Big Books of Spring
The River

Questions About The River

by Peter Heller

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Answered Questions (11)

Does anyone else think the book would make a great movie? Trying to decide who they should cast.
Jessye Armie Hammer as Wynn! Jack O'Connell or Taron Egerton as Jack?
…moreArmie Hammer as Wynn! Jack O'Connell or Taron Egerton as Jack?
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I’m not quite sure what happened at the end. I listened to the book. After Jack spoke with Wynn’s mother and sister, what happened next? He revisited the scene on the river with a Ranger? I felt a little unsettled at the end of the book. Did I miss something?
Larry Fontenot The last action chronologically in the book is his visit to Wynn's mother and sister (Wynn's father is on a trip). He recounts what happened, then ask…moreThe last action chronologically in the book is his visit to Wynn's mother and sister (Wynn's father is on a trip). He recounts what happened, then asks for a moment. He steps outside on their deck and revisits (good word, Janet, that's exactly what he is doing in his mind) the things that happened when he finally reached safety, one thing being his trip to Churchill after the initial discussion with law enforcement. It was in Churchill that he walked down to the river and tried to release Wynn's carved canoe into the river. The river turns it back to Jack and Jack puts it in his hands and walks back into town. I suspect that he will keep this to himself until at some point I would hope he would give this carved object to Wynn's sister Jess. I also took this attempt to release the carved canoe as a metaphysical attempt to release Jack from his sense of guilt. But that's just me!(less)
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Jack and Wynn knew from the first chapter that a forest fire was ahead. So what did they keep going? The whole scenario could have been avoided by not going forward.
Halie They literally had no choice but to keep going. The book stated they were dropped in by plane, and had to paddle the lakes & rivers to make the next v…moreThey literally had no choice but to keep going. The book stated they were dropped in by plane, and had to paddle the lakes & rivers to make the next village (which was indeed their plan all along, but was sped up in fear of the on-coming fire). There was nowhere to go back to.(less)
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This book has gotten some hype. I did not like it at all. I did finish it because I wanted to know what happened. Didn't like the ending....and in particular - was there any redemption on Jack's part? I felt like it was buildup, buildup, buildup, stuff happened, over. No reflection to speak of. And now what? Not a satisfying completion of the story.
Celia Barry I loved the book and loved the ending. I took the attempt to let go of Wynn's canoe carving in the water and that it was beautifully made and wouldn't…moreI loved the book and loved the ending. I took the attempt to let go of Wynn's canoe carving in the water and that it was beautifully made and wouldn't leave him to be not only heartbreaking but redeeming.

The canoe (Wynn), would never leave him but always keep him company in memory and with its presence.

Lovingly made, like the table Wynn made for his parents' anniversary, it will always be the symbol of the amazing bond between Wynn and Jack.(less)
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Megan ElBialy
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