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The River Between Us Review

Two teenagers get off the steamship in Grand Tower with no purpose other than avoiding the war heading to their home in New Orleans. Mama Pruitt takes in the pair, a paying situation, because the only hotel in the town was not for a "lady". It will change the lives of both families forever.

Most of the book is a retelling of the days in 1861 when the Civil War was getting underway, a war expected to be short. This amazing little book, is nothing like other Civil War fiction. It is well researched, and presents a different twist on the lives of families during the period. It also shows how the war, slavery, and secession split families, towns, and the country in a very personal way. Even the Mississippi River became a dividing line between factions, as the river traffic was an early factor for the war. One early battle just below the Illinois southern tip, represents the beginning of Grant's involvement, even while losing the battle to the south.

It is the people in this book that make it a must read for Civil War fans. Their lives and the changes that took place due to the conflict is what make this a must read for historical purposes, including the young adults for which it was intended. Adults will enjoy as well, or more.

"The River Between Us" is educational, and likely to teach most readers of new events of the war, different types of people that the war touched, and the personal glimpse into a family that was caught on both sides of the struggle. It presents beliefs and life styles that are nearly nonexistent in today's more sophisticated world, but truly a part of 1861.

Expect to be transported back in time. And expect the unexpected toward the end of the story.

The River Between Us Feature

ISBN13: 9780142403105
Condition: New
Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

The River Between Us Overview

The year is 1861. Civil war is imminent and Tilly Pruitt's brother, Noah, is eager to go and fight on the side of the North. With her father long gone, Tilly, her sister, and their mother struggle to make ends meet and hold the dwindling Pruitt family together. Then one night a mysterious girl arrives on a steamboat bound for St. Louis. Delphine is unlike anyone the small river town has even seen. Mrs. Pruitt agrees to take Delphine and her dark, silent traveling companion in as boarders. No one in town knows what to make of the two strangers, and so the rumors fly. Is Delphine's companion a slave? Could they be spies for the South? Are the Pruitts traitors? A masterful tale of mystery and war, and a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact one person can have on another.

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Customer Reviews

A Different Perspective on the American Civil War - G. Marlow - Arkansas
I've read a lot of young adult novels about the American Civil War, but The River Between Us introduced me to a perspective I hadn't considered before - that of the quadroon (a free woman of color). The historical value alone would be enough to get me to recommend the book, but I also liked it as a story. I liked the framing of the main story by the young boy. I liked the distinct voice of Tilly, which to me rang true as an older woman looking back and telling her story. I liked the way Peck revealed the answers to the questions that were building as I read the story - and the way he pulled a surprise on me at the end.

I didn't especially care for the (to me) cliche' of the mother who goes crazy when her son goes to war. The same sort of thing happened in Rosemary Wells' Red Moon at Sharpsburg. I'm sure it was horrible to watch your 16-year-old son (or husband, as in Wells' book) march away to what could be a certain death, and some women might have lost their minds as a result, but I'm a little tired of seeing books fall back on female characters who are too psychologically weak to deal with the situation. Of course, those characters may be there to provide a foil for strong girls like Tilly and Delphine(from this book) and India (from Wells' book).

Use of that cliche' wasn't enough to sour me on the book, though. Every now and then, I would find myself noticing a phrase that captured a way of looking at something that was unique and just perfect, really. This is the first of Peck's books I've read, and I think I can understand why he earned the reputation he has in the top tier of young adult authors.

the river between us - Daniel B. Wallace -
I love using amazon. my child has dyslexia and we can always find what we are looking for fast

the river between us - M. Toon - cunningham, ky USA
an excellent book! well written and even if meant for tweens-teens, good for adults, too! a fascinating non-typical look into the civil war era!

*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Aug 19, 2010 05:46:05

Children's Books

Thursday, August 19, 2010