Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

A River Still Runs by Fran Coughlin is a memoir that unfolds through self-contained moments from the author’s childhood and early life in Lowell, Massachusetts. Rather than following a strict chronological arc, the book presents memories as a collection of snapshots, moving fluidly across time while returning repeatedly to the house on the corner of Liberty and South Loring. The narrative explores family life in a large, complicated household, where humor, absence, and quiet tension coexist. Scenes like the visit to a cemetery, where the narrator discovers his own name etched on a gravestone, reveal the emotional weight beneath everyday life. Chapters highlight ordinary routines, including neighborhood gatherings, childhood games, and family traditions, grounding the memoir in a recognizable world, especially to those growing up in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Throughout, Coughlin acknowledges the imperfections of memory while striving to capture the feeling of being present in those moments.

A River Still Runs is written in a conversational style that mirrors the nature of memory, with chapters varying in length and intensity to match the moments they describe. Fran Coughlin makes strong use of sensory details, such as sounds, smells, and textures, to anchor each memory, while also incorporating dialogue that is true to the time, even when reconstructed. Structural choices, including short chapters and changes in perspective, create a rhythm that invites readers to pause, reflect, and perhaps remember. There is also a subtle use of humor that balances more serious themes, giving the narrative warmth. Black-and-white photographs bring everything together. Readers who enjoy memoirs that focus on family, memory, and personal growth will find much to enjoy, particularly those drawn to stories that revisit the past with honesty and perspective. Those who grew up before the Internet age will savor the trip down memory lane.