In the River Darkness

Reviewed by: Jeri Fitzpatrick - Gray New Gloucester Middle School, Gray, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 8, 2014

Review

This is a German book that was translated into English this year (2014). It won the Hans-im-Gluck prize from Linburg, Germany. Translator Tammi Reichel lived in Germany for 10 years and now lives in Richmond, Virginia. The introduction starts with a powerful, "Will this be the day that I die?", thoughts and experiences of someone who has just crashed through the river's ice while skating. This book is told from the perspective of three protagonists, Mia, the new girl next door, Jay, the younger brother, and Alex, the older brother. Best suspense story I have read in a long time. The reader is not sure if Jay has multiple personalities, or if this is a ghost story, or if Mia is being stalked by her rapist ex-boyfriend. Dead fish, dead animals, foot prints, and warnings are being left behind at both homes. Mia plays the cello and is deeply moved by music, falls for Alex, and is trying to keep her distance. Alex is protective of his brother because their mom took off when Alex was seven. Jay likes to make tape recordings of the four seasons natural music he hears in nature.

Overall Book Score: excellent