The Secret River (Rawlings book)

The Secret River is a historical novel by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, published posthumously in 1955. The book tells the story of Calpurnia, an imaginative and adventurous young girl living in the Florida backwoods during the late 19th century. When her family faces economic hardship due to a blight affecting their orange crop, Calpurnia embarks on a quest to find a mythical "secret river" rumored to hold untapped riches. The river, believed to be filled with fish and ideal for starting a prosperous business, becomes a symbol of hope and resilience for Calpurnia and her community.

Rawlings, known for her vivid depictions of Florida's landscape and its people in works like The Yearling, infuses The Secret River with similar themes of nature, survival, and the importance of community. While intended for a younger audience than some of her other works, The Secret River explores complex themes of hardship, perseverance, and the power of imagination in the face of adversity. The novel is celebrated for its richly detailed descriptions of the Florida wilderness and its portrayal of a resourceful and independent young protagonist.