• A River Runs Through It

  • By: Norman Maclean
  • Narrated by: Ivan Doig
  • Length: 3 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (885 ratings)

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A River Runs Through It  By  cover art

A River Runs Through It

By: Norman Maclean
Narrated by: Ivan Doig
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Publisher's summary

Life for the MacLean family in Missoula, Montana, in 1937 centers around family, fly fishing and the Big Blackfoot River. Fly fishing is the one activity where the family can bridge troubled relationships, where brother can connect with brother and father with son. And in the end, it is through the river that they realize how life continues and all things are related. This is a universal story of family love and a lyrical masterpiece, as beautiful as the great trout rivers of western Montana upon which it is set.
©1976 by The University of Chicago (P)1992 HighBridge Company; 16 9; 2000 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"Exquisite...this recording joins the ranks of the few near-perfect matches of reader and author." (Philadelphia Inquirer)

What listeners say about A River Runs Through It

Average customer ratings
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Just a beautiful book

I loved this book more than I could have imagined. The love of family runs through it.

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 perfect story

So vastly superior to the movie that it is an absolute must read, perhaps more than once.

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Excellent story and narration

Fishermen and non alike will enjoy the short story. It’s great stand alone or in conjunction with the film.

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Much better than the movie as always!

This audio book was really interesting as it went into much more detail about the fly fishing than the movie. I was required to read this book for a fly fishing course at my college but don’t let that stop you! Great read!

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A must read! (or listen to in this case)

If you enjoyed the movie..the book is even better!! A great book for all men but a must for fly fisherman!

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Love love love

this is so good, much different than the movie. Paints a different picture of the bothers! A definite listen! Get it.

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Classic

If you love fly fishing, it is automatic. You will love this book. Otherwise, it is a great story of a family, their triumphs and struggles. Wonderfully read.

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a timeless tale. Wow

I could not stop listening. This was everything I expected and so much more. I could feel, from the start, the things that the main character was going through. I felt his pain, his elation, his meanderings, and was touched on a spiritual level that has rarely occurred in my lifetime. I do not write reviews so I have to say that this book touched me. To the Author, thank you.

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Unbelievably lyrical prose

this book has unbelievably lyricsl prose that sinks #4 barbed hooks into your heart and will possibly tear part of it out. Majestic, intimate, tragic, bitter-sweet.

no possible improvements could be made to the performance; magnificent.

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Super Enjoyed!

I had seen the movie in the early 90’s but had forgotten what it was mostly about. So I wanted to read the book. Pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. Too much cursing for me. That was the only thing I disliked, yet I understand it’s part of the Montana country life for some folk. I really liked the strong message that family is important & you hang on to it in whatever ways work best. It’s worth it in the end. Forgiveness. Patience. Love. Family.

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