After River by Donna Milner

Growing up on a dairy farm in rural Canada in the 1960s, Natalie Ward almost comes to believe that the harsh realities of the outside world cannot affect her idyllic family life. Yet over the course of a few days this tranquil existence is shattered by a series of tumultuous events from which the Ward family will never fully recover. At the heart of the spiralling loss of control is River, an American draft-dodger employed by Natalie's father to help on the farm. The arrival of this attractive stranger signals an end to the peace and innocence of Natalie's childhood. From the leisurely pace at the start of the novel the plot is suddenly wrenched forward as tragedy follows tragedy in quick succession. It is testament to Donna Milner's skill as a novelist that she instils her characters with such warmth and humanity that the fate of Natalie and her family is enthralling. Despite the devastation at the centre of the story, by the closing pages a sense of hope and renewal are firmly embedded. It's an often exhilarating read. [Katie Gordon]