40 pages • 1 hour read
Ron RashSaints at the River
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2004A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Ron Rash's Saints at the River, a twelve-year-old girl named Ruth Kowalsky drowns in a rain-swollen river during a family vacation, prompting a heated conflict between her grieving parents, who want to recover her body, and environmentalists determined to protect the river's natural integrity. Media attention brings photographer Maggie Glenn and journalist Allen Hemphill to cover the story, where they face their own emotional struggles amid the community's tensions. This book includes themes of death, grief, and family estrangement.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Ron Rash's Saints at the River is praised for its evocative portrayal of the Southern landscape and complex character development. Reviews highlight its compelling narrative and emotional depth but note that the pacing may feel slow at times. Rash's thoughtful exploration of environmental and personal conflicts resonates with readers, making it a thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Saints at the River?
Readers who enjoy Saints at the River by Ron Rash are likely drawn to evocative, Southern Gothic narratives with a strong sense of place and complex ethical dilemmas. Fans of Barbara Kingsolver's Prodigal Summer or William Faulkner's works may appreciate the book's atmospheric storytelling and deep exploration of human nature.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Natural World: Environment
Southern Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Drama / Tragedy
Southern Gothic