Book Review: The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

Book Review: The River at Night by Erica Ferencik

Publisher:  Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books

            Scout Press

The description of this book drew me in so I requested it with high hopes. Unfortunately, I was disappointed. Four middle-aged women are going on their yearly girl’s trip in the wilds of main. Their goal: white water rafting on a rather rough river. They hire a guide whose idea of planning a route on the river is a hand drawn map. Had he been a local and familiar with the river it might not have mattered but he’s only done the river once or twice himself. It doesn’t help that he is made out to be an almost brainless dude bro.

Out of the four female characters I just couldn’t find one to root for or identify with. At times they take turns becoming almost invisible. Their friendship doesn’t really seem to be well defined. Instead of four friends with a 15 year friendship I felt more like I was reading about four women who met in a yoga class and decided to just hang out for a weekend.

Calamity happens on the river and I was expecting to read a tale of survival against the elements. Again, I was disappointed. Having the women be challenged by the environment and having to learn to rely upon each other and themselves would have been a really good story. Instead, other characters are thrown in and it tosses that whole plot out the window.

I don’t want to spoil the book in case you want to read it but the stereotypes of the local people in the story grated on my nerves. You’ll see what I mean when you read it.

It wasn’t a super bad book. It moved quickly and kept you turning the page to see what craziness happened next. It just didn’t live up to my expectations. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to drop me a comment to tell me I was wrong.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.