A compassionate, forceful and profoundly moving revelation

[T]here are gems of impassioned writing quilted within this ambitious cross-cultural novel of loss and reconciliation

Epic and frequently astonishing

Crossing the River is dense with event and ingeniously structured. It requires concentration and is worth it

An ambitious exploration of oppression, loss and reconciliation that employs a collage of styles and ranges across continents and centuries

[Phillips is] a master ventriloquist, giving immediacy and voice to an impressive range of vivid characters about whom the reader cares deeply... Wonderfully individual

Caryl Phillips' exploration of the relations betweeen black and white is nuanced, humane and sypathetic. And his deep awareness of the historical process is combined with an exceptionally intelligent prose style - clear, unencumbered and compassionate

A work of the highest literary quality...only a master craftsman could bring a novel so smoothly and devastatingly full circle

Rare...exquisite...a cameo-like perfection

Speaks volumes about heroism and the human condition... A taut, page-turning narrative

Ingenious