A River Runs Through It

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Summary: Spirituality, Bonding and Fishing
Review: There is a certain amount of spirituality that exists in a family tradition. Love can be expressed simply by the act of doing something together in ritual fashion. Not a word needs to be spoken, nor do hugs or physical expressions of love need to be passed.

In A River Runs Through It, fly fishing goes hand and hand with Religion even in the family of a Presbyterian minister. Norman Maclean writes this novel as much a study of the spirituality of fly fishing as it is a study of the bond between the men in Norman Maclean's family. The relationship between Paul and Norman is both complicated and simple, as is the fishing they take part in. The fishing is almost a metaphor in this story. While the brother's use their fishing trips to relax and heal the everyday pains of life, it also is an expression of love for eachother.

An important theme of this novel is the fact that the main character, Norman is always trying to help. He seems to know that there is nothing he can do to help his brother but not to try helping would mean that he is giving up on Paul. The character of Paul is charasmatic and alluring, but leads a very dangerous and careless lifestyle. The most touching scene of the novel is when the tables are turned on Norman as he realizes that it is Paul who is trying to help and make him feel better. Unfortunatly, nothing the brothers say or do for one another can change what will happen in the end. Like his son, Norman's father asks, "Do You think I could have helped him?" Because this is a question Norman has tried to answer his entire life, he has no answer for his father.

The novel is tirelessly beautiful, written as naturally as a story is told, as there are no chapters or indications what so ever that the narrative voice pauses. The lengthy discourses on the actual physical nature of fishing are less than intriguing to the unknowledgable reader until they are inevitably drawn in to the spiritual union that the phyical act of fly fishing creates with spiritual aspects of brother hood.

I have absolutely no hard criticism for this novel. It is beautiful and powerful in the most subtle of ways. Having brothers, I was often reminded of several personal experiences by this novel. I think it is probably hard to write about what brothers share on a spiritual level. Maclean has given us a lovely expression of love for his brother (assuming ofcourse that this work of fiction is in fact based on reality), probably more than was ever said in life. The protagonist and his brother share an unbreakable bond that they express through fishing. Maclean uses the imagery and emotion in the fishing scenes to evoke the love between the brothers. The outcome of the book is told in a subtle, gentle voice that eases the reader to the knowledge that what happens is inevitable.

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Summary: Turning Pages of a Classic
Review: There is something about this novel that felt like reading a classic novel that had been passed on for generations. Maclean gives a story that has so much purity to the relationships between his characters, and there is definitely a sense of innocence within the text.

The story is based around the relationships of father and son, and brother to brother. Between these two relationships, Maclean explores the tribulations that come within a family, and the challenges of wanting to protect a loved one compared to having to let them make their own mistakes. Maclean has an excellent handle on conveying the true emotions that come within a bond such as these, and it gives and very honest sense to the story.

The lessons given to the characters of the book take on the medium of fly fishing. There were times when these sections seemed very lengthy. But once they can be gotten throughm the reader is given a great reward by Maclean's natural ability to tighten a story and use very exact and straight forward language. This is a novel that shows a contemporary reader that we have masters of the English language all around us.

I would recommend this book to anyone. It gives a very strong sense of place as well as excellent characterization. The sense of place is what makes the book have a bit of a romantic feel to it, though it revolves around the challenges between family men and their friendships.

Maclean show that even when you love someone with eveything you have, you still have to let them be and make their own decisions.

This book asks the questions that can be applied to many relationships between not only family members but also friendships.

It is an excellent read.

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Summary: Length Can Be Decieving
Review: I found Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It a labor, but certainly worth the effort. The book is more of a novella, actually, as it is very short (104 pages in the University of Chicago Press edition that I read). But its seeming brevity is very deceiving.

When I first flipped through the book and saw that there are no part, chapters or breaks of any kind, I was put off to say the least. So I certainly sympathize with the fear and loathing a reader can feel for a book with nothing but page after page of block text. But the unwieldy structure goes incredibly well with the book's style of storytelling. The tone rather personal, almost like the relation of a memory to an audience of one. And, since the author and the narrator are named Norman, there is some evidence of the book being at least semi-autobiographical.

But I thought that the simple, "no frills" structure of the book served another purpose as well. For, contained within the plain pages is a seemingly plain story about a just as seemingly plain conflict. Norman cannot help his younger brother, Paul, with, well, anything (but most notably his reckless lifestyle).

But this conflict is far from simple, and most of its complexity is conveyed through the book's discussions of another seemingly simple act, that of fly fishing, The brothers take several fishing trips together throughout the book, and it is in the descriptions of these trips and their events that Maclean reveals the staggering complexities of the relationship shared by the two brothers, especially in the context of the traditional, fraternal dynamic of the older brother helping the younger brother through his trials.

The landscapes are reverently and beautifully described, as the land and river are a part of the boys' family and almost seem like characters in the story from time to time. And the intricate scenes of fishing for which the land serves as a fitting backdrop are eloquent, lush and understandable for the non-fisherman. Though it is far from a non-stop thrill ride, the dramatization of fly-fishing is most definitely compelling, and presents the subtle themes nicely.

I also found this to be a very moral book. Fishing is described as being right next to religion and family. And, since the conflict is projected through the decidedly reverent lens of fishing, moral undertones become clearer and clearer as the book progresses. It brings to mind the concept of a sort of reckoning for Norman the character (and, perhaps, Norman the author as well) with what he sees as his failures as a brother.

There are really no twists or turns in A River Runs Through It, and no shocking and explosive ending, but it is a very sincere book that is complex in its façade of simplicity. I highly recommend giving A River Runs Through It a try. It is certainly not as easy a read as it would appear, but the reader is definitely rewarded for his or her toils.

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Summary: Simplistic Beauty in A River Runs Through It
Review: Norman Maclean has written a wonderful, deceptively simplistic novel that contains a moving thematic focus.

A River Runs Through It is the story of the relationship between two brothers who, through a communication barrier, become the source of each other's opposition in life. This novel seems simple in that it contains a very simple conflict - one brother versus another. However, this novel is ambitious because the main characters within the dramatic and thematic focuses of the novel are not the same; the two brothers are the opposition to each other on both levels, serving the opposite purposes within the thematic and dramatic reading of the novel. Consequently, Maclean greatly increases the emotional conflict in the work.

Paul is the main character in terms of the dramatization of the novel's themes. His actions are those that drive the novel forward; he desperately needs Norman's help, yet cannot communicate these needs. He is the center of the inciting incident, in which the sheriff contacts Norman about Paul being in jail. Paul is in serious danger and the rising action builds the suspense of whether or not he will receive help before it is too late.

Norman is the main character on a thematic level. His ability and willingness to extend a hand to his brother is questioned. He battles an inner conflict that is instigated by the inciting incident. An outsider, not his own brother, knows that Paul needs his help; Norman first cannot see this, and then battles himself throughout the thematic rising action about how he should approach his brother.

The lack of communication between the brothers is a huge part of the novel. Evidence for communication barriers between more than just these two characters can be found throughout the work. Pay attention to these barriers. You will see how the emotions involved in the novel make it flow as smoothly as the river itself.

One of the novel's greatest strength's is the language; the beauty that is brought to the page by Maclean's endless sensory images and vivid descriptions of the setting bring this novel to life. The setting, the Montana countryside, becomes a character in the novel and is juxtaposed with the conflict. Though nature is portrayed beautifully, the nature of the two brothers and their relationship plays a detrimental role in the work. Maclean savors the moment with the immense amount of detail he provides, allowing the reader to feel as emotionally connected as possible to his characters and his novel.

Maclean further appeals to our emotions in the narration of the novel. This novel is told as a flashback of Norman's point of view. Norman Maclean wrote this novel in order to cope with his feelings of guilt and regret. His love for his brother really shines through this novel.

You will be captivated if you let yourself.

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Summary: From someone who has never seen the movie
Review: This review comes strictly from a reading of Norman Maclean's written work without any influence from the film version of A River Runs Through It, for I have never seen it. Simply as a piece of written work, Maclean writes an absolutely inspirational novella. As his introduction indicates, part of the motivation for writing his stories came from wanting to preserve a decent sense of parental identity for his children. This intention comes through in Maclean's A River Runs Through It as he uses first-person narration, which evokes a story-telling quality about the work. The reader is made to feel as though the story is truly a personal recounting of significant life events that reveal something about the main character's past concerns, how he came to some sort of resolution about those concerns, and of course, explain a few things about his identity to his listener.

The way in which Maclean connects fly-fishing to family values and also to spirituality is beautiful. Norm, the main character of the book, has such an attentiveness to beauty and feels such reverence for his brother's angling ability, the reader is unable to separate the idea of fishing from an appreciable means to well-being. Time spent fly-fishing is quality time for the male members of the family, and it is especially revered by the two brothers, Paul and Norm, as they go out to the river as adults, no longer with their father. It is while fishing with their father that they learn spiritual truths, and these ideas are carried with them, in perhaps slightly different interpretations, into every expedition. A conflict arises when the respectful attitude the brothers expect at the river is difficult to arouse in others.

What's interesting is that the brothers do not converse much during these outings. They are not there to lounge and chat. They are truly there to practice their skill, and they do so in separate sections of the water. The conversations that they do have are slight and perhaps a bit obscure, but meaningful. Maclean does a wonderful job presenting the methods by which male communication is relayed and interpreted. His ability to present men as dually sensitive and proud is commendable.

Another thing that Maclean does well is maintain his readers' participation in the story. His explanation of fly-fishing mechanics, which does not at all distract from the story, prevents the reader from feeling detached from a possibly unfamiliar experience. In fact, a moderately involved reader will find himself or herself agreeing with the opinion that fly-fishing is the only respectable form of fishing, and will scoff together with Norm at the use of worms and "poles" rather than flies and "rods".

As the story develops, it becomes apparent that one of Norm's main concerns is his ability to be helpful, and that his attempts are frustrated repeatedly. Discover what Norm learns about his concerns and responsibilities, and find out about some other provocative characters within this tale. It's a short, enjoyable read with an inspirational effect.

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Summary: A Religious Experience
Review: Who knew fly fishing could be so close to a religious experience? Actually, I might be doing Maclean a disservice...Who knew fly fishing could be a religious experience? Well, through Maclean's beautifully written novella the lines between religion and this peaceful pastime are blurred. But don't let your disinterest in fishing push you away from Maclean's artful exposition; instead embrace the work and the tale of two brothers who find peace and companionship in the rivers of western Montana.

A River Runs Through It is a mere 104 'chapterless' pages that flow as quickly and gracefully as those waters where the boys find their peace. Maclean's exposition of the beautiful country is absolutely mesmerizing, painting wondrous landscapes in your mind with his poetically picked language. Sometimes authors can delve too far into that created world, leaving their characters unpolished in a world of realistic, splendid beauty, however, Maclean's efforts only further your understanding of his characters as they are so greatly influenced by their natural world. The landscape acts almost like another character, influencing the lives and actions of the other characters, and rightfully necessitating its major development. Yet the major development does not end with the vast landscape. Norm and Paul are both dynamic creations who draw the reader in and hold him tight as you get a glimpse into their lives, relationship, and religion.

Fly fishing holds all of the key elements of life for the boys. It is religious in that it serves as a guide and anchor in their lives, yet it also spurs competition, challenge, and solidifies battered relationships. No matter the harsh realities of life, the alcoholism that plagues Paul, or the inadequacy that eats away at Norm, fly fishing provides guidance, simplicity, and peace in their lives.

I never would have guessed that a fishing story could apply itself so well to the trials of life, letting the reader come away with a greater appreciation for the simple things while opening his/her eyes to the complicated bonds of brotherhood, family, and love. Enjoy this beautiful novella for its exemplary exposition and touching glimpse into the lives of two brothers, two disciples of the rod and water. You owe it to yourself and to Maclean to broaden your spiritual boundaries, not to mention really enjoy a wonderful story.

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Summary: More than a fish story
Review: Set "at the junction of two great trout rivers in Western Montana" in the early 1900s, A River Runs Through It is a beautiful tale about a family whose connection to fly fishing is almost religious. Fly fishing is such an inextricable part of their lives that each member of the family can be characterized by their relatioship to it. The reader quickly recognizes that this extended metaphor is a divine fit; telling the story in any other way would rob it of truth.

The narrator in this story, Norman, grows up fly fishing for trout with his younger brother, Paul, and father in the Blackfoot River in Montana. Norman and Paul aren't ostensibly sensitive guys; they grow up in a rugged evironment and consider themselves fighters. In truth, though, they care deeply for each other but have a bond that is very fragile when words are introduced.

The conflict arises when Paul starts getting into trouble with the police and people to whom he is in debt. After bailing Paul out of jail one night, Norman realizes that he must find some way to help his brother. The major problem is that the two have never been good at communicating or expressing their feelings. Norman doesn't know how to address the situation and fears that saying the wrong thing may offend or hurt his brother and push him away.

The one important thing that they do share is their love for fishing. So in an attempt to help his brother, Norman takes Paul fishing. It is while wading in the Blackfoot that the river draws them close and shows them how they connect.

In addition to being a story about relationships and communication, this is a tale about how the people closest to us are often enigmas. It's about finding the river that connects relationships and using it to come to understandings. And it's about creating fictional stories from true ones in an attempt to get at the truth.

If you are interested in poetry and simple truth, reading A River Runs Through It will make you want to buy a fly rod and head out to the nearest stream. I have never encountered a book which brings such magical beauty to a sport or hobbie. What's more is that this activity draws meaning out of the story like a ten pound trout pulls line from a reel.

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Summary: Poetic, magnificent, lyrical
Review: Norman MacLean's A river Runs Through It is a moving story written in lyrical prose. Yet I have to give it only four stars because the "other stories" included in the book really pale in comparison.

A River Runs Through It has all the majesty and beauty of the American West written with the deep emotion and reverance MacLean attaches to fly-fishing (he compares it to religion). The other stories ("Logging and Pimping" and "USFS 1919") relate to MacLean's experiences working in the Montana Rockies with the Forest Service, and for some reason did not move me as the former story did. His relationship with his brother in A River Runs Through It particularly spoke to me.

All of MacLean's stories are good, but it is MacLean's easygoing narrative, vivid prose and almost spiritual way in which he turns a phrase that makes this book so special. It is an outstanding example of modern American writing, and should be read for such - not fishing.

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Summary: Norman Maclean
Review: Norman Maclean, seemingly a realist writer with the ideals of a dreamer, has really touched me with his words. In 'A River Runs Through It' he manages not only to touch us with his own story and view of the people around him, but has incorporated the most endearing people into his story. He gives us a bit of insight into those people and what exactly makes them tick. It's a book about Montana, a book about brothers, fishing, preaching, life, and a book about loving those who we dont' always understand. And getting to know those people a bit better... and seeing that they may not always understand us. I really loved it.

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Summary: A Story About Life And Understanding, Not About Fly Fishing
Review: Do not ignore this book simply because you may not have an interest in fishing. This 104 page story does consecrate a considerable number of pages to starkly poetic descriptions of fly fishing (lovely, haunting descriptions of men standing in Montana's Big Blackfoot River, attempting to achieve something great in the half-light of a rocky canyon), but this story is not about fishing. It is about two brothers who vaguely understand that--much like a river--life takes its own twists and turns and cannot be stopped by man. Life cannot always be understood in an intellectual sense, but sometimes it can be appreciated in a visceral one, and perhaps we can pull moments of brillance from it, just as a fisherman might pull a beautiful trout from a river. Maclean gives us his life and his heart in this story, and it is impossible not to be touched by his emotions. Everytime I read this book I learn something new, and as I plan on reading this book many more times to come, I suppose I still have a lot of learning to do.