Review 88: A River Runs Through It (Norman Maclean)

Tale of how an older brother cannot, despite his best efforts and intentions, save his younger brother. All he can do is admire his beauty while it crumbles to dust, and lives on only in memory. The saddest story I have ever read. It left me reeling for a week. This is a picture of hopelessness, when there is nothing outside us to save (in this case: those we love). As a picture of hopelessness it is quite poignant and effective, utterly genuine and sincere. If there was no God this book would be beautiful resignation; since there is a God who can save, this book is a tradedy beautifully written. I can't think of a better example of effective communication of pathos. You feel loss when you read this.