The River Why Audiobook By David James Duncan cover art

The River Why

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The River Why

By: David James Duncan
Narrated by: Dick Hill
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The classic novel of fly fishing and spirituality republished with a new afterword by the author.

Since its publication in 1983, The River Why has become a classic. David James Duncan's sweeping novel is a coming-of-age comedy about love, nature, and the quest for self-discovery, written in a voice as distinct and powerful as any in American letters.

Gus Orviston is a young fly fisherman who leaves behind his comically schizoid family to find his own path. Taking refuge in a remote cabin, he sets out in pursuit of the Pacific Northwest's elusive steelhead. But what begins as a physical quarry becomes a spiritual one as his quest for self-knowledge batters him with unforeseeable experiences.

Profoundly reflective about our connection to nature and to one another, The River Why is also a comedic roller coaster. Like Gus, the listener emerges utterly changed, stripped bare by the journey Duncan so expertly navigates.

©1983 David James Duncan (P)2016 Blackstone Audio Coming of Age Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Fiction Witty Funny Fishing

Critic reviews

"A veritable epic of flyfishing...done in a high-velocity, exuberant style, sprawling in scale, heedless of form.... The feeling for and evocation of the imperiled natural world is rhapsodic in its intensity; the writing energetic, literary in a distinctly American way.... So amiable is the prevailing tone that the flowing narrative is able to absorb Koranic and Eastern mysticisms, Tao, Sufism, Zen-the religions of oneness and gospel of love-without turning into the kind of maudlin choral chanting that so often disfigures treatments of fusion of self and the world." ( Publishers Weekly)
"This is a modern-repeat, modern -tale of maturity and redemption." ( Christian Science Monitor)
"A whirlwind, madcap, humorous and sensitive novel." ( New York Times)
Philosophical Journey • Profound Storytelling • Skilled Narrator • Humorous Moments • Beautiful Writing
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It’s fun to follow the details of the main characters, trailing thoughts. I think the narrator did an amazing job with the characters, and added to the humor of the writing.

Funny, relatable and touching.

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Like many other reviewers I really disliked the style of narration by this narrator. Lots of odd stops, overly dramatic and weird emphasis on certain words. Felt like a bad actor was trying to impress someone with a dramatic reading. But the story was good enough that I survived the poor reading of it and found I could still enjoy the book in the end. I guess you get used to the weird narration after a while.

Distracting narrator but terrific story

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It takes a minute to get absorbed into this book, but then the story overtakes you, and it is profound, and funny, and beautiful, and it spits you out the other side wide-awake, and in love with the world, and everything in it. Can you say any higher praise for a book?

One of the best books of all time

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Wonderful story and Dick Hill as the narrator did an excellent job. I think if I read the book I would not have pictures the characters the same. Well done Mr Duncan and Mr. Hill for very entertaining stories and message. 👏👏

Great audible book

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Great story about fishing family and life. Thank you Neil Peart for putting it in Bubbaso book club.list

Great fishing and oddball couple book.

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I have been trying. to listen to this book however the narrator just doesn't work wit the story. I am going to return the book.

I Can't Listen to This

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Excellent read! For both avid, crazed Flyfishers like myself and those who have never picked up a rod. For the questions and answers within could be asked by anyone on our great orb in the cosmos.

When we fish, it is not the fish we are after.

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The beginning of the book did not prepare me for the ways the characters developed. In the beginning, it seemed a little lightweight, entertaining, but I wasn’t sure where it was taking me. As the story progress, however, I began to feel that I was reading the significant work of fiction. The character setting normal steps. It is hard to describe the book. In someways, it reads like a collection of short stories. Each chapter is its own unique standalone piece. Taken together, it tells a story of the right of passage of a young man and the transformation of his life and the lives of the people around him. It’s definitely worth the effort.

Surprising depth

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I've read this book before. It's a wonderful book, right up any fisherman's alley but the narrator just didn't do it for me. It was like William Shatner acting out scenes on a river. Just odd with pauses, weird stuttering and rambling. Just nope.

But a truly fantastic book. Both of David James Duncans books are worth the read.

Love the book, couldn't stand the narration.

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It is about great characters with the fly fishing/bait fishing theme. Beautiful prose and so well written.

Loved the River Why

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