have to read it for yourself!
But I will tell you that I had to hustle up and read another Peter Heller novel almost immediately. Luckily we had The Dog Stars (2012, 320 pages) on hand because Greg had read it. Although he had recommended it to me I didn’t feel compelled to read it until I had finished The River.
I loved The Dog Stars also! The same excellent writing but different scenario. The main character Hig has survived a flu that has wiped out 99% of all humankind. He lives with his dog Jasper and an old crank survivalist named Bangley. They have figured out a system of living that seems to work for them – until Hig decides he needs to venture beyond their safe zone to see if others like them are out there.
Another page turner & I loved it.
Now need to find some more Peter Heller to read!!!