I never stopped questioning the choices of my past, but in the known world, each step surely unfurls the next, and we must walk into that open space, mapless and without invitation.
Introduction
Go as a River by Shelley Read is a hauntingly beautiful novel that dives into the intricacies of human existence, the unforgiving forces of nature, and the profound connections that shape our lives. Set in the rugged landscape of the Colorado Rockies, the novel is a poignant exploration of love, loss, resilience, and the passage of time. Read’s debut work resonates with a deep sense of place and an acute awareness of the rhythms of the natural world, making it a compelling read for anyone who appreciates finely crafted literature with a strong emotional core.
The novel centers around Victoria Nash, a young woman whose life is marked by both tragedy and quiet moments of transcendence. As she navigates the turbulent waters of her life, the story unfolds against the backdrop of a changing world, where the encroachment of modernity threatens the timeless beauty of the natural environment. This review will provide a synopsis of the plot, analyze the central themes, and offer a conclusion that reflects on the novel’s lasting impact.
Synopsis
Go as a River is set in the small, fictional town of Iola, Colorado, during the mid-20th century. The story begins in 1948, with Victoria Nash, a 17-year-old girl who is the only woman left in her family after the tragic deaths of her mother and aunt. She lives on her family’s peach farm, working tirelessly alongside her father and brother. Victoria’s life takes a dramatic turn when she meets a young drifter named Wilson Moon, a Native American man who is passing through town. Their brief but intense relationship becomes the catalyst for the events that follow, leading Victoria down a path of self-discovery and transformation.
The novel traces Victoria’s journey over several decades, beginning with the fateful encounter with Wilson. Their relationship is fraught with societal tensions and the weight of historical injustices, as Wilson’s presence in the town stirs up prejudice and violence. When tragedy strikes, Victoria is forced to make a series of difficult decisions that will alter the course of her life forever. She becomes a mother under circumstances that force her to give up her child, a loss that haunts her for years.
As the years pass, Victoria’s life is shaped by the choices she makes in the face of overwhelming odds. She finds solace in the land she loves, but also faces the harsh realities of a world that is rapidly changing. The construction of a dam that will flood her hometown serves as a powerful metaphor for the unstoppable forces of change that sweep through her life. Yet, even in the face of destruction, Victoria finds ways to survive and endure, much like the river that continues to flow, regardless of the obstacles in its path.
Thematic Analysis
Go as a River is rich with themes that resonate on multiple levels, offering readers a profound meditation on the human condition. The most prominent themes in the novel include the resilience of the human spirit, the inexorable passage of time, and the deep connection between people and the natural world.
1. Resilience and Survival
At its core, Go as a River is a story about resilience and survival. Victoria Nash embodies the strength and determination required to navigate the hardships that life throws her way. Her journey is marked by loss, but also by a quiet, enduring hope. The novel portrays resilience not as an extraordinary quality, but as a fundamental aspect of the human experience. Victoria’s ability to endure is rooted in her deep connection to the land and her unwavering sense of self. She draws strength from the natural world, which serves as both a source of solace and a mirror to her own internal struggles. The title of the book itself is a metaphor for this resilience, suggesting that, like a river, we must keep moving forward, adapting to the changing currents of life.
2. The Passage of Time and the Inevitability of Change
Time is a pervasive theme in Go as a River, shaping the narrative and the lives of its characters. The novel spans several decades, allowing readers to witness the evolution of both the protagonist and the world around her. The construction of the dam that will flood Victoria’s hometown is symbolic of the inevitable changes that come with the passage of time. This man-made alteration of the landscape serves as a stark reminder of the impermanence of all things, including the places and people we hold dear.
Victoria’s story is a testament to the ways in which time can both heal and wound. The loss of her child is a pain that lingers, yet it is through the passage of time that she finds a way to cope with this trauma. The novel suggests that while we cannot stop time or prevent change, we can choose how we respond to it. Victoria’s resilience in the face of these changes reflects the broader human struggle to find meaning and stability in a world that is constantly in flux.
3. Connection to the Natural World
One of the most striking aspects of Go as a River is its vivid portrayal of the natural world. Shelley Read’s prose brings the Colorado landscape to life, with its towering mountains, lush orchards, and flowing rivers. The natural environment is not just a backdrop to the story but an integral part of it, shaping the characters and their experiences. Victoria’s connection to the land is profound; it is a source of comfort and a reminder of the cycles of life and death.
The novel explores the idea that humans are deeply connected to the natural world, and that our lives are intertwined with the rhythms of nature. This connection is evident in Victoria’s love for the peach farm and her understanding of the land’s significance. The destruction of her hometown by the dam serves as a powerful commentary on the consequences of disrupting the natural order. The novel suggests that in our quest for progress, we often lose sight of the importance of preserving the natural world, and in doing so, we risk losing a part of ourselves.
Conclusion
Go as a River is a profoundly moving novel that captures the essence of what it means to be human. Through the character of Victoria Nash, Shelley Read explores the themes of resilience, the passage of time, and our deep connection to the natural world. The novel is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. It is also a poignant reminder of the importance of staying connected to the natural world, and the dangers of losing that connection in a rapidly changing world.
Shelley Read’s writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the world she has created with a vividness that lingers long after the final page is turned. Go as a River is a novel that invites readers to reflect on their own lives, the choices they make, and the ways in which they navigate the inevitable changes that come with the passage of time. It is a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced loss, but also with those who understand the quiet strength that comes from carrying on, like a river that flows ever onward, despite the obstacles in its path.