28 Feb Book Review: Long Bright River by Liz Moore

I picked up Long Bright River by Liz Moore on a rainy weekend, drawn by its promise of a gripping family drama set against the backdrop of Philadelphia’s opioid crisis. Given my penchant for character-driven narratives, I was eager to see how Moore would navigate this complex tale.

What’s it about?

The story centers on two sisters, Mickey and Kacey, who, despite sharing the same troubled upbringing, have chosen starkly different paths. Mickey is a dedicated police officer patrolling the gritty streets of Kensington, a neighborhood ravaged by addiction. Kacey, on the other hand, has succumbed to the very vices Mickey battles daily, living on the streets and grappling with heroin addiction.

Their lives, once intertwined, have drifted apart due to past grievances and the chasm that addiction often creates within families. However, when a series of murders targeting women in Kensington begins, and Kacey goes missing, Mickey’s professional and personal worlds collide. Determined to find her sister and solve the murders, Mickey embarks on a relentless quest, delving deep into the underbelly of the city and confronting her own past.

The narrative oscillates between the present-day investigation and flashbacks to the sisters’ childhood, revealing the events that shaped their destinies. As Mickey uncovers secrets about her family, the police force, and the community she serves, she is forced to question her beliefs and the very fabric of her identity.

What This Chick thinks:

Diving into Long Bright River was like embarking on an emotional rollercoaster. Moore’s portrayal of the opioid crisis is both unflinching and compassionate, shedding light on the human stories often overshadowed by statistics. The relationship between Mickey and Kacey is the heart of the novel, capturing the complexities of sibling bonds strained by addiction and divergent life choices.

Mickey’s character resonated deeply with me. Her dedication to her job, juxtaposed with her personal vulnerabilities, paints a realistic portrait of a woman striving to do right in a world rife with challenges. The flashbacks to their childhood provided a profound understanding of the sisters’ choices, highlighting how shared experiences can lead to divergent paths.

However, the novel’s pacing was a bit uneven for me. While the character development and atmospheric descriptions were compelling, certain sections felt prolonged, making the narrative drag at times. Additionally, the absence of quotation marks in dialogues was initially jarring, though I eventually adapted to Moore’s stylistic choice.

The mystery element, while central to the plot, often took a backseat to the exploration of themes like family, addiction, and community. This isn’t necessarily a drawback, but readers seeking a fast-paced thriller might find the introspective nature of the novel unexpected.

Final thoughts:

Long Bright River is a poignant and thought-provoking read that delves deep into the ties that bind and the forces that tear us apart. Moore’s empathetic storytelling offers a window into the struggles of addiction and the enduring hope of redemption. While it may not be a breezy read, its emotional depth and compelling characters make it a worthwhile journey.

Rating: 7.5/10

Try it if you like:

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: A tale of two sisters navigating the challenges of war, highlighting the strength of familial bonds.
• Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn: A suspenseful narrative exploring complex family dynamics and personal demons.
• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt: A deep dive into personal loss, addiction, and the search for identity.

These novels, like Long Bright River, offer intricate character studies set against broader societal issues, making them compelling reads for those who appreciate layered storytelling.