Page Count:  312

Author:  Leif Enger

Publisher:  Grove Press

ISBN:  0-8021-3925-6

Category:  Fiction

Genre:  Drama

Dove's (Personal) Review:  A wonderfully engaging story. Enger's "Peace Like A River" combines drama, tragedy, love, Faith, heroics, heartbreak and suspense, all of which blend together nicely, delivering to the reader a very successful debut novel!
     The story is narrated by a young boy, Reuben (Clay) Land (age 11, born in 1951), as he looks back on his life, and the events that have lead him to where he is today. He introduces us to his parents, Jeremiah and Helen Land, his younger sister Swede (age 8), and his older brother Davy (17). Helen abandons her family to marry someone else, leaving Jeremiah to raise three children alone, so we don't know much about her at all.
     The bulk of the story/plot is surrounded around Davy, and the two murders he commits. While awaiting trial, he escapes from jail, and flees on horseback. Upon learning this, Jeremiah loads up the car, gathers Reuben and Swede, and they begin their journey cross-country, in search of Davy.
     During their travels, Reuben is forced to grow up early, dealing with events no 11-year-old boy should ever have to face. Swede spends most of her time writing poetry, describing their travels. And Jeremiah, while driving, spends hours behind the wheel conversing in silent prayer with the Lord. His faith is strong, allowing the Lord to lead them to Davy safely.
     Fascinating characters are introduced along the way, giving the story interesting plot twists and turns. I don't want to say much more about the story, since I don't want to give anything away...
     Enger is a very talented author to keep your eye on! "Peace Like A River" is a book to be read, enjoyed, remembered, and shared with others. Personable characters, an enveloping plot, and a heart-felt ending! What more could you possibly want?
     The one "hang-up" I have with this novel is Swede's age. She's supposed to be eight years old, but that's a fact very hard to believe. We learn, through her writing abilities, that she's a very OLD 8-year-old, LOL. I think she comes across as being too mature, or "brainy," for her age, making Swede's character a bit unusual... but other than that, the story is a pleasure!
     TWO-THUMBS-UP!!!