Super Short Summary

Mink River by Brian Doyle is set in the fictional town of Neawanaka on the Oregon coast, presenting a vivid tapestry of its quirky residents through interconnected, episodic tales. The novel weaves together the lives of individuals including Billy and George from the Department of Public Works, Owen and Nora and their injured son Daniel, and the dysfunctional O’Donnell family amid magical realist elements and poetic prose. The story depicts how the town's people come together in times of crisis, showcasing their shared history and communal bonds. Sensitive topics include depression, severe injury, and death.