Wow. I absolutely loved this book. There is some hype around it, and reviewers I respect have raved about how good it is, so I had high hopes. I wasn’t disappointed.
The story follows Torie or Victoria as a young girl and into womanhood. From her families peach farm, to her life in isolation following tragedy, it portrays how decisions can change the course of a life in a second, with consequences that cannot be undone. It poignantly shows the evolution of family and community and how events change us, alongside the inequality and bigotry so many people faced and still do.
It’s an epic tale, set over many years and is completely captivating. There is great love, grief and loss. The writing is stunning and the vivid descriptions of nature provide the perfect companion to the emotion of Victoria’s life and struggles.
It’s not always an easy read, there is real tragedy here and it tackles some big themes. But it is breathtaking nonetheless. I was desperate to find out what happened and simultaneously hoping it didn’t end. It’s perfect for fans of Where the crawdads sing and will no doubt draw some comparisons, but it is very much a stand out book in its own right. Absolutely wonderful, I will eagerly await whatever this Author does next.

The nice thing about reading historical fiction is that doing so makes me appreciate how far we have come in many ways. Victoria had a very rough life and endured more than many could bear but somehow not only survived but accomplished great things. I have lived most of my life on a farm so I can sympathize with the hard work and relying on good weather. I am very blessed to not have suffered the great losses and did not have to put up with the discriminations. This is a well written book that I didn't want to put down. I even liked the ending. Some would like more but I am good with creating my own images of a future with family.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing an early copy of Go As a River by Shelley Read

Sometimes a story comes along that a reader wants to start sharing even before the last page has been reached. This is certainly the case with Go As a River, the oh-so-deeply imagined and delivered life of a young woman holds the reader from the opening scene to its heartfelt conclusion.

It begins with Torie and Wil, a kind of star-crossed lovers whose lives take on a new and fulfilling meaning when they meet. When tragedy strikes, Torie is left to make sense of things and do what is best for her.

Through great joy and great sorrow, author Shelley Read keeps the reader pushing on through every page alongside Torie that can only end with its riveting conclusion.

There is no doubt that Go As a River will be on everyone's "best" list in 2023.

I have already read and reviewed this book? I don’t understand why it has appeared on my shelf again? I loved it.

Beautifully written, poignant and so very sad but also uplifting and hopeful.

As a young girl Victoria isn't alone but is lonely, having suffered loss at a young age, until she meets the love of her life. Even though Victoria is alone for most of her adult life, she isn't lonely. She demonstrates resilience and it's almost like we are accompanying her on her life's journey.

A beautiful insight into the wonders of the stunning landscape, surrounding mountains, forests and rivers, describing the river as the lifeblood of communities through the ages.