Synopsis

On Memorial Day, as the people of Jewel, Minnesota, gather to remember and honor the sacrifice of so many sons in the wars of the past, the half-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. Investigation of the murder falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service. Even before Dern has the results of the autopsy, vicious rumors begin to circulate that the killer must be Noah Bluestone, a Native American WWII veteran who has recently returned to Jewel with a Japanese wife. As suspicions and accusations mount and the town teeters on the edge of more violence, Dern struggles not only to find the truth of Quinn’s murder but also put to rest the demons from his own past.

Caught up in the torrent of anger that sweeps through Jewel are a war widow and her adolescent son, the intrepid publisher of the local newspaper, an aging deputy, and a crusading female lawyer, all of whom struggle with their own tragic histories and harbor secrets that Quinn’s death threatens to expose.

Both a complex, spellbinding mystery and a masterful portrait of midcentury American life from an author of novels “as big-hearted as they come” (Parade), The River We Remember is an unflinching look at the wounds left by the wars we fight abroad and at home, a moving exploration of the ways in which we seek to heal, and a testament to the enduring power of the stories we tell about the places we call home.

About the Author

William Kent Krueger

Raised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon, William Kent Krueger briefly attended Stanford University—before being kicked out for radical activities. After that, he logged timber, worked construction, tried his hand at freelance journalism, and eventually ended up researching child development at the University of Minnesota. He’s been married for 50 years to a marvelous woman who is a retired attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul, a city he dearly loves.

Krueger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His protagonist is Cork O’Connor, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a man of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award, the Anthony Award, the Barry Award, the Dilys Award, and the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last 11 novels were all New York Times bestsellers.

Ordinary Grace, his first stand-alone novel published in 2013, received the Edgar Award, given by the Mystery Writers of America in recognition for the best novel published in that year. His second stand-alone novel, This Tender Land, was published in September 2019 and spent nearly six months on the New York Times bestseller list.

Book Discussion Questions

How would you describe the overall tone and atmosphere of The River We Remember and how did it contribute to your reading experience?
The novel explores themes of memory, forgiveness and the lasting impact of traumatic events. How did these themes resonate with you? Did any particular character’s journey embody these themes in a significant way?
The River We Remember delves into the complexities of family relationships and the power of secrets. Discuss the role of family dynamics in the story and how they influence the characters’ actions and decisions.
The wilderness setting, particularly the river, plays a crucial role in the novel. How did the author use the natural environment to enhance the narrative? Did it have any symbolic or metaphorical significance?
Several characters in the book are haunted by past events. How did the author depict their struggle with guilt, trauma and the search for redemption? Were there any instances where these struggles were resolved or were they portrayed as ongoing challenges?
The River We Remember intertwines the elements of mystery and suspense throughout the novel. Which plot twists or revelations surprised you the most and how did they affect your understanding of the story?
The book explores the tension between tradition and progress, especially in relation to the indigenous community. Discuss the author’s portrayal of cultural clashes and the impact on the character’s identity and sense of belonging.
The protagonist’s relationship with the natural world is a recurring theme. How did the author use this connection to explore broader themes and spirituality and the interconnection of all living things?
The narrative alternated between past and present, gradually revealing events that shape the characters’ lives. How did the narrative structure contribute to the engagement of the story? Did it enhance the understanding of the characters and their motives?
The ending of the book leaves some questions unanswered while providing closure for some storylines. Were you satisfied with how the book concluded? Did it leave you with any lingering thoughts or reflections?