This Tender Land - William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land

By William Kent Krueger

  • Release Date: 2019-09-03
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 2,899 Ratings

Description

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

“If you liked Where the Crawdads Sing, you’ll love This Tender Land...This story is as big-hearted as they come.” —Parade

The unforgettable story of four orphans who travel the Mississippi River on a life-changing odyssey during the Great Depression.

In the summer of 1932, on the banks of Minnesota’s Gilead River, Odie O’Banion is an orphan confined to the Lincoln Indian Training School, a pitiless place where his lively nature earns him the superintendent’s wrath. Forced to flee after committing a terrible crime, he and his brother, Albert, their best friend, Mose, and a brokenhearted little girl named Emmy steal away in a canoe, heading for the mighty Mississippi and a place to call their own.

Over the course of one summer, these four orphans journey into the unknown and cross paths with others who are adrift, from struggling farmers and traveling faith healers to displaced families and lost souls of all kinds. With the feel of a modern classic, This Tender Land is an enthralling, big-hearted epic that shows how the magnificent American landscape connects us all, haunts our dreams, and makes us whole.

Reviews

  • This Tender Land

    5
    By Claferney
    This book engulfed me and touched so many facets of life. It was endearing and I felt I was on the river with these kids.
  • Can’t wait to read more from this author!

    4
    By KThugs3
    4.5 stars! What can I say? I loved this book! I picked it up because the overall premise seemed like it would be something that would be enjoyable read, with some wisdom insights thrown in. This time period always speaks to me, because it reminds me of my grandparents and my family. While there were bootleggers discussed in this book, my family were also bootleggers, so I enjoyed the entire epic tale. There were a few twists I did not see coming, and the way that the end of the book was wrapped up - I thought it was done nicely. I do have to draw the line with the two quotes on the cover saying it was similar “Where the Crawdads sing.” The only similarities between the two books were that they involved orphans, natural water sources (Mississippi river in this tender heart, the bayou for WTCS), and that outdoor scenery. I could picture the children riding down the river, similar to the main character riding in her boat in the other book. I’d say that the book reminded me of a bunch of things… from the movies “O, Brother Where Art Thou,” and “Stand By Me,” to Kristin Hammer’s book “The Four Winds.” While the book didn’t end up being what I expected, it still was a beautiful & bittersweet tale of the great American lands back in the 1930s, as well as the important of family (both chosen & blood), with a wide array of characters. Some parts were haunting and infuriating, to know how badly the American government treated those who were Native Americans or those who didn’t come from money.
  • Excellent

    5
    By DBsoulja
    This book has you so invested in the characters. So deep, moving, and well written. It will remain with you always.
  • Remarkable

    5
    By Lads62
    You will not be able to put this one down.
  • Beautifully written

    5
    By Mom is on it!
    A warming tale of tragedy, hope, family and the flow of the river.
  • Heartwarming tale

    5
    By P03B4rkerK!ng
    Just the thing you needed but didn’t know it
  • Fabulous book

    5
    By Mommasgame
    Great story, long but a quick read. Fell in love with all 4 kids
  • This Tender Land

    4
    By Opie older
    A great read in the spirit of Huckleberry Finn.
  • Great!

    5
    By DeAnna0218
    Loved it! Thank you for a great story!
  • This Tender Land

    5
    By cmmm56
    Loved it from start to Finnish! Great weekend read!

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