In Jim Logan’s Of Saints and Rivers we follow the sprawling multi-generational saga of the McClellan family, primarily through the eyes of the youngest son, Jordan. It begins in the late 1800s with his parents’ unlikely romance and settles into the vast Oklahoma frontier, tracing the family’s joys and heartbreaks through the mid-20th century. The narrative centers on Jordan’s relentless quest for purpose and healing, a journey propelled by personal tragedy and a gnawing sense of guilt that sends him far from home to unexpected places, such as a Mexican village and a seminary, only to find that the past, like a river, always finds its way back.

I loved Logan’s masterful way with words. He crafts sentences with a gentle flow, making even complex emotional landscapes feel accessible. I found myself drawn into the characters’ lives, experiencing their triumphs and sorrows alongside them. The author doesn’t shy away from the hard questions, grappling with faith, destiny, and the human condition in a way that feels both profound and personal. It’s rare to find a book that so honestly explores the nuances of forgiveness and self-acceptance, but this one does it with an understated power that resonated with me. The way the historical details are woven into the family’s story, particularly the struggles of the Dust Bowl and the impact of the world wars, creates a vivid and immersive experience.

While the exploration of Jordan’s internal struggles was compelling, there were moments I wished for a bit more outward joy or less immediate return to hardship. Yet, I think that’s part of the book’s honesty; life isn’t always neat, and the author doesn’t pretend it is. The relationships, especially between Jordan and his father, were incredibly raw and real. I felt my own emotions stirring as they navigated their complicated bond, a testament to the author’s ability to create such authentic human connections.

Of Saints and Rivers is a moving and introspective read that I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone who appreciates historical fiction with a strong emotional core. If you enjoy stories about family, redemption, and the search for meaning in a world that doesn’t always provide easy answers, then this book is for you. It’s a journey that leaves you pondering life’s big questions.

Pages: 272 | ISBN : 0988928159