Peace Like a River

Summary (from the publisher): Once in a great while, we encounter a novel in our voluminous reading that begs to be read aloud. Leif Enger's debut, Peace Like a River, is one such work. His richly evocative novel, narrated by an asthmatic 11-year-old named Reuben Land, is the story of Reuben's unusual family and their journey across the frozen Badlands of the Dakotas in search of his fugitive older brother. Charged with the murder of two locals who terrorized their family, Davy has fled, understanding that the scales of justice will not weigh in his favor. But Reuben, his father, Jeremiah -- a man of faith so deep he has been known to produce miracles -- and Reuben's little sister, Swede, follow closely behind the fleeing Davy.

Affecting and dynamic, Peace Like a River is at once a tragedy, a romance, and an unflagging exploration into the spirituality and magic possible in the everyday world, and in that of the world awaiting us on the other side of life. In Enger's superb debut effort, we witness a wondrous celebration of family, faith, and spirit, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long, long time -- and the birth of a classic work of literature.

Review:  Part pilgrimage, part bildungsroman, Peace Like a River has all the makings of a great novel: murder, quirky characters, runaways, cross country travels, religious fervor,  and more. This novel is told from the point of view of 11 year old Reuben, an asthmatic son of a single parent home in the 1960s. Reuben's mother left the family when he was young, and he and his brother and sister are left in the hands of their father Jeremiah, who seems to have the ability to work religious miracles. Reuben's life goes south when his brother shoots two local troublemakers and runs from the law. Reuben and his dad and sister go on a cross country journey in a RV trying to track down his brother. 

Despite the intriguing sounding plot, this novel failed to impress me. This was the longest 300 page book I've read in years. It seemed to take forever to get through each chapter. I just didn't feel for any of the characters or feel that their story was at all believable. I especially disliked the conclusion. It was too fantastical and far fetched. The writing and plot of this novel were decent, but it failed to capture my attention or interest.

Stars: 3