45 pages • 1 hour read
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
272
Novel • Fiction
Northern Canada • Contemporary
2019
Adult
18+ years
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
50,488 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
50,488 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
Northern Canada • Contemporary
2019
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.