Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It is lauded for its lyrical prose and profound exploration of family and nature. Critics praise its vivid descriptions and emotional depth, though some find its pacing slow. The autobiographical novella's introspective narrative offers a poignant reflection on life’s complexities, appealing to readers who appreciate meditative literature.

A reader who would enjoy A River Runs Through It by Norman Maclean likely appreciates lyrical prose and themes of nature, family, and introspection. Fans of Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea or Thoreau's Walden will find similar meditative qualities and a deep connection to the natural world.

A River Runs through It is a semi-autobiographical novella by Norman Maclean, set primarily in the summer of 1937, depicting the lives of Norman and his younger brother Paul, the sons of a Scottish Presbyterian minister in Montana. The story interweaves family history, fly fishing, and philosophy, culminating in a tragic loss while exploring themes of love, connection, and the natural world's healing power. The novella involves situations related to alcoholism, gambling, and violence.

Norman Maclean

Adult

Novella

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore A River Runs Through It reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read A River Runs Through It | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore A River Runs Through It and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

A River Runs Through It Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Pages 1-28

A River Runs Through It Pages 1-28 Summary & Analysis

Pages 29-55

A River Runs Through It Pages 29-55 Summary & Analysis

Pages 56-78

A River Runs Through It Pages 56-78 Summary & Analysis

Pages 79-104

A River Runs Through It Pages 79-104 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

A River Runs Through It Character Analysis

theme

Themes

A River Runs Through It Themes

Symbols & Motifs

A River Runs Through It Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

A River Runs Through It Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

A River Runs Through It Essay Topics

A River Runs Through It

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read A River Runs Through It?

Reading Age

Book Details