A River Runs Through It Book Summary

In 'A River Runs Through It', Norman Maclean weaves a tapestry of family, nature, and the art of fly fishing in early 20th century Montana. The narrative follows brothers Paul and Norman as they navigate their divergent paths, bound by a deep connection to each other and the river that flows through their lives. Richly evocative, the book contrasts the serene beauty of the landscape with the complexities of family dynamics and personal struggles. Each cast of the line becomes a metaphor for life's challenges and the quest for understanding. As the river runs through it, so too does the poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of kinship.

By Norman Maclean

Published: 1989

"In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing."

Book Review of A River Runs Through It

From its first sentence to the last, this novella by Norman Maclean will captivate readers with its vivid images of the Blackfoot River, its tender yet realistic renderings of Maclean's father and brother and its uncanny blending of fly fishing with the affections of the heart. "Wise, witty, wonderful . . ".--Publishers Weekly.

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In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing.

A River Runs Through It

By Norman Maclean