A Story Reminiscent of Home
Written by Susan Severson
Over the past several months, I completely immersed myself in the very medieval, very Norwegian world of Sigrid Undset. First, I completely devoured the new translation of Olav Audunssøn (previously titled The Master of Hestviken). I then turned to Kristin Lavransdatter for my fourth time (with my new little one, Gregory Lavrans, nestled in my arms). After that, I decided to slow it down and read Olav once again, you know, in case I missed something. Which I did. Lots of things, actually (please read it). That’s close to 5,000 pages of foreign travel. Needless to say, when I cracked open Leif Enger’s Peace Like a River, I was struck by how very American it is. Can you believe how much a story can feel like home?
A few weeks ago, we took our five children on a road trip from Minnesota to Montana. In between bouts of passing back snacks and reprimands, I had my feet up on the dash and Peace Like a River open on my lap. I was amazed at Enger’s ability to paint the same North Dakota out my window perfectly in ink. The stark and breath-taking wildness of it. The ground absolutely saturated with history. I’d glance up from the pages and swear I had seen an outlaw-looking figure on horseback out of the corner of my eye. As I read further, I became aware that the complexity beneath the surface of North Dakota geographically mirrors the plot of the story.
Yes, the book is American in setting of course, but the characters are even more so. They almost have a folklorian dimension to them, especially the faithful Mr. Land who is surrounded by mystery and miracle.
Swede is full of that seemingly inherent American rebelliousness that somehow coexists against a strong Christian backdrop (I’ve learned that a little Aunt Jemima’s syrup can go a long way when faced with an enemy). She’s unbelievably intelligent, compassionate, and tenderhearted.
Reuben is all story. He has a way of stretching the truth to make it clearer. His sheepish understanding of his own weaknesses and pride make me want to weep with comradery. His strong love for his family is bones-deep. I love him.
And they are all pursuing Davy, their beloved son and brother. At this point in the novel (I’m 100 pages shy of the end), they’re driving, hoping to find a sign of him. They’re hoping to figure out a way to bring Davy home. But home to what? What are they wanting to bring him back to? At this juncture in the story, I’m not quite sure what the Lands are hoping for. I think they just want to see Davy’s face and to know that he is ok. But, I also think that they know that Davy is not fully in the right and that he will have some atoning to do for his actions. Atoning that he should do for his actions. While the situation is complex, they can’t help but follow him. They love him, and that’s that.
I can’t help but feel the same way when I read this book that so reminds me of our beleaguered country. I love it, and that’s that.
About Susan Severson
Susan Severson is a wannabe saint, a homeschool slogger, a sometimes-but-wants-to-be-all-the-time writer, and a mother to four little rapscallions. Prayers are welcome. She resides in Crosby, MN.
About Well-Read Mom
In Well-Read Mom, women read more and read well. Our hope is to deepen the awareness of meaning hidden in each woman’s daily life. We long to elevate the cultural conversation and revitalize reading literature from books. If you would like us to help you select worthy reading material, we invite you to join and read along. We are better together! For information on how to start or join a Well-Read Mom group visit our website wellreadmom.com
