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The River King
The River King
Author: Alice Hoffman
People tend to stay in their place in the town of Haddan. The students at the prestigious prep school don't mix with locals; even within the school, hierarchy rules, as freshman and faculty members find out where they fit in and what is expected of them. But when a body is found in the river behind the school, a local policeman will walk into th...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780425179673
ISBN-10: 0425179672
Publication Date: 2000
Pages: 344
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 103

3.8 stars, based on 103 ratings
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Leigh avatar reviewed The River King on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
This is the best Hoffman novel I've read. Her forte is imagery and this book demonstrates it most of all. In addition to absolutely *having* to know the outcome (What happened to this cerebral and quiet boy?), you slowly draw attachments to the characters. Carlin will quickly become so real to you that you'll swear she's someone Hoffman knows in real life.

There's a movie based on the book, too. It's not bad, but I'd invest the time to read the book first.
obsidianfire avatar reviewed The River King on + 133 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This is the first Alice Hoffman book I'v read. I have truely fallen in love with her writing. It is pure beauty even when she is writing about ugly things. The story here was great as well, heartbreaking and hearwarming at the same time. Beautiful work.
reviewed The River King on
Helpful Score: 5
Magical, powerful, heart-wrenching...this was by far my favorite hoffman book, and i have read all of hers. This book is at times difficult to read, simply because you can imagine and experience the pain and heart-break the characters experience. The writing is vivid and the ending of this story is perfect. I was swept away. A book you will not easily forget.
VivaLaVole avatar reviewed The River King on + 119 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
Brilliant novel. Deserving of more than five stars. Haunting, brutal, emotional, startling, and, finally, amazingly and wonderfully rewarding. So beautifully written that it makes your breath catch a little. Cannot recommend this book enough.
reviewed The River King on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I think this is her best book yet. So lyrical and poetic, it's like reading a magical story... Enjoy!
Read All 28 Book Reviews of "The River King"

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reviewed The River King on + 20 more book reviews
I was somewhat disappointed in this book, particularly many of the characters who seemed very stereotypical. But it was aa pretty good read.
2manyb00ks avatar reviewed The River King on + 203 more book reviews
This book really stays with you after you read it. I am a big Alice Hoffman fan! She has the most amazing writing style!
reviewed The River King on + 81 more book reviews
Another great story by Hoffman that combines fantasy, beautfiul prose and interesting characters.
jdyinva avatar reviewed The River King on + 408 more book reviews
What a satisfying read! A little of everything - holds your interest throughout. Great characters; great plot. Very involving.
reviewed The River King on + 517 more book reviews
A small Massachusettes town has been divide for years by those attending the prestigious Haddan School and those born and raised in the village. One October night the two worlds are thrust together.Suspensful.
listen avatar reviewed The River King on + 24 more book reviews
This Alice Hoffman book delivers the usual spell binding story the keeps your interest for the entire book.
reviewed The River King on + 59 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book and the easy mellow and pace that it has. You slowly find yourself sinking into it.
reviewed The River King on + 26 more book reviews
A wondrous tale of innocence and evil and the secets we keep
reviewed The River King on + 216 more book reviews
Story of how a small town and it's exculsive private school are thrust together as a result of a mysterious death. Typically good, Alice Hoffman fair.

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