Peace Like a River
Leif Enger
A first novel (not yet published) set in 1960s Minnesota but with
very little reference to the modern world. Very Wild West. The
story is told from the viewpoint of an asthmatic boy of eleven.
His older brother commits a murder and goes on the run. The
family decide to go ahead with their plans to move to California
even though they cannot contact the older brother. Andrew found
the style of writing very annoying, particularly the excessive
use of the word 'atop' (an Americanism?) The book title is the
title of a Paul Simon song but there is no apparent relevance.
The ending was a bit too sweet - made Andrew's teeth hurt.
The glowing blurb on the back cover includes the information
that this book is 'Backed by an inspirational Transworld
marketing campaign'. But Andrew doesn't recommend that anyone
should bother reading this.
Andrew 19/5/02
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.