Set in 1960s Iola during the construction of the Blue Mesa Dam, Shelley Read's debut novel, Go As a River, follows Victoria Nash, a peach farmer, grappling with town displacement and personal loss. The narrative delves into her relationship with Wilson Moon, an Indigenous American, against the backdrop of systemic racism and the inevitable flooding of Iola. The novel features racism, racist violence, hate crimes, the legacy of colonialism, and threats of sexual assault.

Shelley Read's Go as a River has been praised for its lyrical prose, vivid descriptions of nature, and emotional depth, providing a poignant exploration of resilience and self-discovery. Critics note some pacing issues and occasional predictability in the plot, but overall, the novel’s strong characterization and evocative storytelling resonate deeply with readers.

A reader who would enjoy Go as a River by Shelley Read likely appreciates evocative, character-driven narratives set in richly depicted, natural landscapes. Fans of Delia Owens' Where the Crawdads Sing or Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone would find this heart-wrenching, atmospheric novel compelling and immersive.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Emotional / Nostalgic

Shelley Read

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Go as a River | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Go as a River Summary and Study Guide

Background

Go as a River Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “1948-1949”

Prologue-Part 1

Go as a River Prologue-Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “1949-1955”

Part 2 Go as a River Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “1955-70”

Part 3 Go as a River Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “1949-1970”

Part 4 Go as a River Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “1970-1971”

Part 5 Go as a River Part 5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Go as a River Character Analysis

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Themes

Go as a River Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Go as a River Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Go as a River Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Go as a River Essay Topics

Go as a River: A Novel

Before You Read

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Review Roundup

Who Should Read Go as a River?

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