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45 pages 1 hour read

The River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Peter Heller

The River

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Canada • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The River by Peter Heller follows Jack and Wynn, two recent Dartmouth graduates, on a canoe expedition through the remote Northern Canadian wilderness. Their journey turns perilous when they encounter a deadly forest fire and a violent confrontation between a husband and wife, propelling them into a desperate struggle against nature and human threats to survive. Topics include violence and attempted sexual assault.

Suspenseful

Adventurous

Dark

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.1

50,488 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Peter Heller's novel The River is widely praised for its lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of nature, creating an immersive wilderness experience. Critics applaud the suspenseful narrative and strong character development. However, some note a slower pace in parts of the story. Overall, it is lauded as a compelling and atmospheric read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The River?

Readers who love The River by Peter Heller enjoy immersive wilderness adventures mixed with deep friendships and suspense. Fans of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild or James Dickey's Deliverance will appreciate Heller's vivid nature descriptions and tension-filled, reflective story. Ideal for those drawn to the themes of survival and human resilience.

4.1

50,488 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Jack

A hard-nosed and experienced individual shaped by a tough upbringing in Colorado, known for his practical approach to survival and strong instincts in the wilderness. He is often quick-thinking and tends to distrust civilized conventions in favor of acting on instinct.

A deliberate and sensitive character with a contrasting temperament to Jack, known for his larger metaphysical connections with the environment and his reluctance to impose strength despite being physically powerful. He maintains a strong moral code and is identified as an artist and idealist.

Initially passive, she is a geochemist with a wealthy background, encountered by Jack and Wynn in a distressing state. Her circumstances and the motivations behind them become a central element of the narrative.

The antagonist of the novel, distinguished by his nearsightedness and initial appearance of panic and shock when encountered by Jack and Wynn. He becomes involved in the story's conflict through his violent behavior and complex motives.

Two individuals with contrasting physiques and former Marine backgrounds, initially encountered by Jack and Wynn as drunken and vulgar. They are skilled in the wilderness, and Brent later exhibits a sense of frontier justice in response to the story's unfolding events.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Northern Canada • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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