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59 pages 1 hour read

Peace Like a River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

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Book Brief

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Leif Enger

Peace Like a River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

312

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota • 1960s

Theme
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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Super Short Summary

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger follows 11-year-old Reuben Land as he narrates his family's journey in the early 1960s to reunite with his fugitive brother, Davy, after Davy kills two intruders to protect their family. Influenced by his father Jeremiah's Christian faith and miracles, Reuben, along with his sister Swede, navigates complex themes of faith, justice, and family loyalty.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Emotional

Melancholic

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

99,793 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Leif Enger's Peace Like a River captivates with its lyrical prose and vivid characters, while exploring themes of faith and family. Reviews often praise its evocative storytelling and heartfelt narrative. However, some critics feel the pacing is uneven and the plot somewhat improbable. Despite this, the novel remains a cherished piece for many readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Peace Like a River?

Readers who appreciate sweeping family sagas with lyrical prose will enjoy Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Fans of To Kill a Mockingbird and The Secret Life of Bees will find its blend of Americana, faith, and moral complexity compelling. A love for richly developed characters and poignant storytelling is essential.

4.2

99,793 ratings

74%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Reuben Land

An 11-year-old boy who serves as the story's protagonist and narrator, observing the miraculous events surrounding his family and chronicling their journey.

Reuben's father, depicted as deeply faithful, performing miracles while guiding his family through life's challenges.

Reuben's imaginative younger sister with a fascination for westerns and storytelling, contributing a vivid perspective to the family's experiences.

Reuben's older brother, whose actions drive much of the story's conflict and who is seen as an outcast due to his rebellious nature.

Teenagers who antagonize the Land family, introducing danger and conflict that alter the family's dynamic.

A nurturing figure who enters the Land family’s lives, providing warmth, care, and a sense of stability.

An ominous figure whose presence represents a significant threat and complication in the Land family's journey.

Book Details
Pages

312

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Minnesota • 1960s

Theme
Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

Lexile Level

900L

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