Peace Like a River Leif Enger
Atlantic Monthly Press (August 20, 2002)
In short: Reminiscent of Dickens and Hardy, this lyrical novel, rich in Biblical allusions, is a poetic tale of relationships and faith.
“Many a night I woke to the murmur of paper and knew he was up, sitting in the kitchen with frayed King James – oh, but he worked that book; he held to it like a rope ladder.”
Reuben Land is an eleven year old asthmatic boy whose father, Jeremiah, like his namesake, is a larger-than-life presence with an ever-present and living faith. Reuben and his sister, Swede, are a witness to the miraculous occurrences that surround their father, especially as they journey across country in pursuit of their fugitive brother, Davy.
“Once traveling, it’s remarkable how quickly faith erodes. It starts to look like something else – ignorance, for example. Same thing happened to the Israelites. Sure it’s weak, but sometimes you’d rather just have a map.”
The cast of rich characters are as varied as they are memorable. Like Thomas Hardy, the setting is as important a character as the humans are. Rural Minnesota and the badlands of North Dakota are mythic and heavenly. Providence could be considered part of this wondrous cast, as well, and plays an important role as the adventure unfolds.
“So no one led you here,” he said.
Well the question was dismaying. Of course we’d been led; why did everyone keep bringing this up? We’d had leading by the bushel!...even the putrid Fed had been part of the old rod and staff employed by the Lord to goose us along.”
This is an adventure novel of the grandest sort - but more. A coming-of-age novel for all ages. A novel of memorable characters that touches on transcendent themes. A work that mixes the simple and profound, like Dickens, in meaningful ways, with descriptive prose giving us glimpses of the after-life, as well as the inner thoughts of a child. Filled with lasting quotes this is a novel for the ages.
“Pride is the rope God allows us all…”
“I saw it happening but could not stop it. Humility came to me too late. I’m a living proverb. Learn from me.”
“Someday, you know, we’re going to be shown the great ledger of our recorded decisions – a dread concept you nonetheless know in your deepest soul is true.”
“Fair is whatever God wants to do.”
“Many a night I woke to the murmur of paper and knew he was up, sitting in the kitchen with frayed King James – oh, but he worked that book; he held to it like a rope ladder.”
Reuben Land is an eleven year old asthmatic boy whose father, Jeremiah, like his namesake, is a larger-than-life presence with an ever-present and living faith. Reuben and his sister, Swede, are a witness to the miraculous occurrences that surround their father, especially as they journey across country in pursuit of their fugitive brother, Davy.
“Once traveling, it’s remarkable how quickly faith erodes. It starts to look like something else – ignorance, for example. Same thing happened to the Israelites. Sure it’s weak, but sometimes you’d rather just have a map.”
The cast of rich characters are as varied as they are memorable. Like Thomas Hardy, the setting is as important a character as the humans are. Rural Minnesota and the badlands of North Dakota are mythic and heavenly. Providence could be considered part of this wondrous cast, as well, and plays an important role as the adventure unfolds.
“So no one led you here,” he said.
Well the question was dismaying. Of course we’d been led; why did everyone keep bringing this up? We’d had leading by the bushel!...even the putrid Fed had been part of the old rod and staff employed by the Lord to goose us along.”
This is an adventure novel of the grandest sort - but more. A coming-of-age novel for all ages. A novel of memorable characters that touches on transcendent themes. A work that mixes the simple and profound, like Dickens, in meaningful ways, with descriptive prose giving us glimpses of the after-life, as well as the inner thoughts of a child. Filled with lasting quotes this is a novel for the ages.
“Pride is the rope God allows us all…”
“I saw it happening but could not stop it. Humility came to me too late. I’m a living proverb. Learn from me.”
“Someday, you know, we’re going to be shown the great ledger of our recorded decisions – a dread concept you nonetheless know in your deepest soul is true.”
“Fair is whatever God wants to do.”
Rating: Hardback
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