There is A River by Shelley Burchfield is a well-written novel that follows the life of Janie Smith, a young woman in coastal South Carolina during the 1960s and 70s. It features the Ashepoo River and its marshlands, which serve as a metaphor for the forces that shape her life from childhood to early adulthood, and the personal struggles and victories she had. Janie's childhood is molded by her father's lessons, her mother's moods, and the marsh close to her home. After the death of her father, her mother struggles with grief and drinking, leaving Janie with a sense of loneliness. The book shows her connection with the natural world, her friend Charlie Bradford, and the alligator that lives in the marsh.

One of the things I loved most about this book was how it ties people to the land. The marsh felt almost like a character because of how it shaped Janie's life as much as her family and neighbors did. I enjoyed the historical aspects, like stories of the Vietnam War, the unfair treatment of Black people, and the problems of pollution and spraying. The way the author described the scenes, characters, and other elements made the story more engaging and easy to follow. The narrative discusses some insightful topics, like the introduction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the damage caused by pesticides. One of my favorite characters is Charlie Bradford; he is wise and always does what is right. I loved how he got the courage to stand up against Shelton Manufacturing, with Janie's help, and how he taught her to be strong and fight for justice. The story shows family grief, environmental pollution, Janie's personal growth, and the challenges of being a single mother while trying to pursue her dream of being a biologist. I recommend There is A River by Shelley Burchfield to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and novels that touch on environmental issues, history, and personal growth.

There is a River by Shelley Burchfield is an environmental reminder wrapped up in a love story that will appeal to all readers. Janie Smith is a struggling single mother living on marshland near the Ashepoo River in Green Pond, South Carolina. Although she had grand plans of becoming an environmental scientist, her dreams were shattered by a summer fling that resulted in the birth of her baby girl. Undaunted by the setbacks. Janie is concerned that the nearby electronic manufacturing plant has been dumping toxic waste into the ground, and it has found its way into the local water supply, including the water her mother, her baby, her neighbors, and she drink and bathe in every day. Determined to prove her point, she sets out to test and investigate the water that flows past their house and has a strange odor. Shelton Manufacturing is the biggest employer in the small town, and any suggestions of impropriety by them will be strongly resisted. Deeply concerned for the health of her family, neighbors, and community, she will not give up even as the dangers increase.

There is a River is a powerful environmental message reminiscent of Erin Brockovich, and readers will quickly identify with the dilemmas and opposition faced by Janie and her family. Shelley Burchfield has created a compelling character who begins the tale full of promise and hope for the future, only to be continually knocked back by problem after problem. Her courage and willingness to fight for what is right shine through every page. Given the timeframe and location of the story, the 1970s in South Carolina, I appreciated the friendship that developed between Janie and her elderly black neighbor, Charlie Bradford. The respect and care between the pair are a highlight of the book. The treatment of Charlie and other African-American landholders after World War II was an indictment of race relations in America in the fifties and sixties. The overarching message is that no matter how small and unimportant a person may feel, if they are prepared to fight for their beliefs and never give up, they can make a difference in their communities and force the large corporations to take their social responsibilities seriously. Given the current tensions in the U.S. at present, this book is a timely reminder that one person, committed to doing “the right thing”, can make a difference. I enjoyed this book immensely and highly recommend it.