
Go as a River by Shelley Read
Go as a River is a gripping debut novel that draws inspiration from true events and explores the themes of love, resilience, and home in the face of adversity. In the small town of Iola, Colorado, Victoria Nash runs her family’s peach farm and navigates life with troubled men. A chance encounter with drifter Wilson Moon sets off a chain of events that leads to tragedy, causing Victoria to flee into the mountains and find strength in the wilderness.
Book review of Go as a River
Go as a River by Shelley Read is a beautifully written debut novel that captivates the reader from the very first page. The story is set in a small Colorado town in 1948 and centers around Victoria Nash, a 17-year-old girl who has already faced more tragedy and hardship than most people experience in a lifetime. Despite her young age, Victoria has been running her family’s peach farm for the past five years following her mother’s death.
The novel explores themes of loss, love, and resilience, as Victoria navigates the challenges of life on the farm and falls in love with a man named Wilson Moon, who is deemed an outcast by others due to the color of his skin. Victoria’s strength and determination in the face of adversity make her a character that readers will root for and admire.
The novel also touches on themes of racism and prejudice, which are depicted as harsh and unforgiving as the wilderness that surrounds Victoria’s home. Despite the challenges that she faces, Victoria remains resilient and brave, and her memory of Wilson’s words to “go as a river” serves as a constant reminder to always move forward in life and find a better way.
What sets Go as a River apart from other historical fiction novels is the author’s vivid and evocative descriptions of the Colorado landscape and the pace of ranch life. Shelley Read’s writing transports the reader to the rugged terrain of the mountains, allowing them to feel the heat of the sun and smell the ripeness of the warm peaches that Victoria tends to with such care.
Final verdict:
Overall, Go as a River is a powerful and moving debut novel that will appeal to readers of historical fiction, particularly those who enjoy stories with strong female characters and a unique setting. While the novel may not be for everyone, particularly those who don’t enjoy books that are emotionally challenging, it is a must-read for anyone looking for a beautifully written and unforgettable story of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Specifications | |
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![]() | Publisher : Spiegel & Grau (February 28, 2023) Language : English Hardcover : 320 pages ISBN-10 : 1954118236 ISBN-13 : 978-1954118232 Item Weight : 1.05 pounds Dimensions : 5.75 x 1 x 8.25 inches |