Reviews

The River at Night by Kevin Huizenga

rebus's review

3.25

This is somewhat decent, but it doesn't match up to the other work I've read by this author. The problem is that it gets a bit boring and repetitive, the meditations about going to the library, reading, insomnia, getting stuff done, and coffee, are all just a bit overdone (and it is the drug of morons typically, though I sincerely believe he is a true artist and author, the latter title lacking in almost all comics throughout history). 

It's good but not great. 

shea_proulx's review

informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

taniguchi's review

informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I seldom say this about a graphic novel, but this felt a little overlong. With that said, the whole book is about a mind looping in on itself again and again in a sometimes neurotic, sometimes philosophical sort of spiral, so maybe feeling "overlong" was inevitable.

riaryan's review

4.0

A graphic novel depicting the thought processes when you're trying to sleep. A surreal read for a surreal time!

meganamato's review

I think I would have liked this more if I hadn't tried to just sit down and read through it. Seems like a good book to meander through perhaps... Idk. There were parts that I was like "wow, this is awesome. I love the experiment and the experience of this" and some parts where I was like "wait, did I skip a page? Am I reading these in the right order? Do I want to finish this?"

I definitely loved the art though.

satyajitc's review

5.0

An alt comix masterpiece. Stories of sleepless nights, wandering thoughts, decade-old memories, and the passing of time.

jekutree's review

5.0

The River At Night is a formalist comics masterpiece. It utilizes techniques and experimental storytelling styles to convey a simple story of a man unable to sleep. It gets pretty stream of consciousness at times, but the core idea of time and how we perceive it remains constant throughout. I don’t have much else to say about this book surprisingly, this is one that needs to be experienced to understand.

robin_dh's review

adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

crookedtreehouse's review

Kevin Huizenga's work is just not for me. I find his concepts so incredibly dull that I can't enjoy his visual art, which is a shame, as he's quite talented.

If you like it when someone really high, or really into their own thought process tries and explain their worldview to you, you might love this book. If you find that sort of thing tedious, I'd avoid this at all costs.

zorpblorp's review

reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0