Peter Heller is one of my favorite contemporary authors, and has participated in numerous author events at Collected Works. His highly engaging works of fiction and non-fiction have won many awards and graced bestsellers lists, rightfully so. His recent book, The River, is a simmering kettle of a novel that explodes into a thrilling survivalist adventure.
Jack and Wynn are two young, vivacious outdoorsmen who have been joined at the hip since college. The River kicks off when the two decide to undertake an isolated, intense river trip up in Canada. However, their idyllic attempt to escape society and get lost in the wilderness deviates in unexpected ways, and the two find themselves on a journey of a much different variety.
Tensions mount when Jack and Wynn encounter two disasters, one natural (a wildfire tearing through the wilderness), the other a human interaction (no spoilers). The pace of Heller’s writing picks up as the fire closes in, and the two friends make a life-altering decision that forces them to flee from the deadliness of both the wilderness and other people.
The River is a prime example of Peter’s hybrid genre of nature fiction and suspense/survivalism. His description of the natural world, and what it’s like to be immersed in it is a definite extension of his love for the planet. Heller’s prose easily transports the reader to the rivers and habitats that he most likely escapes to when needing to take a break.
An immersive and brooding summer thriller!!
Review by Joel
$16.00 Trade Paperback
The River is in stock at the bookstore, you can order it online or call us at (505) 988-4226.
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