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30 pages 1 hour read

A River Runs Through It

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1976

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Book Brief

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Norman Maclean

A River Runs Through It

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1976
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1920s

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1160L

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Super Short Summary

A River Runs through It is a semi-autobiographical novella by Norman Maclean, set primarily in the summer of 1937, depicting the lives of Norman and his younger brother Paul, the sons of a Scottish Presbyterian minister in Montana. The story interweaves family history, fly fishing, and philosophy, culminating in a tragic loss while exploring themes of love, connection, and the natural world's healing power. The novella involves situations related to alcoholism, gambling, and violence.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

31,338 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It is lauded for its lyrical prose and profound exploration of family and nature. Critics praise its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, though some find its pacing slow. The autobiographical novella's introspective narrative offers a poignant reflection on life’s complexities, appealing to readers who appreciate meditative literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A River Runs Through It?

A reader who would enjoy A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean likely appreciates lyrical prose and themes of nature, family, and introspection. Fans of Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea or Thoreau's Walden will find similar meditative qualities and a deep connection to the natural world.

4.4

31,338 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Norman Maclean

The narrator and protagonist of the story, based on the author himself, who has a deep love for fly fishing and the Montana landscape, and navigates complex family dynamics during his young adulthood.

Norman's younger brother, known for his exceptional fly fishing skills and his role as a newspaper journalist, whose spirited nature often leads to dangerous behavior.

A Presbyterian minister and father of Norman and Paul, who teaches his sons the spiritual significance of nature and fly fishing, emphasizing family bonds and respect for nature.

Norman and Paul's mother, who manages her household duties faithfully and supports her family with quiet strength and resilience.

Norman’s wife, who grapples with family challenges and supports Norman as they both learn to navigate the limits of helping troubled loved ones.

Jessie's brother, who spends the summer of 1937 in Montana and struggles with alcohol, creating tension during family gatherings and fishing trips.

A woman who provides comic relief in the story, joining Neal in his escapades and inadvertently causing disruption during a fishing expedition.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Montana • 1920s

Publication Year

1976

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1160L

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