'The River at Night' by Erica Ferencik is a thriller that follows four middle-aged women who embark on a whitewater rafting trip in the Maine wilderness. The trip takes a dangerous turn when an accident leaves them stranded, forcing them to face both natural hazards and human threats. The story is described as a gripping tale of survival, filled with plot twists and turns, as the characters navigate through the remote wilderness while uncovering secrets about themselves and each other.

The book is praised for its atmospheric setting, intense survival theme, and the complex relationships between the four female friends. The writing style is noted for its descriptive nature, making the reader feel immersed in the wilderness alongside the characters. Despite some slow starts, the novel is considered a page-turner that keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful plot and character development.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, showcasing their struggles and strengths while reflecting on their friendships and personal histories.

Writing/Prose:

The author's prose effectively combines descriptive scenery with character interactions, creating a vivid sense of place and emotional engagement.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative focuses on a thrilling whitewater rafting journey that escalates into a horrifying struggle for survival, revealing hidden tensions and personal challenges among the friends.

Setting:

Set against the backdrop of the untamed Maine wilderness, the story creates a tense and immersive environment filled with danger.

Pacing:

The story transitions from a slow-starting setup to a fast-paced thriller as circumstances turn dire for the characters.

A slapping spring wind ushered me through the heavy doors of the YMCA lobby as the minute hand of the yellowing 1950s-era clock over the check-in desk snapped to 7:09. Head down and on task to be in m...

Notes:

The River At Night features four middle-aged women on an annual adventure trip, emphasizing their friendship and struggles with life changes.

Wini, the protagonist, grapples with her divorce and the death of her developmentally challenged brother, Marcus.

The trip takes the women white water rafting in the remote wilderness of Maine, where they face unexpected dangers.

Pia, the daring friend, is enthusiastic about the trip, while Wini is reluctant and only goes to avoid feeling left out.

The story draws parallels to the movie Deliverance, highlighting themes of survival and human depravity in the wilderness.

Rory, the young river guide, has a questionable background that raises tension among the group.

Each woman harbors personal struggles, from abusive relationships to recovery from cancer.

The wilderness setting serves as a key character in the story, showcasing both its beauty and dangers.

The plot includes encounters with a mysterious woman and her mute son living in the wild, creating a chilling atmosphere.

The narrative explores the complexities of friendship, as secrets and past grievances resurface during their harrowing experience.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, emotional trauma, and survival horror.

From The Publisher:

'Raw, relentless and heart-poundingly real, this book knocked me off my feet like a river in flood' Ruth Ware, bestselling author of In a Dark, Dark Wood and The Woman in Cabin 10

'A thought came to me that I couldn't force away: What we are wearing is how we'll be identified out in the wilderness.'

Win Allen doesn't want an adventure.

After a miserable divorce and the death of her beloved brother, she just wants to spend some time with her three best friends, far away from her soul-crushing job. But athletic, energetic Pia has other plans.

Plans for an adrenaline-raising, breath-taking, white-water rafting trip in the Maine wilderness. Five thousand square miles of remote countryside. Just mountains, rivers and fresh air.

No phone coverage. No people.

No help…

Ratings (8)

Loved It (4)
Liked It (3)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (37):

Read It (9)
Want To Read (22)
Did Not Finish (2)
Not Interested (4)

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About the Author:

Erica Ferencik is a graduate of the MFA program in creative writing at Boston University. Her work has appeared in Salon and The Boston Globe, as well as on NPR. Find out more on her website EricaFerencik.com and follow her on Twitter @EricaFerencik. She is the author of The River at Night, Into the Jungle, and Girl in Ice.

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The River at Night

Erica Ferencik