The River Why

By: David James Duncan

Narrated by: Dick Hill

Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

The classic novel of fly fishing and spirituality republished with a new afterword by the author.

Since its publication in 1983, The River Why has become a classic. David James Duncan's sweeping novel is a coming-of-age comedy about love, nature, and the quest for self-discovery, written in a voice as distinct and powerful as any in American letters.

Gus Orviston is a young fly fisherman who leaves behind his comically schizoid family to find his own path. Taking refuge in a remote cabin, he sets out in pursuit of the Pacific Northwest's elusive steelhead. But what begins as a physical quarry becomes a spiritual one as his quest for self-knowledge batters him with unforeseeable experiences.

Profoundly reflective about our connection to nature and to one another, The River Why is also a comedic roller coaster. Like Gus, the listener emerges utterly changed, stripped bare by the journey Duncan so expertly navigates.

©1983 David James Duncan (P)2016 Blackstone Audio

Critic reviews

"A veritable epic of flyfishing...done in a high-velocity, exuberant style, sprawling in scale, heedless of form.... The feeling for and evocation of the imperiled natural world is rhapsodic in its intensity; the writing energetic, literary in a distinctly American way.... So amiable is the prevailing tone that the flowing narrative is able to absorb Koranic and Eastern mysticisms, Tao, Sufism, Zen-the religions of oneness and gospel of love-without turning into the kind of maudlin choral chanting that so often disfigures treatments of fusion of self and the world." ( Publishers Weekly)

"This is a modern-repeat, modern -tale of maturity and redemption." ( Christian Science Monitor)

"A whirlwind, madcap, humorous and sensitive novel." ( New York Times)

Funny, relatable and touching.

It’s fun to follow the details of the main characters, trailing thoughts. I think the narrator did an amazing job with the characters, and added to the humor of the writing.

I Can't Listen to This

I have been trying. to listen to this book however the narrator just doesn't work wit the story. I am going to return the book.

Distracting narrator but terrific story

Like many other reviewers I really disliked the style of narration by this narrator. Lots of odd stops, overly dramatic and weird emphasis on certain words. Felt like a bad actor was trying to impress someone with a dramatic reading. But the story was good enough that I survived the poor reading of it and found I could still enjoy the book in the end. I guess you get used to the weird narration after a while.

One of the best books of all time

It takes a minute to get absorbed into this book, but then the story overtakes you, and it is profound, and funny, and beautiful, and it spits you out the other side wide-awake, and in love with the world, and everything in it. Can you say any higher praise for a book?

Great audible book

Wonderful story and Dick Hill as the narrator did an excellent job. I think if I read the book I would not have pictures the characters the same. Well done Mr Duncan and Mr. Hill for very entertaining stories and message. 👏👏

I’m not a believer in any super natural but I enjoyed this book.

It was funny, heartwarming, interesting and I had a very interesting end, even though I’m not a believer that I really enjoyed.

A little over the top, but I liked it.

For the most part, I liked this book.

There is an almost cartoony exaggeration to this highly anecdotal fable. I know that it’s all meant to be surreal and playful, but the writing (and performance) feel a little silly sometimes. Like the author would have a charming idea and take it a little too far. Despite the lack of subtlety, the story and morals of this journey are really rather lovely.

Great story

Great story. Slow start, but later all the back story ties it all together so beautifully. My favorite fiction/philosphy story ever!

Long time favorite

long time favorite book
didn't expect the narration, not what I had in mind but it's good

Simple. Amazing. Simply amazing!

This book is for everyone. You don’t have to like fly fishing to fall in love the characters, the story, and the book. Highly recommend!