Review of Go as a River: A Novel by Shelley Read
When I stumbled upon Shelley Read’s debut novel, Go as a River, my curiosity was instantly piqued. It was the recounting of a coming-of-age story against the enchanting backdrop of Colorado’s wilderness that drew me in—an intimate exploration of love, loss, and resilience. Having heard whispers of its emotional weight and lyrical beauty, I embarked on this literary journey, one that left me both breathless and contemplative.
At the heart of the story is seventeen-year-old Victoria Nash, a young woman whose life is intertwined with the harsh realities of family obligations and societal expectations. Living on a peach farm in Iola, Colorado, she navigates a world dominated by troubled men: her grieving father, her antagonistic brother, and her bitter uncle. It’s a world stripped of warmth, and yet, it is here that Victoria finds an unexpected spark in her chance meeting with Wilson Moon, a drifter with a deep connection to his roots and a past cloaked in mystery.
The narrative artfully weaves together the beauty of the Colorado landscape with the inner turmoil of its characters. Read’s writing is a stunning fusion of vivid imagery and rich emotional texture. Lines like “Imagine a town silent, forgotten…the landscapes of our youths create us,” resonated deeply with me. They encapsulate the heart of the story—how our past shapes us, even as life’s circumstances threaten to erase it. These profound reflections lingered long after I turned the last page.
The pacing of Go as a River is masterful; Read leaves no moment wasted. Each chapter flows seamlessly into the next, much like the titular river, creating a rhythm that propels the reader forward while allowing for contemplative pauses. There’s a heaviness to the plot, forged through tragedy and the harshness of reality, yet flashes of hope persist, illuminating the narrative’s darker corners.
What struck me particularly was how the novel deftly addresses intricate themes such as love’s transformative power amid adversity and the struggle for identity in a world riddled with prejudice. The character of Victoria embodies resilience. Her evolution—from an overburdened farm girl to a determined survivor—sends ripples of inspiration that encourage us all to confront our own challenges with strength.
As I navigated Victoria’s world, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own life experiences with love and loss. Readers who have faced familial pressures or societal expectations will likely find parts of their own stories mirrored in Victoria’s struggles and triumphs. Truly, Go as a River offers something for everyone: raw emotion, eloquent prose, and thought-provoking themes that resonate deeply.
In conclusion, Shelley Read’s Go as a River is a captivating debut that beautifully marries the natural world with the complexities of the human heart. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates heartfelt narratives where nature shines as a character in its own right. It’s perfect for book clubs or solo readers seeking a poignant story that lingers in the mind and spirit—one that challenges us to flow forward like a river, gathering strength even amid turbulent waters. Reading this novel was not just a pastime; it was a journey, one that will stay with me for a long time.
You can find Go as a River: A Novel here >>