Peace Like a River (Magill’s Literary Annual 1991-2005)
At a glance:
- Author: Leif Enger
- First Published: 2001
- Type of Work: Novel
- Time of Work: 1962-1963
- Setting: Minnesota and North Dakota
- Principal Characters: Reuben Land, Davy Land, Swede Land, Jeremiah Land, Israel Finch, Martin Andreeson, Roxanna Cawley, Jape Waltzer
- Genres: Long fiction, Bildungsroman
- Subjects: 1960’s, Family or family life, North America or North Americans, United States or Americans, Parents and children, Murder or homicide, Twentieth century, Midwest, Brothers and sisters, Fathers, Revenge, Tornadoes, Miracles, Outlaws, Quest, Minnesota, North Dakota
- Locales: North Dakota, Minnesota
Peace Like a River is a strange but pleasing coming-of-age book, containing echoes of the picaresque novel and the archetypal quest, with passing references to Homer, the Bible, and historical figures of the American West. Leif Enger immediately establishes a winning voice for his eleven-year-old narrator, Reuben Land, which alternates with the adult Reuben’s omniscient but equally relaxed voice. He is a perceptive character, although admittedly self-critical, “beyond my depth and knowing it, yet unable to shut up.”
To begin with, Reuben was born “a little clay...
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