Where the Rivers Flow North

This quote from Wallace Stegner was on the cover: "Full of invention, people, humor, country, energy, lingo, ebullience." I completely disagree.

Invention: The book was a collection of short stories. Pretty much the same story: life sucks and the most you can hope for is to die, and the easiest way to do it is do it yourself. After a while it did not seem inventive, just repetitive.

People: All stories were set in the same northern Vermont county. One person would be briefly mentioned in one, and then be the main character in another. My favorite character was actually not a person. It was a deer in "First Snow." There was not that many characters in this book.

Humor: There was a little in "High Water" and "Where the Rivers Flow North." It show more was surrounded by such bleak stuff that maybe it wasn't really funny. Just more humorous compared to what was around it.

Country: There was country in the book.

Energy: It sure sucked the energy out of me. That is a good description for this book: it drains you.

Lingo: Not sure what Mr. Stegner meant by attaching this word to this book.

Ebullience: I looked this word up because I thought I must be mistaken for what it means. www.thefreedictionary.com states it means "zestful enthusiasm." That was what I thought. No way does this describe this book.

This is more accurate: "Full of repetition, similar characters, sadness, country, lethargy, lingo, apathy." The author writes well, but needs a chill pill. show less

Recommend reading this collection of Howard Frank Mosher stories set in rural northern Vermont near the Canadian border. Six stories in rugged New England hills early in the twentieth century tell of challenged lives struggling to live in logged-off and worn-out lands. Mosher's novella is crowning tale contrasting romantic and often humorous themes with darker, tragic elements. The author's blended attention to outdoor settings, activities, along with his distinctive character development delivers a lasting and powerful narrative. One of my favorites; the movie adaptation is also excellent. (lj)