40 pages • 1 hour read
Saints at the River
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
239
Novel • Fiction
Tamassee River, South Carolina • 2000s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Ron Rash's Saints at the River, a twelve-year-old girl named Ruth Kowalsky drowns in a rain-swollen river during a family vacation, prompting a heated conflict between her grieving parents, who want to recover her body, and environmentalists determined to protect the river's natural integrity. Media attention brings photographer Maggie Glenn and journalist Allen Hemphill to cover the story, where they face their own emotional struggles amid the community's tensions. This book includes themes of death, grief, and family estrangement.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Gritty
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
5,477 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ron Rash's Saints at the River is praised for its evocative portrayal of the Southern landscape and complex character development. Reviews highlight its compelling narrative and emotional depth but note that the pacing may feel slow at times. Rash's thoughtful exploration of environmental and personal conflicts resonates with readers, making it a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Saints at the River?
Readers who enjoy Saints at the River by Ron Rash are likely drawn to evocative, Southern Gothic narratives with a strong sense of place and complex ethical dilemmas. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer or William Faulkner's works may appreciate the book's atmospheric storytelling and deep exploration of human nature.
5,477 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Allen Hemphill
Allen Hemphill
Nearly 40, Allen is a journalist who has shifted from global to local stories after a tragic personal loss. His character is marked by his internal struggles and the tentative steps he takes toward opening his heart again.
Luke Miller
Luke Miller
A fervent environmental advocate, Luke is deeply committed to preserving the natural world, specifically the Tamassee River. His pragmatic and sometimes sharp demeanor is matched by an eloquent passion for the wilderness.
239
Novel • Fiction
Tamassee River, South Carolina • 2000s
2004
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.