River Thieves – Michael Crummey

River Thieves – Michael Crummey

Michael Crummey is one of the most talented, creative, (insert other pretentious adjectives here), writers
of our modern age. River thieves is brilliant. Perfect in every respect.

River Thieves is set in the early nineteenth century, English and Irish settlers struggle to make a life in cold, harsh Newfoundland as trappers, fisherman, and other physically taxing jobs. Various encounters with the Beothuk (a/k/a “Red Indians” — they apply red ochre to their skin) end tragically even though the expeditions start off as well-intentioned. Nearly all of the principles have led difficult lives, which reflect the extreme conditions under which they live.

In many ways, Michael Crummey has written an extraordinarily rich novel, which jumps around in time, compelling the reader to give his or her full concentration. Additionally, Crummey displays impressive knowledge concerning trapping and fishing skills, and the lives of the Newfoundland settlers and natives. He also focuses on detail, for instance, the influences of liquor, diseases, and destructive fire which all have the power to destroy individuals and their families (Crummey also covers incest, rape, and a dangerous abortion).

The book is very disturbing in its portrayal of 19th Century barbarism, which is not only directed against the Indians. Crummey, for example, devotes pages to the brutal methods of dealing with petty criminals in England. While reading the book, I could not help but become more appreciative of living in the twenty first century, even with all its problems.

Definitely a must read!!