1 / 3White River Crossing — historical novel by Ian McGuire
White River Crossing is Ian McGuire’s historical novel about a perilous search for gold in the sub-Arctic Canadian wilderness in 1766. The expedition brings European prospectors and Indigenous guides into conflict, with violence and colonial overreach shaping its journey.
At a glance
- A fictional gold-seeking expedition travels north from a Hudson Bay Company outpost in the winter of 1766.
- The story centres on prospectors, Indigenous guides and the consequences of colonial arrogance and violence.
- The listing describes a stark wilderness setting and includes sexual violence and graphic injury.
Reference price: £20.00
Price checked: 12 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Its historical setting and expedition premise combine wilderness adventure with colonial conflict.
- The plot follows several expedition members, including factor Magnus Norton and first mate Thomas Hearn.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Scribner UK |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 12 Feb. 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 352 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 139850503X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1398505032 |
| Weight listed | 500 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.3 x 2.5 x 23.4 cm |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes graphic violence, including sexual violence and a detailed amputation, which may not suit readers seeking a less confronting historical novel.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of historical fiction set in the eighteenth century.
- Readers interested in wilderness expeditions and encounters between Indigenous and European worlds.
- Fans of the author’s The North Water.
Less suited to
- Readers who want to avoid depictions of sexual violence, brutality or graphic injury.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
47% 47% - 4 stars
36% 36% - 3 stars
13% 13% - 2 stars
3% 3% - 1 star
1% 1%
Customer feedback evidence supplied here contains aggregate ratings only, not a review summary or individual comments. The distribution leans towards four- and five-star ratings, while a smaller share falls in the middle and lower categories. This offers a broad, mixed-positive signal but does not establish what readers praised or criticised, or whether their views relate to the novel’s historical setting, violence or themes.
Frequently asked questions
What is White River Crossing about?
In 1766, a Hudson Bay Company factor leads a secret expedition north to find gold. The journey brings prospectors and Indigenous guides into conflict, with violence and difficult choices shaping what follows.
What themes and content should readers expect?
The listing describes colonial overreach, violence and sexual violence, as well as a harsh sub-Arctic setting. It also mentions a graphic amputation.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 352 pages.
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