Leif Enger, 2002, literary fiction
What do Christians do when a member of their family commits a crime?
Reuben’s conclusion, near the end of this story, is that fair is whatever God does.
This is a tale of murder and miracles, of family love and community justice, of seeking God’s will and accepting God’s judgement.
On the plains of South Dakota, the Land family’s quiet 1960’s life was upended when Davy, the oldest son, kills two boys who come to their farmhouse with intent to harm them. Reuben is the young narrator, with his own miracle of birth that means he is here to witness to what happened. Swede is the little sister and passionate cowboy poet of the family. Jeremiah, the father, is the janitor at the children’s school and talks with God. With the tragic events of that one evening, they are all pulled into the chaos that ensues. Is Davy a hero or a murderer? Not even his family knows for sure.
In the following days, Davy escapes jail and Jeremiah, Reuben and Swede go in search of him, taking them into North Dakota, the Badlands, and back to Redding, South Dakota. The quest pulls them in many directions, revealing to each one their weaknesses and strengths.
The characters are brave, faulty and quirky. You will probably cry and laugh aloud. The author is a master at crafting word pictures. There are lighthearted moments, as Swede struggles with her cowboy poem. And times of intense seriousness as Reuben faces the results of his choices. An Old Testament type of awe at God is one theme throughout the story. There were many delightful and unexpected connections to Bible stories and classic literature that wove into their lives.
I breathe deeply, and certainty enters me like light, like a piece of science, and curious music seems to hum inside my fingers.
Is there a single person on whom I can press belief?
No sir.
All I can do is say, Here’s how it went. Here’s what I saw.
I’ve been there and I’m going back.
Make of it what you will.
Closing words in Peace Like a River, by Leif Enger
I read Peace Like A River last year, then listened to it again this summer while traveling. The first time I had so many questions and ponderings. The second time it seemed to come together a bit more. This book could have as many different meaning as it has readers. I hope you read it and tell me in the comments what you make of it.
Questions
Somehow this book reminded me of a Bible fact I learned lately. Jesus asked three hundred questions and answered five during his earthly ministry. He asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” He asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” He asked the whole crowd, “Which of you can add an hour to your life by worrying?”
There are many other questions throughout the Bible. Isn’t it strange that God, who knows everything, would ask questions of something he created? He asked Adam, “Where are you?” He asked Eve, “What have you done?” He answered Job’s questions with deeper questions.
I ask in hopes of gaining knowledge. God asks to test my knowledge. These questions search my heart and reveal to me what’s hidden there; stuff that God already knows. In a way, that is how the characters in this book are refined and changed, by facing deep questions.
He is the answer.
-Liz
More articles you might enjoy:
50 Books with Mature Protagonists
So She Reads 
4 responses to “Peace Like A River”
I read this book years ago and couldn’t make heads or tails of it!! I do really like your closing thoughts on questions, though.
Maybe someday try it again. And it helps a little to read what others think of it! Or else it wasn’t the best fit for you, which is fine, too.
I am intrigued by this book. It sounds like something that I might want to read.
Audrey, I hope you read it. If you do, I would love to hear your thoughts afterward. It’s unlike any book I’ve read.