The River People: Liz Kellebrew’s Haunting Exploration of Love, Survival, and the Untamed Pacific Northwest
PORTLAND, OR — The River People by Liz Kellebrew is set to captivate readers with its stunningly original blend of historical fiction, memoir, poetry, and archival storytelling. This evocative novel, priced at $18.95, is a mesmerizing journey through the turbulent waters of 19th-century westward expansion, where survival and self-discovery intermingle in a land where nature reigns supreme.
At the heart of the novel lie three unforgettable characters—Marilla, John, and Walter—whose lives intertwine along the rivers that define their world. The waterways serve as lifelines, highways, and merciless forces that shape the destinies of those who dare to navigate them. Through their harrowing challenges and poignant triumphs, Kellebrew reveals the untold stories of pioneers and immigrants, uncovering the myths and realities of migration into the Pacific Northwest.
Critics and authors alike are heralding The River People as a profound literary achievement:
"Profound and moving, Liz Kellebrew’s The River People is a miraculous collage of history, memory, and imagination. With rare and clear-sighted grace, Kellebrew examines the intersecting lives of her ancestors, their journeys of survival and resilience, love and transcendence. I can’t remember when I last read a work this beautiful." — JoAnne Tompkins, author of What Comes After
"Unflinching, insightful, and utterly original, Kellebrew’s The River People lays bare wounds and truths on an incantatory journey flowing deep into the heart of ourselves." — Eliza Tudor, author of Wish You Were Here
“Reading Liz Kellebrew's The River People is like taking a ride down the river itself. Sometimes gentle and other times roaring, its lyricism and mixed forms carry your heart through the flow of time. Run, don't walk, for your copy now!” — Sarah Cannon, author of The Shame of Losing
With prose as fluid and powerful as the rivers it describes, Kellebrew layers historical accounts with intimate stories, creating a kaleidoscopic narrative that defies traditional genre boundaries. Readers will find themselves swept into a tale that is as lyrical as it is unflinching, an exploration of the human spirit in the face of both love and loss.
Liz Kellebrew has masterfully created a story that resonates across generations, offering a deeply compassionate and richly textured view of the West and its inhabitants. The River People is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, innovative storytelling, and anyone who has ever been captivated by the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
About Liz Kellebrew
Liz Kellebrew is a celebrated author known for her lyrical prose and innovative narrative style. She brings a deep compassion and a sharp eye for detail to her exploration of history and memory. The River People is a testament to her ability to weave personal reflection with the broader human experience.
