The Riverman By: Stewart Edward White (1873-1946)
In Stewart Edward White's novel The Riverman, readers are taken on an epic journey through the untamed wilderness of the early 20th century. Told from the perspective of a young, adventurous protagonist named Lone Eagle, the story unfolds as he ventures into the Pacific Northwest in search of freedom and adventure. The book dives headfirst into the raw and unyielding power of nature, portraying the landscape as a formidable antagonist. White's vivid descriptions of the lush forests, treacherous rivers, and rugged mountains make the reader feel as if they are right there alongside Lone Eagle. The author's attention to detail and mastery of imagery create a fully immersive experience, allowing readers to feel the chill of the water, smell the pine needles, and hear the rustle of leaves. What sets The Riverman apart from other wilderness adventure novels is its exploration of the human spirit. As Lone Eagle navigates through the physical challenges of surviving in the wild, he also grapples with his own internal struggles and the complexities of human nature. The author delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness, forcing readers to ponder their own place in the world. White crafts a cast of intriguing characters that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. From the enigmatic Native American guide to the relentless pioneer, each character brings a unique perspective and backstory that enriches the overall plot. However, it is Lone Eagle who truly steals the show with his courage, determination, and unwavering spirit. Readers will find themselves rooting for him, empathizing with his struggles, and celebrating his triumphs. While The Riverman is undeniably a gripping adventure, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, as the narrative lingers on the minutiae of survival or delves into philosophical musings. Additionally, some readers may find the portrayal of Native American characters to be outdated, with certain stereotypes perpetuated. Overall, The Riverman is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the heart of the wilderness and the human spirit. Stewart Edward White's masterful writing transports readers to a bygone era and immerses them in a world teeming with danger, beauty, and self-discovery. Despite its minor shortcomings, this novel will leave readers inspired to embrace their own inner riverman and explore the untamed landscapes within their own lives. First Page: THE RIVERMAN by Stewart Edward White I The time was the year 1872, and the place a bend in the river above a long pond terminating in a dam. Beyond this dam, and on a flat lower than it, stood a two story mill structure. Save for a small, stump dotted clearing, and the road that led from it, all else was forest. Here in the bottom lands, following the course of the stream, the hardwoods grew dense, their uppermost branches just beginning to spray out in the first green of spring. Farther back, where the higher lands arose from the swamp, could be discerned the graceful frond of white pines and hemlock, and the sturdy tops of Norways and spruce. A strong wind blew up the length of the pond. It ruffled the surface of the water, swooping down in fan shaped, scurrying cat's paws, turning the dark blue surface as one turns the nap of velvet. At the upper end of the pond it even succeeded in raising quite respectable wavelets, which LAP LAP LAPPED eagerly against a barrier of floating logs that filled completely the mouth of the inlet river. And behind this barrier were other logs, and yet others, as far as the eye could see, so that the entire surface of the stream was carpeted by the brown timbers. A man could have walked down the middle of that river as down a highway. On the bank, and in a small woods opening, burned two fires, their smoke ducking and twisting under the buffeting of the wind... Continue reading book >>

The Riverman By: Stewart Edward White (1873-1946)

In Stewart Edward White's novel The Riverman, readers are taken on an epic journey through the untamed wilderness of the early 20th century. Told from the perspective of a young, adventurous protagonist named Lone Eagle, the story unfolds as he ventures into the Pacific Northwest in search of freedom and adventure.

The book dives headfirst into the raw and unyielding power of nature, portraying the landscape as a formidable antagonist. White's vivid descriptions of the lush forests, treacherous rivers, and rugged mountains make the reader feel as if they are right there alongside Lone Eagle. The author's attention to detail and mastery of imagery create a fully immersive experience, allowing readers to feel the chill of the water, smell the pine needles, and hear the rustle of leaves.

What sets The Riverman apart from other wilderness adventure novels is its exploration of the human spirit. As Lone Eagle navigates through the physical challenges of surviving in the wild, he also grapples with his own internal struggles and the complexities of human nature. The author delves into themes of identity, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness, forcing readers to ponder their own place in the world.

White crafts a cast of intriguing characters that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. From the enigmatic Native American guide to the relentless pioneer, each character brings a unique perspective and backstory that enriches the overall plot. However, it is Lone Eagle who truly steals the show with his courage, determination, and unwavering spirit. Readers will find themselves rooting for him, empathizing with his struggles, and celebrating his triumphs.

While The Riverman is undeniably a gripping adventure, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, as the narrative lingers on the minutiae of survival or delves into philosophical musings. Additionally, some readers may find the portrayal of Native American characters to be outdated, with certain stereotypes perpetuated.

Overall, The Riverman is a captivating novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey into the heart of the wilderness and the human spirit. Stewart Edward White's masterful writing transports readers to a bygone era and immerses them in a world teeming with danger, beauty, and self-discovery. Despite its minor shortcomings, this novel will leave readers inspired to embrace their own inner riverman and explore the untamed landscapes within their own lives.

First Page:

THE RIVERMAN

by Stewart Edward White

The time was the year 1872, and the place a bend in the river above a long pond terminating in a dam. Beyond this dam, and on a flat lower than it, stood a two story mill structure. Save for a small, stump dotted clearing, and the road that led from it, all else was forest. Here in the bottom lands, following the course of the stream, the hardwoods grew dense, their uppermost branches just beginning to spray out in the first green of spring. Farther back, where the higher lands arose from the swamp, could be discerned the graceful frond of white pines and hemlock, and the sturdy tops of Norways and spruce.

A strong wind blew up the length of the pond. It ruffled the surface of the water, swooping down in fan shaped, scurrying cat's paws, turning the dark blue surface as one turns the nap of velvet. At the upper end of the pond it even succeeded in raising quite respectable wavelets, which LAP LAP LAPPED eagerly against a barrier of floating logs that filled completely the mouth of the inlet river. And behind this barrier were other logs, and yet others, as far as the eye could see, so that the entire surface of the stream was carpeted by the brown timbers. A man could have walked down the middle of that river as down a highway.

On the bank, and in a small woods opening, burned two fires, their smoke ducking and twisting under the buffeting of the wind... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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Wikipedia – Stewart Edward White
Wikipedia – The Riverman

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