54 pages • 1 hour read
Shelley ReadGo as a River: A Novel
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Set in 1960s Iola during the construction of the Blue Mesa Dam, Shelley Read's debut novel, Go As a River, follows Victoria Nash, a peach farmer, grappling with town displacement and personal loss. The narrative delves into her relationship with Wilson Moon, an Indigenous American, against the backdrop of systemic racism and the inevitable flooding of Iola. The novel features racism, racist violence, hate crimes, the legacy of colonialism, and threats of sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Shelley Read's Go as a River has been praised for its lyrical prose, vivid descriptions of nature, and emotional depth, providing a poignant exploration of resilience and self-discovery. Critics note some pacing issues and occasional predictability in the plot, but overall, the novel’s strong characterization and evocative storytelling resonate deeply with readers.
Who Should Read Go as a River?
A reader who would enjoy Go as a River by Shelley Read likely appreciates evocative, character-driven narratives set in richly depicted, natural landscapes. Fans of Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing or Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone would find this heart-wrenching, atmospheric novel compelling and immersive.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Race / Racism
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Natural World: Place
Relationships: Mothers
Relationships: Family