Down to the River

Down to the River is a family saga set in the late 1960s in Cambridge, Massachusetts, following the lives of twin brothers Nash and Remi Potts, who have grown up as entitled, Harvard-educated, golden boys, but their lives begin to falter as the gold veneer of prosperity begins to chip away.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Regal House Publishing LLC

Down to the River is a captivating family saga that unfolds in the late 1960s, nestled in the picturesque setting of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The story revolves around twin brothers, Nash and Remi Potts, who have grown up in a privileged environment, attending prestigious universities like Harvard and inheriting a family fortune that is gradually dwindling. As time passes, the facade of their affluent lives begins to crack, and their lives begin to unravel.

We first meet Remi and Nash in 1968, at the mid-point of their lives, when they are partners in a sporting goods store in Harvard Square. Their marriages are already strained, and their youngest children, Chickie and Hen, are navigating the tumultuous urban landscape of the late 1960s. School bomb threats, racial tensions, war protests, and demonstrations at Harvard and beyond are a part of their daily existence. In the midst of this chaos, the two cousins are left largely to their own devices, as their parents struggle to cope with the challenges of raising a family in a changing world.

Suddenly liberated from the constraints of their past, Remi and Nash venture out onto the streets of Cambridge, which become their own personal playground. They immerse themselves in a world of politics, sex, drugs, rock and roll, embracing the freedom and excitement that comes with their newfound independence. Their journey is filled with ups and downs, as they navigate the treacherous waters of adulthood and make choices that will have profound consequences for their lives and the lives of those around them.

Through their experiences, Down to the River explores themes of family, loyalty, and the search for identity. The Potts family, despite their wealth and privilege, is plagued by internal conflicts and struggles, which reflect the broader social and political climate of the time. The twins, who have always been close, find themselves at a crossroads as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and try to find their place in the world.

The novel also delves into the complexities of the Vietnam War, which looms large over the backdrop of the story. Nash, who serves in the military, is conflicted about his role in the war and the impact it has on his family and friends. Remi, on the other hand, is deeply affected by the war, as it reminds her of the sacrifices made by her father and grandfather in World War II.

Down to the River is a beautifully written and evocative novel that transports readers back to a tumultuous era in American history. It offers a nuanced portrayal of the characters, their relationships, and the challenges they face. The writing is rich with detail and emotion, and the characters are fully realized, making them relatable and memorable.

In conclusion, Down to the River is a must-read for anyone who enjoys family sagas, historical fiction, or stories that explore the complexities of human relationships. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to capture the essence of a time and place.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 215 x 139 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646031887