"A marvellous and haunting sequence ... It is wonderful to read such experiment of voice, tone and vision." ROBERT MACFARLANE "The lyricism of Sentance's scenes of rural life is at times reminiscent of Ronald Blythe; the figures that step into these vignettes are etched with the same respectful and gritty elegance, their voices are quiet, tough and honest." TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT "The river is a perfect wet and sinuous thread to tie this very engaging book together, as well as a perfect metaphor for its deeper yet subtle intentions. It would be difficult to over praise it, except that shouting loudly and enthusiastically would seem crass in its company and counter to its lovely mellow, yet unsentimental tone that lights it from within." TIM DEE