SONG OF THE RIVER

by Billy C. Clark ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 5, 1957

A short story- perhaps a little more- is inescapably reminiscent of another Old Man and the Sea and tells of John who has lived his life on a shantyboat on a Kentucky river, hoping to catch the giant catfish Scrapiron Jack. A figure of fun to the natives, John is even more isolated after the drowning of one of the youngsters who hung around him. While he is alone with his river and his dream, another boy- Allen- catches his heart, watches him as he sets a new trotline and empties his traps. A night of storm brings Allen's disappearance- just as he lands Scrapiron Jack. Again blamed for the missing boy, he is reprieved when Allen turns up, and goes back to the shantyboat to return Scrapiron Jack to the river.... None of the majesty here of the Hemingway story, but there's a pleasant sentiment.

Pub Date: Aug. 5, 1957

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crowell

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1957

Categories: FICTION