“He heard a loon call, piercing and forlorn, and it poured into his spirit like cool water. It was a sad cry and he realized as he listened how barren the river had felt in the days without it. Why was a wail that seemed so lost and lonely so…what? Essential and lovely.”
I can't tell if this is a 5 star read or 4 star read. I need to sit on that ending for a hot minute. I would describe this book as a "literary page turner", which are my favorite kind of page turners because you get the benefit of beautiful writing and a juicy suspenseful plot.
This is the story of two best friends that decided to put their wilderness expertise to use by taking a canoe trip hundreds of miles through Canada. The story begins when the boys realize they have been smelling smoke for 2 solid days. They quickly discover that a raging forest fire is occurring 50 miles behind them. They do their best to warn other hikers and campers along the river that a fire is heading their way very quickly. They risk a lot to warn a couple of the fire's imminent arrival and find themselves in the middle of something they did not bargain for.
The story elements here beautifully blend a tale of friendship, man versus nature, and man versus man. All of these elements create a very strong sense of place and the nature elements of the fire and the river make for beautiful atmospheric writing moments. This author is a genius. He understood when to show restraint in descriptions and action scenes and when to come out guns blazing. It would make an excellent summer read!
4.5/5 Stars
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