Customer Reviews

Where the River Splits

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of those novels I look for, but rarely find. You don't just read it, you inhabit it--the characters, the locales, the marriage that is both complex and fragile. May's first book is one he should be proud of, a mystery, compelling you to press on, suspense building all the while thanks to fluid writing with generous details. WTRS will carry you effortlessly to the climax, and through the denouement, wanting more.

Ever wonder if the people who live next door are as ordinary as they seem? Here's a couple who aren't, or are they? You'll find yourself caring about them as though you know them, then they take you on an adventure to surprising places in both their minds and the world in which we all live. Who among us hasn't thrown away something we'd grown tired of, then discovered we really needed it? Or at least thought we did. It becomes more complicated (and interesting) if it happens to be a relationship. You'll find yourself following these people with avid curiosity, but probably refraining from judging them because you may be a lot like them.

May's writing reminds me a litle of Walter Mosley's, kind of "street level", which touches you in a personal way and keeps you reading. Then when you've finished you've learned something about yourself and you want to read more of what he's written.

I was fascinated by this book. The characters Jeffrey Penn May created were intriguingly complex, but I connected with them instantly, as though I had known them intimately for years.

The rapid story twists were weaved together seamlessly. Every time I thought I had the next plot development figured out, I was wrong, but not disappointed. As the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said about this book, it is "never boring."

As an added bonus, I can already think of several friends and family members that would love to get Where The River Splits as a gift for the holidays!

I enjoyed reading this book. Action packed with a sarcastic humor this book explores the relationships between humans and humans and between humans and nature.

Who hasn't reached a point in their live when the river splits. Read and enjoy. Dorry Catherine Pease.

"Where the River Splits" is a fabulous work of fiction. Susan and David are so compelling that the reader is always anxious to get back to one while reading about the other. It belongs on something like Oprah's book club list of "must reads" to call attention to this very readable and enjoyable work. It's a great book in need of readers.

A great book! I thoughly enjoyed it. A book you won't be able to put down. The author keeps you wanting to know what is next. A book about the love of the outdoors, self and another. The journey the author takes you on is more than worth the ride. I'm looking forward to the movie!

Jeffrey Penn May has written an award winning book which he has shared with all of us. It is filled with beautiful descriptions of the wilderness in Canada, the Midwest, the West, and in Mexico. The reader can see the surrounding vegetation, feel the spray of the river rapids, and sense the scent of the foliage and trees. But more than that, Jeffrey has given us a view of two lives, their inner conflicts, their shared struggles, and their solitary quests. The balance of power between Susan and David shifts throughout the story, as it does in life. Fans of pre-Columbian history in MesoAmerica will be satisfied with the accuracy of his settings and cultural observance. This book gives an equally satisfying amount of plot and character development that enhances the story's action. And it leaves the door open for a sequel~

This book takes the reader from St. Louis to Wyoming to California to Mexico and leads the writer from cities to the wilderness and back again. The characters are memorable and quirky and in one case, frightening. On the surface it's a story about a marriage in trouble, yet it's about so much more. I enjoyed the journey.

A well crafted debut novel Where the River Splits from Jeffrey Penn May, the reader is taken on a rollercoaster ride as May skilfully describes the paths of the principal players in the story. You can cut the tension with a knife. Just one question: when is Where the River Splits going to win a justly deserved award? It can only be a matter of time.

A friend of mine recommended this book to me, and I'm glad he did. If you like novels with twists and turns, surprises, and even a little nervous heart-racing, you'll be glad you picked up May's book.