Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Summary:

     Enger tells the story of eleven-year-old Reuben Land, an asthmatic boy who has reason to believe in miracles. Along with his sister and father, Reuben finds himself on a cross-country search for his outlaw older brother who has been controversially charged with murder. Their journey is touched by serendipity and the kindness of strangers, and its remarkable conclusion shows how family, love, and faith can stand up to the most terrifying of enemies, the most tragic of fates.

   "Here's what I saw," Rube warns his readers. "Here's how it went. Make of it what you will." And Rube sees plenty.

My Thoughts:

     This is the December pick for the Modern Mrs. Darcy Book Club and a book I probably would have never picked up if not for the club.  This story is all at once dark, cold, hopeful and filled with love and miracles.  

     The voice of Reuben reminds me so much of Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. His viewpoint is perfect for this story as he is both a naive eleven-year-old but also sometimes wiser than he should be.  There were many instances where you can feel the despair and discouragement of the Land family but also so many times they had me smiling and laughing out loud.  

     There were times the bleakness of the North Dakota winter felt like they were right outside my window and it was, in places, overwhelming.  The characters and this story are so strong though that, for me, Peace Like a River was worth the read. 3.5/5 reads