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In the Hope of Rising Again
Growing up in a family consisting of a Confederate veteran father, an emotionally distant mother, and four self-centered brothers, Regina Morrow finds her Depression-era adulthood challenged by her unstable husband, the death of a child, and her family's financial ruin. A first novel. 30,000 first printing.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 19, 2011
Helen Scully's prose is lush and fluid, like the flood waters of the Mississippi. She sweeps you through three generations of the Riant family, from the golden days of the Civil War hero founder through its decline and rebirth in the midst of the Great Depression. One book jacket blurb describes this novel as "Southern Gothic," and the prose does have a dreamy, decadent quality. At times I found the story depressing but appreciated its proto-feminist ending. One can only wonder how much was inspired by events in the lives of the author's own family.
From page 33: "She felt a surge of power as she focused on the empty road, and its vision on this particular morning made a print in her mind. Soon she would strike out; great things awaited her, travel and love -- the courageous search. Where would it take her in this life? ... As she turned and stalked back through the sweet stirrings of the garden, she felt an urge to expose herself alongside the flowers, but knew she could not, not yet. Suddenly violent, she lashed with her new parasol against the elephant ears in her path. Then, sap on her shoes and in the webs of her fingers, moth wings in her hair, she returned by the same routes through the dark and chilly downstairs, sipping cold black coffee until sick and unable to sit still, waiting for the house to wake."
From page 311: "None could guess where Imogene's search had taken her, but by then the heat had gotten to all of their heads. No behavior seemed out of the ordinary. That was the season, hotter and hotter, the season of blueberries, plums, thunderstorms, storm drains overflowing with the smell of swamp, shutters closed against the sun."
From page 33: "She felt a surge of power as she focused on the empty road, and its vision on this particular morning made a print in her mind. Soon she would strike out; great things awaited her, travel and love -- the courageous search. Where would it take her in this life? ... As she turned and stalked back through the sweet stirrings of the garden, she felt an urge to expose herself alongside the flowers, but knew she could not, not yet. Suddenly violent, she lashed with her new parasol against the elephant ears in her path. Then, sap on her shoes and in the webs of her fingers, moth wings in her hair, she returned by the same routes through the dark and chilly downstairs, sipping cold black coffee until sick and unable to sit still, waiting for the house to wake."
From page 311: "None could guess where Imogene's search had taken her, but by then the heat had gotten to all of their heads. No behavior seemed out of the ordinary. That was the season, hotter and hotter, the season of blueberries, plums, thunderstorms, storm drains overflowing with the smell of swamp, shutters closed against the sun."
May 24, 2015
Hmm. Most of the book was enjoyable Southern Gothic....Old South Mobile, AL pre and post Depression. The 4 shiftless brothers and the aging mother were terrific characters. But it never went anywhere; they didn't so much "rise again" from the Depression as much as they just sat around. I expected expected the main character to grow in strength throughout the book...but not so much. A disappointing ending.
December 20, 2014
I was so looking forward to this book but it really lacked a lot. Scully isn't great with the time~jumping around a lot, not as engaging as I thought it would be. Too many things going on and too many characters for my taste.
March 13, 2013
This created a realistic story but that's about all the good I can say. It had no excitement and the scene and characters were very bland. Nothing jumped off the page through the entire thing.
September 12, 2013
Boring overall. The author turns some nice phrases here and there and speaks to some universal truths, but the plot is flat and it jumps back & forth in a way that is confusing at times.
November 23, 2013
Nothing mind-blowing here. The main character persevered, adapted and behaved dependably with honor and generosity. The only action, which begins around page 180, is death.
What I enjoyed most was insight into Southern living during the Depression, and the positive growth of Louisa. Camilla's change was sad and unexpected, but very human and understandable.
The novel is well-written for the most part.
The author tended to tell you what happened, then jump back in time to the event. The father dies, then you find out the details and how the family dealt with it. The husband dies, and the same occurs. Some of these time jumps are clear, while others - unless meant to be figurative - appear to be mistaken:
Page 285 - "Several years had passed..."
But the girls were still in school:
Page 296 - "School was out and Isabel and Anna spent their days..."
In the following instance, there was not even a flashback or time jump, but a continuous flow of time.
Page 233 - "It was 1934."
Page 246 - "Camilla left early one morning in the middle of january 1934..."
I appreciated how the author helped us gauge the passing years, but the errors were distractingly confusing.
Do publishers still employ editors? (I hear they don't seem to care about the quality of their Kindle publications...)
Page 80 - "A week later, on November 25, 1918, two weeks after Armistice Day, Colonel Riant passed on..."
Page 99 - "...Camilla arrived with the trunks in mid-December and was amazed at the state of the house on Government - not even a year after the Colonel's death."
The author works so hard to make the four brothers interchangeable that she seems to get them wrong herself. In this example, she appears to confuse the role of Louis.
Page 181 - "Louis patted Peter's knee. 'Be quiet, Peter,' he advised. 'You're smashed. And the rest of you listen to me. I ran into Deek at the post office. They're organizing a pool around Commonwealth Edison.'
As soon as it was out of his mouth, all but George - who asked, 'Who's Deek?'-exploded with derision.
'That news is older than the Bible, brother!' whooped Louis."
There were some good quotes I've kept.
What I enjoyed most was insight into Southern living during the Depression, and the positive growth of Louisa. Camilla's change was sad and unexpected, but very human and understandable.
The novel is well-written for the most part.
The author tended to tell you what happened, then jump back in time to the event. The father dies, then you find out the details and how the family dealt with it. The husband dies, and the same occurs. Some of these time jumps are clear, while others - unless meant to be figurative - appear to be mistaken:
Page 285 - "Several years had passed..."
But the girls were still in school:
Page 296 - "School was out and Isabel and Anna spent their days..."
In the following instance, there was not even a flashback or time jump, but a continuous flow of time.
Page 233 - "It was 1934."
Page 246 - "Camilla left early one morning in the middle of january 1934..."
I appreciated how the author helped us gauge the passing years, but the errors were distractingly confusing.
Do publishers still employ editors? (I hear they don't seem to care about the quality of their Kindle publications...)
Page 80 - "A week later, on November 25, 1918, two weeks after Armistice Day, Colonel Riant passed on..."
Page 99 - "...Camilla arrived with the trunks in mid-December and was amazed at the state of the house on Government - not even a year after the Colonel's death."
The author works so hard to make the four brothers interchangeable that she seems to get them wrong herself. In this example, she appears to confuse the role of Louis.
Page 181 - "Louis patted Peter's knee. 'Be quiet, Peter,' he advised. 'You're smashed. And the rest of you listen to me. I ran into Deek at the post office. They're organizing a pool around Commonwealth Edison.'
As soon as it was out of his mouth, all but George - who asked, 'Who's Deek?'-exploded with derision.
'That news is older than the Bible, brother!' whooped Louis."
There were some good quotes I've kept.
May 13, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this novel.
The careful slowness of the prose reflects the slow, steady heat of summers in the south, and even the easy melody of a southern dialect. (Speaking as a northerner, this is my take on southern dialect, anyway ;) ) The moments of stillness and lingering didn't bother me at all; but I suppose if I was looking for lots of action, I'd read the Hunger Games.
The characters in this novel hope to rise again, but it is debatable whether or not they truly do. There are no huge twists and turns in this story; but in this way Scully faithfully keeps to realistic scenarios that might actually happen. In the Hope of Rising Again portrays the flaws, complexities, failings, and mysteries of the ordinary human being. This is a work of fiction which actually captures the truth of human life, even with its ordinariness and moments of stillness.
If you like southern gothic literature and don't mind beautifully drawn out moments, then In the Hope of Rising Again by Helen Scully might be the book for you.
The careful slowness of the prose reflects the slow, steady heat of summers in the south, and even the easy melody of a southern dialect. (Speaking as a northerner, this is my take on southern dialect, anyway ;) ) The moments of stillness and lingering didn't bother me at all; but I suppose if I was looking for lots of action, I'd read the Hunger Games.
The characters in this novel hope to rise again, but it is debatable whether or not they truly do. There are no huge twists and turns in this story; but in this way Scully faithfully keeps to realistic scenarios that might actually happen. In the Hope of Rising Again portrays the flaws, complexities, failings, and mysteries of the ordinary human being. This is a work of fiction which actually captures the truth of human life, even with its ordinariness and moments of stillness.
If you like southern gothic literature and don't mind beautifully drawn out moments, then In the Hope of Rising Again by Helen Scully might be the book for you.
December 30, 2019
This was a random book I picked up from the library. It was interesting--not what I expected. I expected there to be more of a plot. I kept waiting for it, but it never happened. Characters passed through--in and out; I guess like a person's life. It was more a book that I read for the character development and the prose. I do wish it had more of a central message, story, or just poignancy in general. Probably would not recommend it. It was cool, though, that it was set in Mobile, and I ended up going to Mobile while I was reading it...
July 2, 2024
Regina is the daughter of a wealthy Confederate Colonel, who dotes on her, and a distant mother. The story unfolds after the Civil War, as Regina marries Charles, has children, and endures hardships, including the effects of The Great Depression on her once idyllic life. This is an impressive debut novel.
April 2, 2016
169th: IN THE HOPE OF RISING AGAIN
Chosen By: Cheryl
Trivia Winner - Millenia
~COVE OPINION: C-, Below average story
We discuss the book in the 49th episode of our Cove podcast - listen in!
Chosen By: Cheryl
Trivia Winner - Millenia
~COVE OPINION: C-, Below average story
We discuss the book in the 49th episode of our Cove podcast - listen in!
September 3, 2007
It wasn't written badly, but it felt pointless and uninspired.
April 27, 2010
Although the author is very talented and paints very clear pictures of historically rich times, this book is tragic and bizarre and lacking in a redeeming purpose.
September 24, 2011
Boring, boring, boring. I couldn't finish it.
August 7, 2011
inconsistent. lots of whiny rich people making their problems seem bigger than they are. dug the last chapter though.
May 12, 2012
It was boring. I mean it was a great concept, but I guess it just was not for me. So if you like this book more power to you.
December 21, 2014
Couldn't finish.
Always trust the Goodreads ratings....
Always trust the Goodreads ratings....
September 4, 2025
Beautifully written, the story of centered on Regina Morrow (née Riant) of the Riant family, whose patriarch Colonel Riant passes early in the novel from cancer. Regina is devotedly tending to his needs in the infirmary as a dutiful daughter. She herself falls in love with Charles Morrow, but their marriage is besotted by his alcoholism, his inability to stick with any business venture that makes money, and his gradual decline.
The most striking aspect of the novel is its language, at times lugubriously beautiful, at times straight to the point. The writing garners strong sensations of Southern landscapes. The subtle interactions between the matriarch Regina and her (Black) attendant Camilla are celebrated, though underlying tensions creep up and once in a while they explode in a seething rage of resentment and fury, highlighting the underlying racist mores of the times. But the bonding over activities seen as belonging to the sphere of women (sewing, reading, and making food (there's a nice scene of making gumbo)) brings some amount of joy to the reader in the midst of the more depressing material.
The back half of the novel is set during the Great Depression, as the Riant family (primarily the group of older brothers who while away the time and make bad investments) steadily loses their fortune, as does everyone around them.
Regina eventually finds grace later on; new relationships between far-flung relatives are formed.
The novel is a sort of testament to the power of women's solidarity when the men in their lives haven't lived up to the promises they made.
I did wish at times that there were more "highlight" plot points that would create more drama to the narrative.
I also wish that the author has written more books, as this seems to be the only one written.
The most striking aspect of the novel is its language, at times lugubriously beautiful, at times straight to the point. The writing garners strong sensations of Southern landscapes. The subtle interactions between the matriarch Regina and her (Black) attendant Camilla are celebrated, though underlying tensions creep up and once in a while they explode in a seething rage of resentment and fury, highlighting the underlying racist mores of the times. But the bonding over activities seen as belonging to the sphere of women (sewing, reading, and making food (there's a nice scene of making gumbo)) brings some amount of joy to the reader in the midst of the more depressing material.
The back half of the novel is set during the Great Depression, as the Riant family (primarily the group of older brothers who while away the time and make bad investments) steadily loses their fortune, as does everyone around them.
Regina eventually finds grace later on; new relationships between far-flung relatives are formed.
The novel is a sort of testament to the power of women's solidarity when the men in their lives haven't lived up to the promises they made.
I did wish at times that there were more "highlight" plot points that would create more drama to the narrative.
I also wish that the author has written more books, as this seems to be the only one written.
July 14, 2017
The writing is very awkward and stilted. Did not enjoy it, although I did finish it. I wouldn't recommend it.
October 6, 2018
It was a good coming of age story.
March 15, 2021
Only finished this book because it was a book club selection. It was terrible. A bunch of self centered unlikeable characters with not much plot. Don’t waste your time reading this one.
March 24, 2021
Not much historical insight. Kind of like a soap opera.
April 17, 2022
Kept waiting for a plot that never happened. Don’t waste your time. At least it helped me hone my speed reading skills. Kept rushing forward trying to find the plot.
April 20, 2020
While I didn't love this book, it was a decent first novel. Ms. Scully really is a good writer, but the characters fell a little flat for me. Not flat...just perpetually bored. Even when things around them were happening, such as the death of a child, then a husband, fires, the great depression, Regina and company seemed so lifeless.
Time was also a problem for me. It was difficult to decipher how much time had passed between some chapters. Months to a few years could have passed, I wasn't really sure. Now, I'm not going to summarize the story since others here have, but the idea of it was appealing to me, however, in the end, I was just in a constant state of boredom with it.
Overall, not a bad read. It's not that I didn't like it, it's just that it feels like nothing really happens, though things do. It was interesting to read about the rise and fall and semi-rise again of a southern family in the early 1900s, but there was a blandness about it. I don't recommend this, nor do I think people should abstain from it...it's just one of those books that you read solely to pass the time.
Time was also a problem for me. It was difficult to decipher how much time had passed between some chapters. Months to a few years could have passed, I wasn't really sure. Now, I'm not going to summarize the story since others here have, but the idea of it was appealing to me, however, in the end, I was just in a constant state of boredom with it.
Overall, not a bad read. It's not that I didn't like it, it's just that it feels like nothing really happens, though things do. It was interesting to read about the rise and fall and semi-rise again of a southern family in the early 1900s, but there was a blandness about it. I don't recommend this, nor do I think people should abstain from it...it's just one of those books that you read solely to pass the time.
February 12, 2009
So a bit of a 'gone with the wind'-ish story about post Civil War life, which was interesting but predictable. The entire story revolved around rebuilding after civil and social unrest of the war... a somewhat interesting look at how the 'haves' reacted to not having. I did find it frustrating at times as one caught glimpse of the spoiled social elite of the south. Somehow, the copy I had was an advance copy, so it was loaded with typos... there in itself interesting but also quite frustrating.
January 30, 2010
This book was pretty good, but the start makes one think it's all about Charles Morrow and his wife, but that's only the beginning. A good portion of the book is about Regina's parents. I enjoyed it when I read it, but two weeks later, it isn't that memorable.
November 4, 2015
I would never compare Scully to Alice Munro. While I read the whole book there were glaring historical inaccuracies which were off setting. I ended up not caring particularly for any of the characters...
September 15, 2016
The timeline jumped around too much. Not only was it chapter to chapter, but eventually paragraph to paragraph. The only reason I could come up with for this to be the case was if all the characters were going crazy, but I didn't make it far enough to find out.
February 27, 2008
I'm still reading this...I hope it picks up hope a little bit. Right now seems sad and looking for a purpose.
June 14, 2012
I was impressed by the writing of this first time author. It is a story of perseverance and hope, and how life is just plain hard.
June 29, 2013
I enjoyed this.. I do like historical novels. Not a significant story just a life and its ups and downs.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews