Interview with Author Shelley Read on Her Debut Novel 'Go As a River'

Victoria, referred to as Torie, navigates her domestic duties within a male-dominated household consisting of her weary father, war-scarred uncle, and an angry brother. Her world transforms when she meets a young Indigenous man, leading to an exploration of love, identity, and resilience. Nature plays a pivotal role throughout the story, serving as both a backdrop and a reflection of Torie's emotional journey.

In an interview with Alta Journal, Read shared insights about her writing process. She emphasized that while Go As a River is a fictional work, it draws from her experiences as a fifth-generation Coloradan and tales of her family’s homesteading history. Extensive research into the construction of the Blue Mesa Dam and the flooding of Iola inspired the novel, although documentation about Iola itself is sparse.

Read discussed the themes of progress and displacement, noting the importance of acknowledging the Indigenous peoples who were forcibly removed from their lands in the same area. She questions society's glorification of progress, suggesting that human suffering often accompanies such developments.

Nature writing significantly influences her work. Writers such as Annie Dillard and Mary Oliver inspire her vivid depictions of the wilderness, and she aims to convey emotional depth and connection to the natural world through her characters' experiences.

Read also shared her personal connection to nature, highlighting her practice of journaling during solo camping trips. She finds solace and inspiration in the wild, and her encounters with unpredictable conditions, like sudden storms, inform the narrative's challenges.

Reflecting on her journey as a writer, Read noted that life experiences—including family loss and personal challenges—prompted her to focus on writing. Her character Victoria's growth parallels Read’s own evolution, as both navigate their paths toward self-discovery and creative expression.