Josh Wilborn, Charger Staff
Think all those spiritual books are a little too happy-go-lucky? Peace Like
a River, by Leif Enger, however, was a suprising success. Most authors who
tackle the subject of spirituality get off in left field and become a little
too Disney for my taste.
Enger was everything but superficial, however. His story is truth. It’s
very real and heart-filled. The story is told from the narrative viewpoint of
an eleven-year-old boy named Reuben, who is growing up with his younger and
highly poetic sister Swede and his older coming-of-age brother Davy.
The story begins with young Reuben, lifeless on a hospital towel, with his
father Jeremiah Land, breathing life into little Reuben’s lungs. Jeremiah
is a kind of miracle-working man. He is a humble and modest character who throughout
the story shows his amazing gifts through miraculous happenings.
The story is hilarious: you’ll be able to remember just how much your
family is like the Land family, which is a “feel good” family.
In addition to humor, great turmoil exists in the story over a certain incident
between the book’s two antagonists and Davy’s girlfriend Dolly. You
will have to read to find out, but it’s a very dramatic occurrence, which
leads to some life-altering decisions the Lands must make.
I hope you have a strong immunity to tearjerkers, because this book is full
of them. This was probably the third book I actually cried a little over.
Truth be told I can’t think of anyone who might read this book and not
be touched. It may be a little pricy considering copies are only available in
hardback, but it’s definitely a good investment. I’m sure you will
add it to your wonderful collection of those books you just can’t let go.
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