Peace Like a River

What aspects of Reuben’s life and environment influence his perspective as the story’s narrator? Consider things like age, hindsight, socioeconomics, religion, and family dynamics. In what ways does his unique perspective enhance or detract from the reading experience?

Miracles play an important role in this story. Why do you think Leif Enger chose to make Reuben the only witness to many of Jeremiah’s miracles? Why isn’t Jeremiah able to cure Reuben’s asthma sooner, in spite of all the other miracles he brings about? What do these aspects of the story say about belief or faith?

How might the absence of Davy, Reuben, and Swede’s mother from their lives have influenced the Lands’ family dynamics and the choices they make throughout the story? What social norms of the time contribute to this effect? Provide specific examples from the text to support your answer.