My rating: 5/5
I ended this novel with a long, expressive sigh. Not to be mistaken for a disappointing countenance of feelings, but a sigh that conveyed the sheer awe for the story that I just concluded. The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger is the first novel that I read by the author. This was an astounding introduction to Krueger, for I was able to experience the vast masterful skills of his writing, that effortlessly reverberated from the pages of the story.
The River We Remember is an outstanding tale that opens on a fatally, unforgettable day. It is Memorial Day, 1958, in the small fictional town of Jewel, Minnesota. An annual communal celebration is underway that consists of food, laughter, and camaraderie amongst the citizens. Unfortunately, this is also the day that begins a series of disturbing events that will gravely impact the community and be pivotal to those that will be interconnected due to a daunting discovery. When a well-known resident of Jewel is found brutally murdered, it surfaces long hidden secrets, ignites antagonistic prejudices, and catapults an engrossing mystery.
Impeccable character development, exceptional plot, and intriguing atmospheric details make The River We Remember an unforgettable story. The story contains a diverse cast of characters that are riveting and quite memorable, with each character battling with their own personal problems and tumultuous pasts. The plot is pleasantly engaging with a gripping mystery and interesting historical references to the Korean War and World War II, as well as the Great Sioux Uprising. The setting is stunningly descriptive with ample descriptions of the beautiful landscapes in southern Minnesota. There are content warnings of murder, sexual assault, and a couple closed door intimate scenes; however, I found the novel to be enjoyable and less cringy. This is undoubtably a five-star read that I highly recommend to others.
Christian perspective: The characters were not depicted as having a personal relationship with Christ. They dealt with much guilt and shame from their pasts, and majority of the residents had prejudices rooted in hate. We all have things that we deal with or trouble us. However, we do not have to carry our burdens alone. There is liberty in Jesus that frees us from the shackles of our pasts and removes the weight of sin through the finished work of the cross.
#HistoricalFiction #Mystery #Fiction #Thriller #WilliamKentKrueger
