"By turns poetic and philosophical (a phenomenology of the river?), a deeply contemplative work best enjoyed over several sittings." -- Globe and Mail "Humphreys possesses extraordinary tools and wields them with daring and precision . Taken together, Humphreys' powerful, compressed writing and the phenomenal photographs by Tama Baldwin evoke a sense of mystery and timelessness. The River takes breathtaking risks and hold treasures galore. This important work feels completely honest and earned." -- Quill & Quire , starred "Its untarnished eloquence smites the reader on a level of intimate innocence so beautiful that at times it leaves the reader breathless . Despite her many awards, Helen Humphreys is an under-appreciated writer who runs as quiet as subterranean as water." -- Literary Review of Canada "To gain the fullest appreciation of Humphreys's method, read The River after The Evening Chorus , a novel she published in the spring of 2015, and better understand the genesis and genius of both .

A writer of thorough knowing and no wasted words, Humphreys need not expend energy writing a volume on craft. These books together say more about nonfiction's role in fiction and fiction's in creative nonfiction than any how-to manual could. And what links them most subtly are redstarts: they flit through the pages of both." -- The Malahat Review "Those familiar with the work of Helen Humphreys know that her books are always beautiful and that they often build upon her knowledgeable relationship with nature . In The River she furthers her reach and explores the history of the area surrounding the Napanee River as well as the history of the waterway itself . The book is richly illustrated . But most important to the book is the linkage that holds this all together: the writing." -- The Province.