The River Between Us

By: Richard Peck

Narrated by: Lina Patel

Richard Peck is a master of stories about people in transition, but perhaps never before has he told a tale of such dramatic change as this one, set during the first year of the Civil War. The whole country is changing in 1861-even the folks from a muddy little Illinois settlement on the banks of the Mississippi. Here, fifteen-year-old Tilly Pruitt frets over the fact that her brother is dreaming of being a soldier and that her sister is prone to supernatural visions. A boy named Curry could possibly become a distraction.

Then a steamboat whistle splits the air. The Rob Roy from New Orleans docks at the landing, and off the boat step two remarkable figures: a vibrant, commanding young lady in a rustling hoop skirt and a darker, silent woman in a plain cloak, with a bandanna wrapped around her head. Who are these two fascinating strangers? And is the darker woman a slave, standing now on the free soil of Illinois? When Tilly's mother invites the women to board at her house, the whole world shifts for the Pruitts and for their visitors as well.

Within a page-turning tale of mystery, adventure, and the civilian Civil War experience, Richard Peck has spun a breathtaking portrait of the lifelong impact that one person can have on another. This is a novel of countless riches.©2003 Richard Peck; (P)2004 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

It's a riveting story that shows racism everywhere and young people facing war, not sure what side to be on or why. (Booklist, starred review)

Peck reaches new depth with this Civil War-era novel. . . (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

A rich tale full of magic, mystery, and surprise. (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

Historical fiction fans should enter this at the top of the must-read list. (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review)

The harsh realities of war are brutally related in a complex, always surprising plot that resonates on multiple levels. (he Horn Book, starred review)

This unusual Civil War novel really boosts Peck's credentials as America's best living author for young adults. (The Washington Post)

Unforgettable characters and handsome prose make this book one you won't want to miss. (Children's Literature)

Best book ever

I loved it so much! It was so good! This was probably the best book I have ever listened to, so creative!

Recommend

that story really touched my heart. I’m usually not into books with war but this one is really good.

The civil war and so much more

Liked the gentle telling of a horrendous time and skillful weaving of a family’s story into the civil war

the river between us

I really liked the historical detail,but it made me cry when the mother turns away tilly.

Beautiful Story

Richard Peck is a masterful writer. what a beautiful story he has woven in the setting of the Civil War. Characters come to life with his well-crafted words. I loved everything about this book including the excellent narration. Highly recommend!