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by William Kent Krueger

Historical Fiction | 4⭐️ | 9/3/19 | Atria

“This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger is a novel that transports you to the Midwest in the 1930s. Krueger’s vivid prose and keen sense of place make you feel as if you’re right there alongside the characters. The story of Odie, Albert, Mose, and Emmy, as they embark on an unforgettable journey across the Great Depression-era landscape is reminiscent of the adventures of Huck and Jim from “the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” on the Mississippi River.

The parallels to Mark Twain’s classic are evident in the camaraderie, the spirit of freedom, and the moral dilemmas the young protagonists face. Krueger beautifully captures the essence of childhood friendships and the complexities of life in a time of hardship and social upheaval. “This Tender Land” is a captivating read, and if you’re a fan of Twain’s works, you’ll find it a compelling contemporary companion to those timeless adventures.