HOLDING BACK THE RIVER The Struggle Against Nature on America's Waterways

Samantha Desz narrates with careful pacing and an intelligent "facts first" approach. Her clear delivery fits this inquiry into how the rerouting of rivers has worked and for whom. She allows the anecdotes of engineers, barge captains, and, most tellingly, farmers and homeowners whose lands have been destroyed to tell their stories. Her crisp voice works to elucidate the tough medicine this audiobook delivers. Kelley has researched his subjects thoroughly and gives listeners a lot to think about. The author scrutinizes the shortsightedness of river rerouting and dam placement that too often ignored the long-term implications of managing nature. The Netherlands is seen as a model nation for its farsighted commitment to land and water management. A.D.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2021]