Title: The Banks of Certain Rivers
Author: Jon Harrison
First published March 19, 2013
366 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781477825235 (ISBN10: 1477825231)
Rating: 3.75
Overview
The Banks of Certain Rivers by Jon Harrison is a heart-wrenching story set in the idyllic lakeside resort town of Port Manitou, Michigan. Neil Kazenzakis is a devoted teacher and running coach, but his life is far from perfect.
He is caring for his wife who was seriously injured in a tragic accident, looking after his mother-in-law who suffers from dementia, and raising his teenage son Chris all by himself.
Neil’s life takes a dramatic turn when an altercation after school leads to someone uploading a video on YouTube that suggests Neil assaulted a student. With his job, his family, and his reputation at stake, Neil must fight to prove his innocence and regain the trust of the community, including his son’s.
The Banks of Certain Rivers is a poignant tale of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a father and his son. Jon Harrison’s writing is powerful and moving, taking readers on an emotional journey that will leave them breathless.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves a good family drama.
About the Author
Jon Harrison is originally from the midwest, but he’s now living and working as a writer in the Northern Rockies. If you want to find out more about him and his work, check out his website at www.thebanksofcertainrivers.com.
Editoral Review
The Banks of Certain Rivers by Jon Harrison is a contemporary fiction novel that was first published on March 19, 2013. Harrison is an American writer and writing teacher, who has also authored other titles such as The English Teacher, and Headmaster.
This novel delves into the issues surrounding the breakdown of relationships and the importance of family, portrayed through the lens of an aging and guilt-ridden father. The novel is set in modern-day America and focuses on the character of Neil Kazenzakis, an English professor who has just lost his wife.
Neil is struggling to come to terms with his wife’s death and the repercussions of their long-strained relationship. In particular, Neil is overcome with guilt over the estrangement between him and his son Gabe.
Gabe, who is now an adult, has not spoken to Neil in years, and this forms the major conflict of the novel. Harrison’s prose is lyrical and introspective, offering unique insights into the mind of a man dealing with grief and guilt.
The author masterfully creates a rich and complex narrative, portraying the experiences of Neil and Gabe with incredible skill and depth. One of the strengths of the book is its use of language.
Harrison’s writing is superbly crafted and filled with poetic metaphors, making the story both captivating and engaging. His attention to detail is also outstanding, conjuring vivid descriptions of places and events, transporting readers into the world he creates.
Furthermore, the themes of family, loss, and guilt are universally relatable, and the story’s events are highly emotive. The novel explores the complexities of human emotions and relationships, and Harrison does so with incredible sensitivity and insight.
However, some readers may find that the novel has a slow pace, which might deter those searching for a quick read. Additionally, the character development of some secondary characters might be deemed insufficient, and the novel may have benefited from more exploration of their motivations and backstories.
Despite these criticisms, the book is a great read for those interested in contemporary literature, as it resonates with the struggles of modern-day life, known to many of us. It is a thought-provoking and emotionally stirring novel that provides an opportunity for self-reflection, and is therefore highly recommended.
Washington Post gives The Banks of Certain Rivers a solid rating of 4 stars out of 5. The book is a deeply affecting and introspective look at family estrangement, grief, and the long-lasting effects of guilt.
For those grappling with similar losses in their own lives, the book is sure to speak to them, offering gentle insight into the process of healing and forgiveness.
