BOOK REVIEW: The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger
2023 Publication Date: September 5

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T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
A Tale of Murder and Healing in Midcentury America... A Gripping Mystery Historical Fiction Novel Set in Post-World War II Minnesota...

Minnesota is known for its beautiful landscapes and serene way of life, but in 1958, a small town called Jewel is rocked by a shocking murder that changes the course of the town's history.

The bestselling author of This Tender Land, William Kent Krueger, delves deep into the wounds of war and its aftermath in his latest historical fiction novel, The River We Remember. The book is a mix of mystery, historical fiction and a poignant exploration of the human psyche.

Let's take a closer look at this historical novel and how it captures the essence of post-World War II Minnesota...

Plot Points
The story begins on Memorial Day when the body of Jimmy Quinn, the most influential citizen of Jewel, is found dead in the Alabaster River. As the news spreads and the investigation begins, it is apparent that the town is divided in their grief and suspicion. Sheriff Brody Dern is tasked with solving the mystery and finding the killer amidst rumors that Noah Bluestone, a Native American veteran, and his Japanese wife played a role in the murder.

The plot takes the reader on a winding journey as Dern tries to unravel the evidence, grapple with old demons, and navigate a strained community.

Strong Character Development
The characterization in this historical fiction novel is top-notch. Sheriff Dern is a man torn between his duty to the law and his loyalty to his friends. His struggle is tangible, as he tries to balance the secrets of his past and the present investigation.

Noah Bluestone is another intriguing character, a man who has seen the worst of humanity and yet still believes in maintaining his integrity and human spirit. His story is a reflection of the complexities of identity and belonging.

Each female character is well-drawn, rich in nuance and dimensional personality... And also has agency, something often lacking when male authors write female characters... Thank you for digging deep, Mr. Krueger.

Immersive Writing Style
Krueger's prose is poetic and immersive, with vivid descriptions of the Minnesota setting. He paints a picture that is at times brutal and at other times, breathtaking. Both in describing the nature of the landscape and in describing human nature that balances the storytelling on a razor's edge in such a way that we hover between reading a story of "others" while pulling our own life into this story as well.

The River We Remember is a love letter to this state, a tribute to its history and people, and a poignant reminder of the price of war... And all of its consequences.

On a personal note... I found The River We Remember to include more humor than typical of William Kent Krueger's previous historical fiction books or historical fiction series. Whether I am adapting to the Boundary Waters sense of humor and just now recognizing the subtle style of humor after many Krueger reads... Or this is truly a welcomed new tone in his writing... I love it! Win-win either way!

What Makes The River We Remember Unique?
Historical fiction books can draw upon the elements of real-life events with a fictional overview which can result in a deeper heartbreaking story as we gain a fictional insight as to what characters from that time might have been thinking or motivated by within making their choices. Not a true story per se... But an imagined story based on true events.

What sets The River We Remember apart and elevates this historical fiction to a stunning story is its powerful evocation of post-World War II America. The scars of war are etched into every part of the narrative, from the physical and emotional trauma that Sheriff Brody Dern still carries to the simmering racial tension that is a product of the times.

Krueger captures the nuances of small-town life with deep understanding, from the camaraderie of neighbors to the ancient grudges that make people turn on each other. Coupled with a flair for pacing and plot, Krueger's writing makes this historical novel a page-turning read.

Throughout the book, Krueger uses the murder of Quinn as a framing device to explore the lasting scars of war and how communities try to heal from trauma. The historical fiction characters in the book are all struggling to come to terms with their pasts, whether it's Dern, haunted by the memories of war, or Bluestone and his wife, grappling with the racism they experience in Jewel.

Through their struggles, Krueger shows us how stories can bring people together, tear them apart... and arrive at that fortuitous fork in the road where they can choose ongoing suffering or move toward healing and reconciliation.

How does the setting of post-World War II America play into the story?
The setting of post-war America provides an important backdrop for this historical novel, as many characters are dealing with the repercussions of war in different ways. For some, it's physical trauma that has lingered from their time in service. For others, it's a lingering guilt or sadness due to the death of loved ones.

The characters are all tied together by the similar experiences they had during the war, and this shared history gives them an understanding of one another that transcends racial divides.

As tensions rise in Jewel, some people come together to protect each other despite their differences, in a way that would not have been possible before the war. This highlights how the setting of post-war America is essential to unifying people who come from different backgrounds and circumstances... While highlighting the examples and consequences of people who often promote division and conflict based on superficial differences.

What themes are explored throughout this book?
The themes explored throughout this historical fiction book include identity, belonging, loyalty, justice, and healing.

Each character is shown to be struggling with their identity in some way, whether it be grappling with racial differences or searching for a sense of purpose. The characters also explore the idea of belonging to the town and how they fit into its community, as well as loyalty to one another and justice for those who have done wrong.

Finally, healing is an important theme throughout this historical novel, as it examines how people can come to terms with their pain, grief, and trauma to move on to a brighter future.

Perfect as a must-read historical fiction book for anyone who loves mysteries, historical fiction novels, or simply great storytelling. The River We Remember is a historical fiction novel that will still appeal to modern readers and stay with you long after the last page is turned.

The River We Remember is a literary historical fiction triumph, a beautiful story and a gripping mystery novel that goes beyond the genre. It is a story of loss, love, and redemption set against the backdrop of post-World War II America.

Krueger continues to display a deep understanding of human nature and knows how to create historical fiction characters that are realistic and memorable.
See you on the river...✨😎✨

Pages: 432
Genre: Best Historical Fiction Books
Sub-Genre: Crime Fiction
Time Period: 1958
Location: Jewel, Minnesota (US) | Alabaster River
Publisher: Atria Books

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Cork O'Connor Mystery Series by William Kent Kreuger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐ ️(Best Historical Fiction Books Series)
TV Series: Happy Valley ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The 1950s was a time of great change in America, with veterans from World War II returning home to a nation grappling with new realities. Bestselling author William Kent Krueger tells a gripping historical fiction story of murder, suspicion, and healing in a small Minnesota town. With its spellbinding mystery and vivid portrayal of midcentury American life, this book is sure to captivate readers both young and old.

The story takes place in Jewel, Minnesota, a town still reeling from the aftershocks of World War II.

As the town prepares to honor its fallen soldiers on Memorial Day, the half-naked body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River. The town's sheriff, Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero himself, is tasked with solving the murder.

At first, there are no leads in the case, but whispers quickly begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American war veteran who returned to Jewel after the war with his Japanese wife.

As accusations mount, racial and cultural tensions reach a boiling point. Dern is faced with the daunting task of keeping the peace while also trying to bring Quinn's killer to justice.

As Dern delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to unearth and navigate the town's dark secrets. Old grudges, simmering resentments, and unspoken traumas all come to the surface as the residents of Jewel confront the truth about their community.

Krueger does an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of life in midcentury America, its joys, and its tragedies.

The River We Remember is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex themes of war, trauma, and community. With its richly drawn characters and spellbinding mystery, this book is sure to captivate readers of historical fiction books.
Krueger has crafted an unflinching look at midcentury America that will linger long in readers' minds.

For anyone looking for a historical novel that combines mystery, history, and heart, The River We Remember is your destination...

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The lasting effects of war on individuals and communities are far-reaching and must be addressed to move forward toward healing.
• Racial tensions can be sparked easily when hidden secrets come to light, but people need to recognize their roles in the problem and work together to find solutions.
• Stories have the power to bring us together, tear us apart, and ultimately lead us to a place of understanding.

Available Book Club Resources:
Reading Group Guide:
• Includes:
• Topics & Questions for Discussion
• How To Enhance Your Book Club
• Conversation with William Kent Krueger

BOOK QUOTE: "The most frightening thing we do in our lives is to love... " — The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Jimmy Quinn has just been found murdered by a shotgun blast. Jimmy is the most influential citizen of the town of Jewel, Minnesota. AND he has a lot of enemies. The sheriff arrests a Native American who is a WWII veteran and he has returned from the war with a Japanese wife. However, as the sheriff digs deeper, he realizes that Jimmy had a lot of secrets.

Well, Mr. Krueger has done it again. This tale has great characters and story that just won’t quit! I think my favorite character is Noah Bluestone. I love his strong silent tendencies. Then there is Sheriff Dern. He is broken in so many ways and he really just wants to do the right thing.

This is a story that is riveting and intriguing from the very first word! It encompasses so many complex situations from racism, sexual assault and of course, murder. It also explores the aspect of healing from tragedies and hidden wounds.

Need a captivating tale from start to finish…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This was my 3rd book by W.K.K. and again he did not disappoint. He is simply an excellent writer. This is another deep character driven novel with a bit of suspense and mystery and even a bit of coming of age. The nasty Jimmy Quinn has been murdered and Native American Indian Noah Blackstone is arrested for the crime. Many secrets are uncovered in this small town and there are quite a few issues based on traumatic experiences from the war, racism and life in general that make the characters real and flawed. I did like Brody, the sheriff quite a bit and was very interested in his part of the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an early release e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The River We Remember is now available.

I've heard Kent speak enough times in person now that I read his books with his voice in my head and it is magical. I feel lucky to live at the same time as this tremendous writer.

4/5 -- This was my first William Kent Krueger and it most certainly will not be my last. Masterful storytelling, strong characters and vivid descriptions of the land are just a few things you'll find in this book. And although it was over 400 pages long, not once did I feel intimidated by the length because I was so invested in watching the story unfold.

Set in 1958 in the town of Jewel, Minnesota, a tight knit community starts pointing fingers when the body of a powerful landowner is discovered in the Alabaster River. The mystery of his death takes twists and turns, much like the river itself, all while peeling back layer upon layer of these small town people. I came for the suspense but stayed for the depth and insights this story provided. The more I got to know the characters, the more I felt connected to their hopes, fears and hardships, yet was moved by the resiliency of the human condition. There are themes of racism, PTSD, longing and healing. The writing was so strong, especially with the depictions of both nature, where the river itself was personified and the beautiful, yet rugged land they called home, was always there waiting for them.

The River We Remember is a powerful story about a sense of place, family dynamics, trauma and moving on. It's definitely one that will stick with me. Definitely recommend!

4.5⭐️

The brutal murder of a wealthy but widely disliked man rocks the small town of Jewel, Minnesota, in this beautifully written story. Prejudices surface and secrets are brought to light as the town reacts and the investigation unfolds. Taking place in the aftermath of WWII, it’s many devastating effects still loom large in the lives of the townspeople, further complicating matters.

William Kent Krueger novels have long been in my tbr, but this is the first I’ve finally managed to read of his works- and it definitely will not be the last. What a masterful storyteller!

Thank you William Kent Krueger, Atria Books, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

Published by Atria Books on September 5, 2023

The River We Remember offers crime fiction fans a balanced blend of plot and characterization. Rooted in dysfunctional families, the story is a murder mystery that sets up suspects who might have committed a murder that caused no great loss to the community. Set in rural Minnesota in the 1950s, the action takes place against a background of post-war hatred of the Japanese and ongoing hatred of Native Americans.

Brody Dern is the sheriff of Black Earth County. Brody saw too much death in the war. He holds himself responsible for a friend’s death and cannot forgive himself for his actions. He later escaped from a Japanese POW camp and regards himself as a coward for seizing the opportunity to escape. Brody is unmarried but is involved in a relationship that does not reflect well upon his character.

Jimmy Quinn is an abusive drunk. He is the county’s largest landowner and is wealthy and powerful for that reason, although he is almost universally despised. He is on his second wife, a relative of his first wife. A hereditary condition caused the death of his first wife and will soon kill the second. Quinn’s conduct with his other family members is appalling. It isn’t surprising that someone finally killed him.

A man comes across Quinn’s dead body in the Alabaster River. A shotgun blast opened holes Quinn’s body that made his innards accessible to hungry catfish. Surmising that the body floated downriver, Brody leads a search for the location at which Quinn entered the river. He finds Quinn’s shotgun in a large pool of blood near the river. Did he shoot himself, either accidentally or in the commission of suicide? In the absence of an explanation for how a man who lost so much blood could have entered the river under his own power, it seems likely that he was murdered.

Brody does his best to avoid drawing that conclusion. He doesn’t think it will be good for the county to search for a murderer who did the community a favor by dispatching Quinn. Circumstances (and the former sheriff’s persistent reminders that Brody has a job to do) nevertheless force Brody to undertake a murder investigation.

Community suspicion quicky focuses on Noah Bluestone, a Dakota Sioux who returned from the war married to a Japanese woman. His race and the race of his wife are two strikes against him in a community that doesn’t see the need for a third strike. Only the courageous publisher of the local paper stands up for Noah’s right to a fair trial. When ambiguous evidence seems to point to Noah’s guilt, he refuses to take any action to defend himself for reasons that become part of the underlying mystery.

Tyler Creasy is another abusive drunk. He’s certain that Noah killed Quinn because Quinn fired Noah and his wife from their jobs as farmhand and housekeeper. Creasy has a son named Del who is a good friend of a boy named Sam. The boys’ mischief forms a subplot that eventually merges with the main story. While subplots pile on other subplots, it is a credit to William Kent Krueger that the story never becomes confusing.

Romance provides additional subplots. Unaware of Brody’s messy romantic entanglement, Sam’s mother Angie would like to have a go at Brody. Like Brody, she has a dark backstory. Whether Brody will (or can) return her affection is a subplot that adds interest to Brody’s life. He’s a troubled man who, despite being haunted by regrettable decisions, is a reasonably decent individual. It is easy for a reader to want Brody’s participation in the story to end well.

The plot is complicated by the drama that infects multiple families who are important to the story. The reader will need to sort through a good bit of dirty laundry to learn whether Noah or someone else killed Quinn.

By the end of the story, other lives are placed in peril, giving rise to a couple of credible action scenes. The conclusion is not entirely happy. I respect Krueger’s willingness to write an honest story that doesn’t pander to readers who want their fictional worlds to be better than the real world. At the same time, the unhappy aspect of the novel is convenient in its creation of an ending that will improve the lives of other characters who will have earned the reader’s sympathy.

Quinn’s complexity is at war with his desire for simplicity. That conflict makes him interesting. The key women in the novel have all lived difficult lives but have all persevered. One became a lawyer who is appointed to defend Noah. The women of greatest importance to the story have managed to retain a sense of decency and compassion. They have a strength that the evil men who surround them lack.

That so many people with such tragic lives have all collected in a rural county in Minnesota might be hard to believe, but who knows the secrets harbored by people who live in remote locations? People do what they want to do, uninhabited by their violation of the values that their community professes to follow. I easily set aside my skepticism about the onrush of subplots so that I could enjoy a strong mystery that is populated by an abundance of well-developed characters.

RECOMMENDED

(𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 @𝘢𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘤 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.) I expected to enjoy 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 by William Kent Kruger because I’m a longtime fan of the author, but even I’d forgotten what a masterful storyteller he is. The∙Man∙Can∙Write! ⁣⁣
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In theory this should NOT have been a book I loved. Its main character is a sheriff in a small Minnesota town in 1958. The rest of the story is populated with a whole load of other men, many with trauma from their times in WWII and/or the Korean War. There’s a complicated plot with a lot of intersecting lines. ⁣⁣
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None of the above generally appeal to me, but Kruger is an author I trust. His name alone is enough to make me pick up a book. However, it’s not enough to keep me flying through the pages which is exactly what I did with 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘞𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳. That takes a great story, beautifully told. Kruger brought the inhabitants of Jewel, Minnesota to life. There were those I liked, those I hurt for, those I loathed, and those I longed to know more about. He placed them in the midst of issues of the time including prejudices toward both American Indians and Japanese, and expectations around women’s roles in society. I was thrilled being a part of their world as the entire community went through some very divisive events. ⁣⁣
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If you’ve never read WKK, this book is a great place to start and if you have, then you already know!

Thanks Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC! OH MAN! This is one of the best books that I have read for a while - and it was different from others that I've been reading recently! This was one that was a slow build. At first, I couldn't get into it and then a light switched and I was hooked. I usually find overly descriptive books lack luster, but I thought that Krueger did a beautiful job of describing what was happening in a way that's relevant. I want to know more about all of these characters. I want another book following up on this. I cannot wait to recommend this book to others!

A little slow to get going, but totally worth it. Reminiscent of TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD or PEACE LIKE A RIVER. A coming of age story set in the late 1950s in Minnesota, this novel touches on many topics - racism, the horrors of war, small towns, courage, right and wrong - in a sensitive and thoughtful way. Everyone in the book has a secret about themselves - big or small - that is deftly weaved into the story by Krueger and after the book is over, you want to know more about what happened to these characters. As a bookstagram friend said, "I don't think Krueger has ever written a bad book" and that is 100% correct.

In 1958 the community of Jewel located in Black Earth County, Minnesota is comprised of farmers and other hardworking folks. As small towns go it is a fairly vibrant town that takes pride it its celebration. This story begins on Decoration Day and amidst the partying there is the discovery of a death. Krueger lays out his players and then fleshes them out so the reader can easily identify the good from the bad, the damaged, the bigots, the racists, misogynists and the truly kind and compassionate. He is full of common sense and I just loved the way he inserted a young boy into the story asking all the right questions and musings without his completely understanding the wisdom he was being given.

If you have read any of Krueger’s books, especially his Cork O’Connor series, you will recognize his beautiful and informative descriptions of the land and its history. He understands his characters, their motivations, failures, successes and just ropes you into the story. While I found this a slower read than many of Krueger’s other books it was no less satisfying.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for a copy.

This was my first Kent Krueger novel, and it was a great start. I enjoyed the story telling and fleshed out characters. Will definitely be digging through his back list for more!

Thank you to NetGalley for opportunity to read the ARC of The River We Remember. This is the second book by William Kent Krueger that I've read and they are both excellent. This is a murder mystery turned small town story. The character development and setting are done so well. There are a lot of characters so it is difficult to keep them straight at first but you do catch on by midway. The story moves along nicely. I'm looking forward to future books by William Kent Krueger.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read an eARC and offer my unbiased thoughts.

William Kent Krueger is a gem of an author, and in The River We Remember he delivers a story that's lyrical, and written with heart. The beauty of the Minnesota north woods comes alive as death rocks the small town of Jewel. WKK creates memorable characters with depth that are perfect in all their imperfection. They leave you thinking about them after the end, like leaving friends.

This is my third WKK book. The two prior were audiobooks which I thoroughly enjoyed. I must admit that I prefer his books as audios because the prose is so delightful, and there's something comforting about listening to them. This would be a great choice for a long road trip.

Without question this is a favorite for this year, and highly recommended to all.

I have read all of the Cork McConnell series by William Kent Krueger and enjoyed them so much that I read/listened to them a second time. So I was looking forward to this stand alone book and was NOT disappointed! It was SO good: a good mystery, a good love story, a good crime novel, and just a good story. I would highly recommend it for reading. Krueger writes such lovely details that you feel you are right there in a book.

Absolutely loved this book!! Atmospheric and incredible characters - no one does it better than William kent Kruger! I love how he weaved the mystery in while maintaining character and setting’ def giving 5 stars!

I’m late to the WKK party, but better late than never. I know, I know, Ordinary Grace and This Tender land were everywhere, but I never felt compelled to pick them up. This one called to me and I’m so glad I responded.

Simply put, this is excellent storytelling! I heard the author say something about feeling the dust in the air and the grit in your teeth. WKK does just that. You are there in the midst of these characters when reading this book. It’s about American life in a Minnesota town in the 1950s, what happens when a murder takes place and how the investigation brings up wounds of the past. The author says the crux of this book is healing and I think he’s done a great job with delving into that. How can anyone heal from such deep wounds?

I had the opportunity to hear him speak last week and he’s just as good a storyteller in person as he is on the page. If you ever get the chance to hear him, take it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm embarrassed to say this is my first William Kent Krueger book but it will not be my last. Set in the 1950s follows a murder mystery.

Thank you NetGalley and Atria for the advanced copy.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon Books, Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by William Kent Krueger - 5 stars!

In small town Jewel, Minnesota, wealthy Jimmy Quinn is found dead in the Alabaster River. Sheriff Brody Dern is tasked with the investigation of his murder. Rumors start immediately that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American vet who returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. Anger sweeps through the town threatening even more violence.

Krueger is the master of totally immersing you into a time period and a story full of characters you won't soon forget. There is a lot to unpack here - it's a captivating mystery, a look at small town America in the 1950s, racism, classism, and the long-lasting damage done by war. The writing is beautiful and the story makes you think - highly recommended!

The River We Remember is a small-town Midwest story of love and sacrifice, grudges and rivalries, discrimination and acceptance…you name it, it has it! It’s somehow both feel-good and absolutely gut-wrenching, and a large cast of varied characters moved the story right along.

The book explores long-held secrets and prejudices that come to the forefront in the wake of a murder in southeast Minnesota. The citizens of Jewel have to come together, find common ground, and look out for one another as they search for the truth behind the violence emerging in their town. It combines nostalgia with a kind of disillusionment and coming-of-age for the younger characters, as well as reflections and regrets from the older characters that have experienced the pains of war, poverty, and discrimination.

In case you couldn’t tell, I really enjoyed it! It’s powerful and expansive, and made for an engrossing read.

Fair warning though, I do have a lingering ick or two. Mostly, honestly, it was just fairly violent and dark for my taste and for what I would have expected from a 1950s Midwest novel. Trigger warnings abound here so be sure to check if you’re concerned! Second — and keep in mind, I’m not much of a romance girlie myself, I don’t need one in the plot to keep me happy — but I felt like many of the romance/relationship aspects felt pretty contrived and often unnecessary to the plot in my opinion. Small icks in the scheme of things, but any readers who feel similarly should be aware!

Thanks to Atria Books, the author, and NetGalley for my digital copy. The River We Remember is available now!