Review | The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
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The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
2023 Publication Date: September 5
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Table of Contents
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW
A Tale of Murder and Healing in Midcentury America... A Gripping Mystery Historical Fiction Novel Set in Post-World War II Minnesota...
Minnesota is known for its beautiful landscapes and serene way of life, but in 1958, a small town called Jewel is rocked by a shocking murder that changes the course of the town's history.
The bestselling author of This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger, delves deep into the wounds of war and its aftermath in his latest historical fiction novel, The River We Remember. The book is a mix of mystery, historical fiction and a poignant exploration of the human psyche.
Let's take a closer look at this historical novel and how it captures the essence of post-World War II Minnesota...
Plot Points
The story begins on Memorial Day when the body of Jimmy Quinn, the most influential citizen of Jewel, is found dead in the Alabaster River. As the news spreads and the investigation begins, it is apparent that the town is divided in their grief and suspicion. Sheriff Brody Dern is tasked with solving the mystery and finding the killer amidst rumors that Noah Bluestone, a Native American veteran, and his Japanese wife played a role in the murder.
The plot takes the reader on a winding journey as Dern tries to unravel the evidence, grapple with old demons, and navigate a strained community.
Strong Character Development
The characterization in this historical fiction novel is top-notch. Sheriff Dern is a man torn between his duty to the law and his loyalty to his friends. His struggle is tangible, as he tries to balance the secrets of his past and the present investigation.
Noah Bluestone is another intriguing character, a man who has seen the worst of humanity and yet still believes in maintaining his integrity and human spirit. His story is a reflection of the complexities of identity and belonging.
Each female character is well-drawn, rich in nuance and dimensional personality... And also has agency, something often lacking when male authors write female characters... Thank you for digging deep, Mr. Krueger.
Immersive Writing Style
Krueger's prose is poetic and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the Minnesota setting. He paints a picture that is at times brutal and at other times, breathtaking. Both in describing the nature of the landscape and in describing human nature that balances the storytelling on a razor's edge in such a way that we hover between reading a story of "others" while pulling our own life into this story as well.
The River We Remember is a love letter to this state, a tribute to its history and people, and a poignant reminder of the price of war... And all of its consequences.
On a personal note... I found The River We Remember to include more humor than typical of William Kent Krueger's previous historical fiction books or historical fiction series. Whether I am adapting to the Boundary Waters sense of humor and just now recognizing the subtle style of humor after many Krueger reads... Or this is truly a welcomed new tone in his writing... I love it! Win-win either way!
What Makes The River We Remember Unique?
Historical fiction books can draw upon the elements of real-life events with a fictional overview which can result in a deeper heartbreaking story as we gain a fictional insight as to what characters from that time might have been thinking or motivated by within making their choices. Not a true story per se... But an imagined story based on true events.
What sets The River We Remember apart and elevates this historical fiction to a stunning story is its powerful evocation of post-World War II America. The scars of war are etched into every part of the narrative, from the physical and emotional trauma that Sheriff Brody Dern still carries to the simmering racial tension that is a product of the times.
Krueger captures the nuances of small-town life with deep understanding, from the camaraderie of neighbors to the ancient grudges that make people turn on each other. Coupled with a flair for pacing and plot, Krueger's writing makes this historical novel a page-turning read.
Throughout the book, Krueger uses the murder of Quinn as a framing device to explore the lasting scars of war and how communities try to heal from trauma. The historical fiction characters in the book are all struggling to come to terms with their pasts, whether it's Dern, haunted by the memories of war, or Bluestone and his wife, grappling with the racism they experience in Jewel.
Through their struggles, Krueger shows us how stories can bring people together, tear them apart... and arrive at that fortuitous fork in the road where they can choose ongoing suffering or move toward healing and reconciliation.
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The setting of post-war America provides an important backdrop for this historical novel, as many characters are dealing with the repercussions of war in different ways. For some, it's physical trauma that has lingered from their time in service. For others, it's a lingering guilt or sadness due to the death of loved ones.
The characters are all tied together by the similar experiences they had during the war, and this shared history gives them an understanding of one another that transcends racial divides.
As tensions rise in Jewel, some people come together to protect each other despite their differences, in a way that would not have been possible before the war. This highlights how the setting of post-war America is essential to unifying people who come from different backgrounds and circumstances... While highlighting the examples and consequences of people who often promote division and conflict based on superficial differences.
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The themes explored throughout this historical fiction book include identity, belonging, loyalty, justice, and healing.
Each character is shown to be struggling with their identity in some way, whether it be grappling with racial differences or searching for a sense of purpose. The characters also explore the idea of belonging to the town and how they fit into its community, as well as loyalty to one another and justice for those who have done wrong.
Finally, healing is an important theme throughout this historical novel, as it examines how people can come to terms with their pain, grief, and trauma to move on to a brighter future.
Perfect as a must-read historical fiction book for anyone who loves mysteries, historical fiction novels, or simply great storytelling. The River We Remember is a historical fiction novel that will still appeal to modern readers and stay with you long after the last page is turned.
The River We Remember is a literary historical fiction triumph, a beautiful story and a gripping mystery novel that goes beyond the genre. It is a story of loss, love, and redemption set against the backdrop of post-World War II America.
Krueger continues to display a deep understanding of human nature and knows how to create historical fiction characters that are realistic and memorable.
See you on the river...✨😎✨
BOOK DETAILS
Pages: 432
Genre: Best Historical Fiction Books
Sub-Genre: Crime Fiction
Time Period: 1958
Location: Jewel, Minnesota (US) | Alabaster River
Publisher: Atria Books
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♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
The 1950s was a time of great change in America, with veterans from World War II returning home to a nation grappling with new realities. Bestselling author William Kent Krueger tells a gripping historical fiction story of murder, suspicion, and healing in a small Minnesota town. With its spellbinding mystery and vivid portrayal of midcentury American life, this book is sure to captivate readers both young and old.
The story takes place in Jewel, Minnesota, a town still reeling from the aftershocks of World War II.
As the town prepares to honor its fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, the half-naked body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River. The town's sheriff, Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero himself, is tasked with solving the murder.
At first, there are no leads in the case, but whispers quickly begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American war veteran who returned to Jewel after the war with his Japanese wife.
As accusations mount, racial and cultural tensions reach a boiling point. Dern is faced with the daunting task of keeping the peace while also trying to bring Quinn's killer to justice.
As Dern delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to unearth and navigate the town's dark secrets. Old grudges, simmering resentments, and unspoken traumas all come to the surface as the residents of Jewel confront the truth about their community.
Krueger does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of life in midcentury America, its joys, and its tragedies.
The River We Remember is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex themes of war, trauma, and community. With its richly drawn characters and spellbinding mystery, this book is sure to captivate readers of historical fiction books.
Krueger has crafted an unflinching look at midcentury America that will linger long in readers' minds.
For anyone looking for a historical novel that combines mystery, history, and heart, The River We Remember is your destination...
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
The lasting effects of war on individuals and communities are far-reaching and must be addressed to move forward toward healing.
Racial tensions can be sparked easily when hidden secrets come to light, but people need to recognize their roles in the problem and work together to find solutions.
Stories have the power to bring us together, tear us apart, and ultimately lead us to a place of understanding.
Available Book Club Resources | Reading Group Guide
Includes:
Topics & Questions for Discussion
How To Enhance Your Book Club
Conversation with William Kent Krueger
BOOK QUOTE
"The most frightening thing we do in our lives is to love... " — The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
William Kent Krueger | Photo by Diane Krueger
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Raised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, William Kent Krueger briefly attended Stanford University—before being kicked out for radical activities. After that, he logged timber, worked construction, tried his hand at freelance journalism, and eventually ended up researching child development at the University of Minnesota. He’s been married for nearly fifty years to a marvelous woman who is a retired attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul, a city he dearly loves.
Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage — part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last nine novels were all New York Times bestsellers.
Ordinary Grace, his stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. The companion novel, This Tender Land, (listed as one of my Top Ten Books of All-T.I.M.E.) was published in September 2019 and spent nearly six months on the New York Times bestseller list.
Learn more online at williamkentkrueger.com
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