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Rogue River Fued
In the first pages of Rogue River Feud, Grey paints a tantalizing picture of the Rogue from its headwaters to where it spills into the Pacific Ocean.
Zane Grey’s vigorous storytelling and portrayal of ... the wild make this novel one of his best. There is a deep emotional feeling for nature in the raw, for the great salmon runs, and for the clashes of men fighting for gold.
Along the notorious Rogue River, gold seekers, crazed by the discovery of nuggets that made them rich overnight, are at war with one another. The river itself swarms with salmon, bringing along with them another kind of wealth and violent fighting between fishermen and the fish-packing monopoly. Into this scene comes Keven Bell, returning to face life after being handicapped by a disfiguring wound he received in World War I. Keven teams up with a broken-down fisherman and boatbuilder. When they try to buck the salmon-packing monopoly, they encounter violence and trickery; their boat is sunk and they are left to swim for their lives.
Keven is tended to by Beryl, the daughter of a gold miner. His convalescence is slow, but the autumn days, fishing and camping, make a woodland dream of romance. But no sooner has an operation straightened out Keven’s injuries than he is framed on a charge of murder in the salmon-packing war. Keven must carry on as best he can, along with what help Beryl and her old father can give, to clear his name and ensure his and Beryl’s safety on the turbulent Rogue.
This text refers to an alternate edition.
Zane Grey’s vigorous storytelling and portrayal of ... the wild make this novel one of his best. There is a deep emotional feeling for nature in the raw, for the great salmon runs, and for the clashes of men fighting for gold.
Along the notorious Rogue River, gold seekers, crazed by the discovery of nuggets that made them rich overnight, are at war with one another. The river itself swarms with salmon, bringing along with them another kind of wealth and violent fighting between fishermen and the fish-packing monopoly. Into this scene comes Keven Bell, returning to face life after being handicapped by a disfiguring wound he received in World War I. Keven teams up with a broken-down fisherman and boatbuilder. When they try to buck the salmon-packing monopoly, they encounter violence and trickery; their boat is sunk and they are left to swim for their lives.
Keven is tended to by Beryl, the daughter of a gold miner. His convalescence is slow, but the autumn days, fishing and camping, make a woodland dream of romance. But no sooner has an operation straightened out Keven’s injuries than he is framed on a charge of murder in the salmon-packing war. Keven must carry on as best he can, along with what help Beryl and her old father can give, to clear his name and ensure his and Beryl’s safety on the turbulent Rogue.
This text refers to an alternate edition.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1929
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About the author
Zane Grey
2,101 books591 followersPearl Zane Grey was an American author best known for his popular adventure novels and stories that presented an idealized image of the rugged Old West. As of June 2007, the Internet Movie Database credits Grey with 110 films, one TV episode, and a series, Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theater based loosely on his novels and short stories.
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May 25, 2022
I’m not sure this would really fall under the standard “Western” moniker as it takes place after World War I, but it does take place in the western portion of the United States and the hero of the story has grit and resolve, so Western it shall be. This is my first Zane Grey book, although it’s not one of his better-known stories. It's another one of those by-pure-chance-I-saw-this-in-a-library reads.
The hero of the story is Kev Bell, a WWI veteran who has returned home to the Northwest in the United States, where he lives by the Rogue River. He never actually made it over to France, as he was disfigured in a cannon accident during during stateside combat training. His handsome features are gone, his jaw held together by whatever the army medics could improvise at the time. He returns home to a place where life has gone on as though a war hadn’t been happening in that place they call Europe. People are working, people are shopping, people are living the lives they always lived. Except for Kev Bell. His father is there for him but the old man has really aged since Kev left and Kev’s former girlfriend ignores him completely.
Kev must also endure the looks and taunts brought about by a lying rival who was also at training camp with Kev. He has accused Kev of indecent activities, so not only does Kev have his physical handicaps but also a tarnished image. With all that weight bearing down on him, he leaves to take up what he was always very good at, which was fishing. He becomes business partners with an old friend, a known ruffian, and together they start to build something. There will be adventures, white-water rapids galore, violence, and an awakening that arrives just when all else seems at its end.
I wasn’t sure where this was going, but it became somewhat absorbing. The cynicism brought about by the First World War is evident throughout the book, as the hero must fight just to have a decent life. But there is hope in these here pages, pardner, a lesson to not give up and let others bully their way over you. I also liked the introduction of the book’s heroine, whose approach to life exemplified a newer and more independent femininity. It helps bring the book alive and kept me interested to the end.
I would like to read more Zane Grey, hoping to try a classic Western in the future.
Book Season = Year Round (promise of gold)
The hero of the story is Kev Bell, a WWI veteran who has returned home to the Northwest in the United States, where he lives by the Rogue River. He never actually made it over to France, as he was disfigured in a cannon accident during during stateside combat training. His handsome features are gone, his jaw held together by whatever the army medics could improvise at the time. He returns home to a place where life has gone on as though a war hadn’t been happening in that place they call Europe. People are working, people are shopping, people are living the lives they always lived. Except for Kev Bell. His father is there for him but the old man has really aged since Kev left and Kev’s former girlfriend ignores him completely.
Kev must also endure the looks and taunts brought about by a lying rival who was also at training camp with Kev. He has accused Kev of indecent activities, so not only does Kev have his physical handicaps but also a tarnished image. With all that weight bearing down on him, he leaves to take up what he was always very good at, which was fishing. He becomes business partners with an old friend, a known ruffian, and together they start to build something. There will be adventures, white-water rapids galore, violence, and an awakening that arrives just when all else seems at its end.
I wasn’t sure where this was going, but it became somewhat absorbing. The cynicism brought about by the First World War is evident throughout the book, as the hero must fight just to have a decent life. But there is hope in these here pages, pardner, a lesson to not give up and let others bully their way over you. I also liked the introduction of the book’s heroine, whose approach to life exemplified a newer and more independent femininity. It helps bring the book alive and kept me interested to the end.
I would like to read more Zane Grey, hoping to try a classic Western in the future.
Book Season = Year Round (promise of gold)
November 26, 2012
Rogue River Feud is one of Zane Grey's least known novels. This is, perhaps, because it isn't a Western-it's a Northwestern. The Rogue River in Southern Oregon is the main character. Zane Grey had a cabin on the Rogue and his attachment and fascination with this epic river makes it the primary focus of the book. For this reason, the book is a great read for anyone who has been on, around, along, over or in this wonderful wild stream. There are, of course, characters and a semblance of a plot. The first chapter, however, is worth the price of the book. It is the best writing about the Rogue that has been done before or since and poetically and descriptively traces the river from its birth below Crater Lake to its dispersal into the Pacific and then picks up a school of salmon and takes them all the way back up the river to spawn. Environmental organizations attempting to save Northwest salmon should be handing Rogue River Feud to anyone who will take a copy.
Kevin Bell, our human hero, returns to Grants Pass, Oregon at the conclusion of WWI a broken man, injured seemingly beyond repair. He has been damaged by an exploding cannon, an anecdote he repeats interminably throughout the book. His memory is shaky and he has become a drunk to stop the pain in his broken jawbone-a jaw that has been repaired by mediocre dentistry (Grey was trained as a dentist and was able to work both bad and good dentistry into the story). In addition, his reputation has been ruined by a former officer of his regiment who obscures his own crime by spreading the word that Kevin had ruined a family of five (that's 5) sisters (an incident which, in our day and age, might actually enhance a reputation. Presumably, this had taken place before the cannon blew up). Incensed at the slander, Kevin assaults his accuser, now politically well-connected and squiring Kevin's ex-fiancee, and has to flee down river with his old pal, the often inebriated fisherman/riverman Garry Lord. They run rapids in the dark in a skiff just finished by Kevin's dad. The descriptions of the river and river running are marvelous.
For the first half of the book they are involved in fishing for salmon near Gold Beach at the mouth of the river, where Kevin's former fiancee's crooked father has a lock on the cannery business. The descriptions of salmon fishing by net and by line are detailed and informative and the plot and character development point to an exciting denouement whereby Garry and Kevin will expose illegal fishing activities and insure a salmon and steelhead run for the upriver folks. But the author has romance on his mind for he causes Kevin to flee upstream after losing Garry in a storm and killing Garry's would-be adversary. Hopeless, distraught, and with revenge as a driving motive and an itch for a drink, he stumbles into a camp called Solitude where he and Garry had called briefly on their way down river. A beautiful dark-haired girl calls out to him. He doesn't remember her (because his memory had been damaged by that cannon explosion). Slowly, but surely the lovely, woodsy Beryl restores the composted memory of four days they spent together four years earlier when Kevin had camped and fished at Solitude. The remainder of the book is involved with their romance in this idyllic setting, the only conflict coming when it turns out that Beryl is a much better steelhead fisherperson than is Kevin. This romance goes on and on, kept interesting only by the the river that runs through it. Finally, Kevin, restored in body and spirit by the river and the young woman who had decided four years previously that he was the one, asks her to marry him. Off they go to Portland the very next day, by mule train and choo choo train, with her trapper father's blessing, to marry and get his teeth fixed (by a kindly dentist who had appreciated a fishing tip Kevin had given him). Thence on to Grant's Pass for a triumphant homecoming to learn that Garry Lord lives and that he had cracked the case on the illegal fisheries while Kevin had been fooling around in the woods. Kevin and his bride shop til they drop and then return to Solitude to live happily ever after (on the proceeds from the little gold mine that Beryl had been keeping secret).
Zane Grey had nineteenth century sensibilities but his writing about the Rogue River will always be up to date. The Rogue is a living, breathing entity in the novel. Living close to the Rogue and having had some experience with it I found the book more interesting than most readers might. My wife came close to drowning in the Rogue River, in a very easy section that Kevin and Garry could have run blindfolded. The Rogue takes a few souls every year as people make mistakes or get overconfident (the biggest mistake). Zane Grey got much of his material from the old timers who pioneered on the Rogue. A local interest book—A River to Run by Florence Arman and Glen Wooldridge gives insights into Zane Grey’s sources.
Glen Wooldridge was a local hero who was probably the first to run the wild and scenic part of the Rogue. He, in fact, was involved with blasting channels through the tougher sections so that certain areas did not require portage. He dynamited the by-pass around Rainie Falls which is an obvious obstacle to kayakers and fishermen, though I have sat on the edge of the falls and watched kayakers take a shot at it and survive. Much has changed since the fictional time in Rogue River Feud. Rafters and kayakers now need a permit to travel below Graves Bar to the ocean, for example. There are still many arguments to arbitrate. There are the jet boaters vs the drifters and floaters. There is controversy on how to deal with the proliferation of bears. There are always arguments about logging and salmon. The feud goes on.
We can thank Zane Grey for giving us a snapshot of a time on the Rogue River before Glen Wooldridge started running upstream in powerboats and before the river was clotted on a summer day with tour groups in rafts and kayaks.
Kevin Bell, our human hero, returns to Grants Pass, Oregon at the conclusion of WWI a broken man, injured seemingly beyond repair. He has been damaged by an exploding cannon, an anecdote he repeats interminably throughout the book. His memory is shaky and he has become a drunk to stop the pain in his broken jawbone-a jaw that has been repaired by mediocre dentistry (Grey was trained as a dentist and was able to work both bad and good dentistry into the story). In addition, his reputation has been ruined by a former officer of his regiment who obscures his own crime by spreading the word that Kevin had ruined a family of five (that's 5) sisters (an incident which, in our day and age, might actually enhance a reputation. Presumably, this had taken place before the cannon blew up). Incensed at the slander, Kevin assaults his accuser, now politically well-connected and squiring Kevin's ex-fiancee, and has to flee down river with his old pal, the often inebriated fisherman/riverman Garry Lord. They run rapids in the dark in a skiff just finished by Kevin's dad. The descriptions of the river and river running are marvelous.
For the first half of the book they are involved in fishing for salmon near Gold Beach at the mouth of the river, where Kevin's former fiancee's crooked father has a lock on the cannery business. The descriptions of salmon fishing by net and by line are detailed and informative and the plot and character development point to an exciting denouement whereby Garry and Kevin will expose illegal fishing activities and insure a salmon and steelhead run for the upriver folks. But the author has romance on his mind for he causes Kevin to flee upstream after losing Garry in a storm and killing Garry's would-be adversary. Hopeless, distraught, and with revenge as a driving motive and an itch for a drink, he stumbles into a camp called Solitude where he and Garry had called briefly on their way down river. A beautiful dark-haired girl calls out to him. He doesn't remember her (because his memory had been damaged by that cannon explosion). Slowly, but surely the lovely, woodsy Beryl restores the composted memory of four days they spent together four years earlier when Kevin had camped and fished at Solitude. The remainder of the book is involved with their romance in this idyllic setting, the only conflict coming when it turns out that Beryl is a much better steelhead fisherperson than is Kevin. This romance goes on and on, kept interesting only by the the river that runs through it. Finally, Kevin, restored in body and spirit by the river and the young woman who had decided four years previously that he was the one, asks her to marry him. Off they go to Portland the very next day, by mule train and choo choo train, with her trapper father's blessing, to marry and get his teeth fixed (by a kindly dentist who had appreciated a fishing tip Kevin had given him). Thence on to Grant's Pass for a triumphant homecoming to learn that Garry Lord lives and that he had cracked the case on the illegal fisheries while Kevin had been fooling around in the woods. Kevin and his bride shop til they drop and then return to Solitude to live happily ever after (on the proceeds from the little gold mine that Beryl had been keeping secret).
Zane Grey had nineteenth century sensibilities but his writing about the Rogue River will always be up to date. The Rogue is a living, breathing entity in the novel. Living close to the Rogue and having had some experience with it I found the book more interesting than most readers might. My wife came close to drowning in the Rogue River, in a very easy section that Kevin and Garry could have run blindfolded. The Rogue takes a few souls every year as people make mistakes or get overconfident (the biggest mistake). Zane Grey got much of his material from the old timers who pioneered on the Rogue. A local interest book—A River to Run by Florence Arman and Glen Wooldridge gives insights into Zane Grey’s sources.
Glen Wooldridge was a local hero who was probably the first to run the wild and scenic part of the Rogue. He, in fact, was involved with blasting channels through the tougher sections so that certain areas did not require portage. He dynamited the by-pass around Rainie Falls which is an obvious obstacle to kayakers and fishermen, though I have sat on the edge of the falls and watched kayakers take a shot at it and survive. Much has changed since the fictional time in Rogue River Feud. Rafters and kayakers now need a permit to travel below Graves Bar to the ocean, for example. There are still many arguments to arbitrate. There are the jet boaters vs the drifters and floaters. There is controversy on how to deal with the proliferation of bears. There are always arguments about logging and salmon. The feud goes on.
We can thank Zane Grey for giving us a snapshot of a time on the Rogue River before Glen Wooldridge started running upstream in powerboats and before the river was clotted on a summer day with tour groups in rafts and kayaks.
December 15, 2023
I picked this up on a lark because I love the MASH TV show and Colonel Potter was always reading Zane Grey. This isn’t really a western as it’s set a bit late and in the mountains and rivers of the Northwest but it follows the standard tropes of redemption, love, dastardly villains doing villainy, etc. What a truly peaceful place to lose oneself for a while. The writing can seem a bit rough around the edges and dated but still, it pulls you a long with wonderful pacing and enough imagery to keep you longing to move out west and dissolve into the forests and mountains. Pretty much what you are looking for in escapism.
October 19, 2016
There is a war between gold miners in the Rouge River valley following World War I. A wounded Kevin Bell returns from the war in Europe and teams up with a fisherman to take advantage of the salmon fishing but finds no peace. An old fashioned family friendly book.
June 19, 2021
Zane Grey said that he felt the love of the wilderness and the beauty he found in nature is what informed his prose. I was knocked out by his descriptive powers. I am soon to raft the Rogue River that he talks about so lovingly in this tale. I will re-read the first chapter of the book when I return in hopes of capturing some of the magic of the “devious and deceitful river” in my own writing. The dialogue, a reflection of the time period, made me smile. Insights to the human psyche are deep and penetrating. I have not read Riders of the Purple Sage, or any of his many other award-winning novels that were made into films. I am pleased to discover the brilliance of this masterful author.
January 5, 2026
As far as Zane Grey's Westerns go, this one takes a marked deviation from the normal 'script' and scope of his works which I've previously encountered. The choice of post-WWI America as a setting advances the novel by three or four decades from Grey's usual focus, and the choice in protagonist also startles an experienced reader of his. The narrative structure works in an almost nesting doll fashion, with a first and second part, then resolution bringing both narratives together.
Keven Bell, a wounded veteran let down by the army and country that supposedly cared for him, returns home to a broken family and resentful townspeople of Grant's Pass. His choice to leave and work as a market fisherman is seemingly typical for one of these novels; as is the tension and conspiracy encountered in Gold Beach when he and his partner Garry Lord arrive there. The big cannery pushing the little independent fishermen around sets up a narrative that seems to place itself at the end of the Rogue River, and that will culminate in some kind of grand standoff or play at the end of the book.
What's missing from the story thus far is a woman. Grey's protagonists usually get the girl, and she normally shows up in the first few chapters. A counterfeit partner might be there in the beginning, but the issue is usually resolved by the penultimate chapter. Grey introduces a Rosamond Brandeth early in the work, but Kev never even speaks to her. The question of a partner for Kev remains in the air far longer than any previous Grey novel I've read, to its credit.
The novel at its climax sees Kev flee Gold Beach believing Garry dead and himself wanted for murder. He winds up at Solitude, a remote property well up the river from the coast, and there meets the woman in Beryl Aard. The previous feud between the cannery and independent fishermen is replaced with an oddly protracted lovers quarrel. This half of the novel sees Zane Grey's aptitude for the description of nature shine in a way not seen since the opening chapter.
The conclusion is really my only point of great criticism. Having deviated so significantly from the tone and scope of previous works, the decision to allow Keven a pie-in-the-sky ending seems incredibly out of place. Garry lived, married, cleared Keven's name, and ended the canneries conspiracy. Rosamond saw the error of her ways, and seeks to get back with Keven. His father who believes his son is dead is still there and in good health. The Aard's have a rich gold claim on their property. This lack of narrative friction robs the novel of a more complex and mature conclusion than it would lead me to expect from it; three stars.
Keven Bell, a wounded veteran let down by the army and country that supposedly cared for him, returns home to a broken family and resentful townspeople of Grant's Pass. His choice to leave and work as a market fisherman is seemingly typical for one of these novels; as is the tension and conspiracy encountered in Gold Beach when he and his partner Garry Lord arrive there. The big cannery pushing the little independent fishermen around sets up a narrative that seems to place itself at the end of the Rogue River, and that will culminate in some kind of grand standoff or play at the end of the book.
What's missing from the story thus far is a woman. Grey's protagonists usually get the girl, and she normally shows up in the first few chapters. A counterfeit partner might be there in the beginning, but the issue is usually resolved by the penultimate chapter. Grey introduces a Rosamond Brandeth early in the work, but Kev never even speaks to her. The question of a partner for Kev remains in the air far longer than any previous Grey novel I've read, to its credit.
The novel at its climax sees Kev flee Gold Beach believing Garry dead and himself wanted for murder. He winds up at Solitude, a remote property well up the river from the coast, and there meets the woman in Beryl Aard. The previous feud between the cannery and independent fishermen is replaced with an oddly protracted lovers quarrel. This half of the novel sees Zane Grey's aptitude for the description of nature shine in a way not seen since the opening chapter.
The conclusion is really my only point of great criticism. Having deviated so significantly from the tone and scope of previous works, the decision to allow Keven a pie-in-the-sky ending seems incredibly out of place. Garry lived, married, cleared Keven's name, and ended the canneries conspiracy. Rosamond saw the error of her ways, and seeks to get back with Keven. His father who believes his son is dead is still there and in good health. The Aard's have a rich gold claim on their property. This lack of narrative friction robs the novel of a more complex and mature conclusion than it would lead me to expect from it; three stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2025
I’m not always a Zane Grey fan. I picked up a couple of his books at a used book store. Some are definitely better than others and he got pretty jingoistic as he got older. And he was sexist but clearly believed women could be totally at home and skilled on ranches and in the wilderness.
When I was maybe 11 or 12 I found an old Zane Grey book laying around the house—it might have been given to my dad at some point or left behind by the house’s previous owners. But being omnivorous in my reading habits even then, I started reading it, fascinated by my first encounter with a “western”.
What you may not know is that Zane Grey’s books were also romances—the rough cowboy (or the weak Easterner who becomes manly by moving west and working hard) always fell in love and romance ensued amid misunderstandings—classic romance tropes. Adventure usually holds the plot together.
And, central for me, he writes the setting—the glorious western United States—with utter love and admiration and skill.
Also central—he is not racist. While his indigenous characters can be stereotyped in passing, those that share the plot are portrayed with respect and admiration and are not cut-outs. Their place on the land is never questioned although he clearly believes the west is there to be explored and used by white men. It’s a fine line but I also think that for the time of his writing, he was fairly enlightened, enough so that I can read him without disgust and with an understanding of his perspective. I don’t condone it but he was, as they say, a product of his time.
But after all this hemming and hawing, I will say I truly enjoyed this particular Zane Grey. His beautiful and exciting descriptions of the Rogue River and the Cascades brought them to life in my memory, having been lucky enough to live in the PNW for almost four years. The romance was lovely, and the adventure piece well done. Westerns are not just for guys.
When I was maybe 11 or 12 I found an old Zane Grey book laying around the house—it might have been given to my dad at some point or left behind by the house’s previous owners. But being omnivorous in my reading habits even then, I started reading it, fascinated by my first encounter with a “western”.
What you may not know is that Zane Grey’s books were also romances—the rough cowboy (or the weak Easterner who becomes manly by moving west and working hard) always fell in love and romance ensued amid misunderstandings—classic romance tropes. Adventure usually holds the plot together.
And, central for me, he writes the setting—the glorious western United States—with utter love and admiration and skill.
Also central—he is not racist. While his indigenous characters can be stereotyped in passing, those that share the plot are portrayed with respect and admiration and are not cut-outs. Their place on the land is never questioned although he clearly believes the west is there to be explored and used by white men. It’s a fine line but I also think that for the time of his writing, he was fairly enlightened, enough so that I can read him without disgust and with an understanding of his perspective. I don’t condone it but he was, as they say, a product of his time.
But after all this hemming and hawing, I will say I truly enjoyed this particular Zane Grey. His beautiful and exciting descriptions of the Rogue River and the Cascades brought them to life in my memory, having been lucky enough to live in the PNW for almost four years. The romance was lovely, and the adventure piece well done. Westerns are not just for guys.
September 3, 2018
I often read historical fiction, taking a look back in time at events from long ago. In this book, written in the 1920's, the authenticity is overwhelming. The characters are raw, from a time when a son can die 40 miles from home and his father is left to mourn his son with only rumors of his death. Where stories pass through towns as quickly as visitors do and grow as quickly as old wive's tales. Still, the compassion and companionship shared between Keven and Garry, two men broken by society and down on their luck, prepared them for the love they find with their brides. It's a love story, hidden in a book about fishing.
Even back in the 1020's, politics could be dirty. Here's the quote:
"But Garry, people can be awakened into revolt," expostulated Keven.
"Kev, by thunder, you're a pard (partner) to be proud of," sang out Garry, as if wrenched by a poignant fact. "You've got no call to be fightin' for ideals. You gave your strength, your health, your eyesight - an' fer what? Your good name was ruined by a potbellied slacker of a politics-made major... Yet you stand up an' fight fer the right!... An' all this - the thing that you are - makes me feel you'll come out on the top at least. Otherwise, there ain't no good, no justice, no hope on this green earth."
Even back in the 1020's, politics could be dirty. Here's the quote:
"But Garry, people can be awakened into revolt," expostulated Keven.
"Kev, by thunder, you're a pard (partner) to be proud of," sang out Garry, as if wrenched by a poignant fact. "You've got no call to be fightin' for ideals. You gave your strength, your health, your eyesight - an' fer what? Your good name was ruined by a potbellied slacker of a politics-made major... Yet you stand up an' fight fer the right!... An' all this - the thing that you are - makes me feel you'll come out on the top at least. Otherwise, there ain't no good, no justice, no hope on this green earth."
August 16, 2025
Durng a recent rafting trip on the Rogue River, one of our tour guides mentioned this book when we passed Zane Grey's Writing Cabin. I picked it up from the library when I got back home.
If I had not been on the Rogue River, I doubt I would have had any interest in this book. I really enjoyed knowing the towns mentioned in this story, such as Grant's Pass, Galice, Illahe and Agness. It was much easier to imagine the scenery that the author described since I had been there only a few weeks earlier. Additionally, I enjoyed seeing how life was in this area in the 1920's before it modernized.
Overall, the story held enough of my interest, but it was not especially exciting. Perhaps I am the wrong audience in the wrong time period. Following the plight of Keven Bell, the protagonist, was highlight of the story for me. Reading all of details of nature and fishing did not captivate me that much.
After reading a brief overview of Zane Grey, I can see that he does write about what he knows: the Rogue River, fishing, and dentistry.
I don't have any inclination to read any more books by this author. This was a one time event since his book took place on the same river I just took a rafting trip on.
If I had not been on the Rogue River, I doubt I would have had any interest in this book. I really enjoyed knowing the towns mentioned in this story, such as Grant's Pass, Galice, Illahe and Agness. It was much easier to imagine the scenery that the author described since I had been there only a few weeks earlier. Additionally, I enjoyed seeing how life was in this area in the 1920's before it modernized.
Overall, the story held enough of my interest, but it was not especially exciting. Perhaps I am the wrong audience in the wrong time period. Following the plight of Keven Bell, the protagonist, was highlight of the story for me. Reading all of details of nature and fishing did not captivate me that much.
After reading a brief overview of Zane Grey, I can see that he does write about what he knows: the Rogue River, fishing, and dentistry.
I don't have any inclination to read any more books by this author. This was a one time event since his book took place on the same river I just took a rafting trip on.
March 6, 2021
Although I like the concept of this story, the storytelling itself was a problem for me. Between the racist remarks and treatment of women in general, I wasn't a fan.
This story follows Keven. Although he signed up for the war, he never made it there. He was terribly injured and somewhat disfigured in an accident during training. Back in his home town, he finds the girl he was supposed to marry is running around with a man who has spread malicious gossip about him.
Keven decides to take off up the river and fish for a living. He takes on a partner, and things go haywire from there. When circumstances send Keven on the run, he winds up in a place called Solitude with a girl named Beryl and her father. Although, he remembers her father, somehow, he doesn't recall Beryl. He doesn't remember leading her on in the love department several summers prior, or the fact that she believed that he loved her.
The story becomes implausible, to say the least, and things drag on. Keven's mindset changes on a dime, and things unravel in all kinds of unbelievable directions.
I gave this one star. I struggled to finish it. The story could have been beautifully written. In my opinion, it wasn't.
This story follows Keven. Although he signed up for the war, he never made it there. He was terribly injured and somewhat disfigured in an accident during training. Back in his home town, he finds the girl he was supposed to marry is running around with a man who has spread malicious gossip about him.
Keven decides to take off up the river and fish for a living. He takes on a partner, and things go haywire from there. When circumstances send Keven on the run, he winds up in a place called Solitude with a girl named Beryl and her father. Although, he remembers her father, somehow, he doesn't recall Beryl. He doesn't remember leading her on in the love department several summers prior, or the fact that she believed that he loved her.
The story becomes implausible, to say the least, and things drag on. Keven's mindset changes on a dime, and things unravel in all kinds of unbelievable directions.
I gave this one star. I struggled to finish it. The story could have been beautifully written. In my opinion, it wasn't.
June 18, 2019
Just finished Zane Grey's "Rogue River Feud." Great book! I actually expected a "cowboy western" but got a great adventure story with a love story thrown in to boot. It was a come back kid story, and a great fly-fishing story too.
I grew up as a kid in the Rogue River area. I haven't lived there in nearly 40 years. It was great to read this historical fiction surrounding an area I grew up around and loved. It really carried me back to my childhood.
If you can't tell, I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it.
I grew up as a kid in the Rogue River area. I haven't lived there in nearly 40 years. It was great to read this historical fiction surrounding an area I grew up around and loved. It really carried me back to my childhood.
If you can't tell, I really enjoyed this book and would certainly recommend it.
July 16, 2023
No writer of popular fiction does a better job describing the beauty and wildness of natural landscapes than does Zane Grey. He also does an incomparable job of describing what it's like to experience the wild.
That said, I like his earlier books better than his later books. This book features a man seriously injured while training to go to France to fight in the Great War. (He spends two years in an army hospital and loses most of his memory.) Instead of cattle ranching we have fishing. There's a bromance and romance, and bad guys get their due. It was fine.
That said, I like his earlier books better than his later books. This book features a man seriously injured while training to go to France to fight in the Great War. (He spends two years in an army hospital and loses most of his memory.) Instead of cattle ranching we have fishing. There's a bromance and romance, and bad guys get their due. It was fine.
September 25, 2017
As usual, a great story by Zane. His insight into the feelings and emotions of his characters let us truly be part of the story. His narrative about the landscape helps us feel like we're there. I will never tire of his stories and read everyone at least twice
Characters let us know them intimately. His discription of the landscape puts y o ur m i nd there. I have read everyone of his books at least twice.
Characters let us know them intimately. His discription of the landscape puts y o ur m i nd there. I have read everyone of his books at least twice.
February 2, 2019
ZANE GRAY. The master story teller.
Every time I finish one of Zane Grays books I start looking forward to the next one. It's no different with Rogur River Feud. When I was young my father (a Marine Seargent that fought at Inchan) had a complete collection of Zane Grzy's books. I read all of them. Now that I'm older I'vd returned to them, just as I have to the bible. I can't get enough of either one.
Every time I finish one of Zane Grays books I start looking forward to the next one. It's no different with Rogur River Feud. When I was young my father (a Marine Seargent that fought at Inchan) had a complete collection of Zane Grzy's books. I read all of them. Now that I'm older I'vd returned to them, just as I have to the bible. I can't get enough of either one.
November 12, 2020
This was not your typical western by Zane Grey. It involved very little cowboys or your typical old west theme. It gave me another side of the old west with the fishing industry in the Northwest. I enjoyed the story and the Pride within the story. I could tell the love of fishing by the author in the story and how he revealed his life as a dentist within the story.
It is a good story with lots of drama and a happy ending. I would recommend this book to everyone.
It is a good story with lots of drama and a happy ending. I would recommend this book to everyone.
May 23, 2021
No le recomiendo a nadie esta novela.
En la primera mitad del libro, es confusa la narración, los personajes son poco interesantes y la historia es aburrida. Tardé varios días en llegar hasta la mitad del puto libro.
En la segunda mitad, Zane Grey finalmente le da rumbo a la historia, como si recién pudiera controlar su propio estilo narrativo. La historia engancha rápidamente, el estilo de escritura es ágil y el romance principal es interesante. Además, tiene final feliz.
En la primera mitad del libro, es confusa la narración, los personajes son poco interesantes y la historia es aburrida. Tardé varios días en llegar hasta la mitad del puto libro.
En la segunda mitad, Zane Grey finalmente le da rumbo a la historia, como si recién pudiera controlar su propio estilo narrativo. La historia engancha rápidamente, el estilo de escritura es ágil y el romance principal es interesante. Además, tiene final feliz.
July 14, 2017
Romance and intrigue
Zane has a way of writing that will fill you with hope and fears, laughs and tears. Clean good reading that is relaxing and refreshing. Plot that thickens until you can not put down the book. Tragedy that has a fuller liking at the end. Hope you enjoy it as well as I did.
Zane has a way of writing that will fill you with hope and fears, laughs and tears. Clean good reading that is relaxing and refreshing. Plot that thickens until you can not put down the book. Tragedy that has a fuller liking at the end. Hope you enjoy it as well as I did.
January 10, 2019
Very Enjoyable Reading
I’ve read many of Zane Grey’s novels over the years and have found each to be enjoyable reading. Each is written in a relatable style and with sufficient detail which allows the reader to place him or herself into the story, the location or situation. The time spent reading Zane Grey for me is time well spent!
I’ve read many of Zane Grey’s novels over the years and have found each to be enjoyable reading. Each is written in a relatable style and with sufficient detail which allows the reader to place him or herself into the story, the location or situation. The time spent reading Zane Grey for me is time well spent!
June 12, 2020
Inspired by a visit to Gray’s Rogue River Cabin in the Rogue wilderness, I picked up this book, which turns out to be a terrific page turner full of Southern Oregon adventure, expert nature and Romance. Gray really knows the area. —I live here —and his fishing. Some of the dialogue is clunky, but it’s a really good book.
November 21, 2017
Spellbinding and riviting
Zane Grey has always been one of my favorite writers. Have been reading his books since I was a young boy in the 1950's. I had never read this book but like all written by Zane I loved it and hard to put down. Not all shoot em up, bang bang but real life.
Zane Grey has always been one of my favorite writers. Have been reading his books since I was a young boy in the 1950's. I had never read this book but like all written by Zane I loved it and hard to put down. Not all shoot em up, bang bang but real life.
April 9, 2018
One Great Read
A great read, this is definitely one Zane Grey's best novels, although I'm partial to most of his writings. Love his descriptions of the mountains and rivers, of all that he wrote concerning the natural world.
A great read, this is definitely one Zane Grey's best novels, although I'm partial to most of his writings. Love his descriptions of the mountains and rivers, of all that he wrote concerning the natural world.
October 10, 2019
A young man injured in training for WW1 returns home seriously
Impaired to family, friends, and through many trials and tribulations is rehabilitated, healed in body and soul, and United with old and new friends, plus a beautiful wife.
Impaired to family, friends, and through many trials and tribulations is rehabilitated, healed in body and soul, and United with old and new friends, plus a beautiful wife.
September 7, 2021
This book is an extremely fast read, and ZG’s passion for Southern Oregon shines in the way he describes every twist and turn of the Rogue River. A fine example of his writing, and my favorite of his so far.
December 28, 2024
My first Zane Grey. He’s a mix of Norman Maclean and Louis L’Amour, and I love it. Grey’s talent is in his description. It’s a lot, but I never felt bogged down or like I was slogging through. 4 stars because the romance was kinda blah and it took up the second half of the book.
September 10, 2025
Excellent
I don't give 5 stars very often, but this is great. It doesn't hurt that I'm an Oregonian and familiar with the places in this book. That always adds a lot of fun. But it was an exciting book and a great story.
I don't give 5 stars very often, but this is great. It doesn't hurt that I'm an Oregonian and familiar with the places in this book. That always adds a lot of fun. But it was an exciting book and a great story.
December 14, 2025
One great read!!!
This is a great read!! I thought it a little slow at first but don't let it fool you it really is a great read!! It has a great story line with a great ending, so keep reading its well worth it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did!!!
This is a great read!! I thought it a little slow at first but don't let it fool you it really is a great read!! It has a great story line with a great ending, so keep reading its well worth it. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I did!!!
September 13, 2017
Great love story
I have loved Zane Gray since I was a child. Now, many years later my love persists. I am an ardent reader of 74 years.
I have loved Zane Gray since I was a child. Now, many years later my love persists. I am an ardent reader of 74 years.
December 23, 2017
For a more modern day western:
One of the best __but what would you expect from mister Gray!! Just read one his books an I'm sure you'll agree.
One of the best __but what would you expect from mister Gray!! Just read one his books an I'm sure you'll agree.
December 28, 2017
Wow,
A wonderful work of art. I have read a bout six books by this author, to date this is one of his best work. I greatly enjoyed it.
A wonderful work of art. I have read a bout six books by this author, to date this is one of his best work. I greatly enjoyed it.
February 2, 2019
Another big favorite.
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