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The Galway Chronicles #4
All Rivers To The Sea
Western Ireland rejoiced in October 1844 because the potato crop was the best it had been. But by the next year, the Irish would see the potato blight destroy the crops and thousands will die of starvation. Soon a great migration to America would begin as the hopelessness of the situation finally sinks in. In this fourth and final book of the Galway Chronicles, the story of Kate, Joseph, and the inhabitants of the village of Ballyknockanor continues with Joseph's dramatic return to his estate and the beginning of the terrible years of the Irish potato famine.
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First published December 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
August 12, 2022
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June 20, 2015
The ending was hard. There was so much tribulation for the main characters in the story. Honestly, I wanted a neater, more happy ending, but the truth of it is that there probably weren't happier endings to be expected than the one written. This one was the hardest in the series for me to read, because I kept holding out hope things would end even better. Great series, but be prepared to feel the gravity of history weighing sadly on you as you finish. Easy to read, but not necessarily an easy read. Worth it, though as the characters are beautifully written.
January 6, 2012
I've not yet met a Bodie Thoene book I didn't like! The style/language of the book feels very authentically Irish, and the historical aspects factual. Combined with a very engaging storyline and characters, it was just lovely.
April 11, 2024
The last chapter of a brilliant series. (5 stars)
If you have not read the three previous entries in “The Galway Chronicles” series, you simply must read them first. But if you who have read them, you will not want to miss “All Rivers to the Sea”, the immensely satisfying conclusion to the series.
The novel commences where volume three left off, with newlyweds Joseph and Kate separated by adversity, and Kate expecting their first child. But there is hardship on both fronts. Away in London, Joseph finds his life threatened by murderers. At home in Ireland, Kate suffers the agony of the death of her own child. When Joseph and Kate are finally reunited, their suffering continues in the form of a potato blight which destroys the food supply of their staple produce, results in more suffering, pain and death. Even Joseph and Kate’s marriage relationship is strained by sorrow and misunderstanding.
In “All Rivers to the Sea” the Thoenes not only portray the suffering of Joseph and Kate Burke, but also that of another family told in a sub-plot: the Grogan family. Suffering is epitomized in the Grogan family when they are cast out of their home, totally destitute. Daniel Grogan first suffers the loss of his wife, and then is forced to place his children in a workhouse. The horror of the workhouses is painted with stark reality, demonstrating the heartbreak of impoverished parents faced with death, and forced to part with their children by placing them in workhouses, where they suffered under the “charity” of a corrupt state church (p.117).
The only light in the darkness is that one child of the Grogan family enters the Burke home. But even this is shadowed with darkness, because it occurs in a manner that has overtones of the birth of Moses (with the older sister watching the cast out child) and the birth of Jesus (with the family not finding room in the “inn” - in this case, shepherds).
This is no coincidence, because the Thoenes make a strong connection between the suffering of believers and the suffering of Christ. Kate reminds herself that the scars of suffering “make you more like Him” (p.185), and some hungry children with simple childlike faith state that they must eat “The bread of Christ ... the bread of suffering.” (p.199). And when the suffering are cast out of their homeland, they are reminded by angels “Remember Christ the Savior, the child for whom there was no room!” (p.302). The only flaw here is that Kate incorrectly insists that suffering must not be accepted as God’s will (p.163), although what she means by this is correct: Don’t be passive in suffering, but “Pray instead for a clear eye and a firm plan to bring your people relief. Work hard to make this hard life better for as many as you can.” (p.163).
Reflecting on the series as a whole, there is room for some criticism. Mad Molly’s prophetic rantings based on what she hears from the angels is creative, but it wrongly gives credence to a form of divine revelation outside of the Word. The positive portrayal of Catholicism is certainly rooted in history, but I could not help but wonder whether it is also rooted in a contemporary spirit of ecumenism, because the very real doctrinal divergencies between Protestants and Catholics was conveniently overlooked.
But these weaknesses aside, this is a series that excels in most departments. The story-telling is flowing, convincing, suspenseful, displaying a real craft with words, and a genuinely gripping style that is difficult to put down. The historical setting is depicted with startling realism, and although the glimpse into Irish history was at times troubling and frightening, it was accurate. As the authors note in the epilogue, the potato famine in the 1840s was one of the most horrific disasters in Irish history, as nearly one million perished of starvation and disease and another one and a half million emigrated – fully one-third – of the Irish race at the time. But above all, the themes are not shallow, but reflect a very honest picture of what it means to be a Christian in a world of sin and suffering.
This theme is especially clear in “All Rivers to the Sea,” as evidenced in the significance of the title. Mad Molly says prophetically “We’ll none of us survive! The river flows, don’t ye know? It carried off man and beast, grass and flower, to the sea. Always to the sea! It’s over for us.” (p.153) Joseph later explains: “Life is about people, and not about things or places or land. A river that rises in the mountains only to die in a bog is a sad, useless thing, Martin. We must be like the stream that bursts through all dams and finds its way to the sea. To a new life in a new way.” (p.270-1) And the angels admonish at the end: “Remember the River from whence you came! Remember the Sea which all are bound to cross one day!” (p.302)
At the end of the novel there is some taste of justice and redemption. Yet the bitter taste of suffering remains, forcing Joseph and Kate and the people of Ballynockanor to take drastic measures to ensure their ongoing survival. With the last chapter of “All Rivers to the Sea”, one chapter of their lives is at an end. The characters must move on to a new chapter, even if it is clouded with adversity and suffering.
Yet it is precisely this that makes “The Galway Chronicles” so appealing. Unlike many contemporary Christian writers, the Thoenes’ do not offer us a “feel-good” pill with a “they all lived happily ever after” ending. Instead, they are not afraid to make their readers journey through the depths of tragedy and despair, nor to leave them with a bitter taste in their mouth. Some readers might prefer a fairy tale ending, but this is real life, not a fairy tale. And in real life, the presence of sin and suffering is ongoing, even at the end of a book. The solution is not found in a pretend perfect life, but the solution is found in the work of Jesus Christ who gives hope in the midst of a life of sin and suffering. The happy ending comes only when this last chapter of history comes to an end, and when He returns.
In this sense the Thoenes’ boldness in presenting a harsh picture of a life of suffering, and their refusal to provide a “happy” ending, is heartily refreshing. They do not do the gospel a disservice - as so many other writers do - by suggesting that believers on earth can expect happy endings here on earth, before heaven. These novels show that there is no heaven here on earth, but that the hope of heaven offers real encouragement in a life of earthly suffering. And that certainly makes them worth reading.
If you have not read the three previous entries in “The Galway Chronicles” series, you simply must read them first. But if you who have read them, you will not want to miss “All Rivers to the Sea”, the immensely satisfying conclusion to the series.
The novel commences where volume three left off, with newlyweds Joseph and Kate separated by adversity, and Kate expecting their first child. But there is hardship on both fronts. Away in London, Joseph finds his life threatened by murderers. At home in Ireland, Kate suffers the agony of the death of her own child. When Joseph and Kate are finally reunited, their suffering continues in the form of a potato blight which destroys the food supply of their staple produce, results in more suffering, pain and death. Even Joseph and Kate’s marriage relationship is strained by sorrow and misunderstanding.
In “All Rivers to the Sea” the Thoenes not only portray the suffering of Joseph and Kate Burke, but also that of another family told in a sub-plot: the Grogan family. Suffering is epitomized in the Grogan family when they are cast out of their home, totally destitute. Daniel Grogan first suffers the loss of his wife, and then is forced to place his children in a workhouse. The horror of the workhouses is painted with stark reality, demonstrating the heartbreak of impoverished parents faced with death, and forced to part with their children by placing them in workhouses, where they suffered under the “charity” of a corrupt state church (p.117).
The only light in the darkness is that one child of the Grogan family enters the Burke home. But even this is shadowed with darkness, because it occurs in a manner that has overtones of the birth of Moses (with the older sister watching the cast out child) and the birth of Jesus (with the family not finding room in the “inn” - in this case, shepherds).
This is no coincidence, because the Thoenes make a strong connection between the suffering of believers and the suffering of Christ. Kate reminds herself that the scars of suffering “make you more like Him” (p.185), and some hungry children with simple childlike faith state that they must eat “The bread of Christ ... the bread of suffering.” (p.199). And when the suffering are cast out of their homeland, they are reminded by angels “Remember Christ the Savior, the child for whom there was no room!” (p.302). The only flaw here is that Kate incorrectly insists that suffering must not be accepted as God’s will (p.163), although what she means by this is correct: Don’t be passive in suffering, but “Pray instead for a clear eye and a firm plan to bring your people relief. Work hard to make this hard life better for as many as you can.” (p.163).
Reflecting on the series as a whole, there is room for some criticism. Mad Molly’s prophetic rantings based on what she hears from the angels is creative, but it wrongly gives credence to a form of divine revelation outside of the Word. The positive portrayal of Catholicism is certainly rooted in history, but I could not help but wonder whether it is also rooted in a contemporary spirit of ecumenism, because the very real doctrinal divergencies between Protestants and Catholics was conveniently overlooked.
But these weaknesses aside, this is a series that excels in most departments. The story-telling is flowing, convincing, suspenseful, displaying a real craft with words, and a genuinely gripping style that is difficult to put down. The historical setting is depicted with startling realism, and although the glimpse into Irish history was at times troubling and frightening, it was accurate. As the authors note in the epilogue, the potato famine in the 1840s was one of the most horrific disasters in Irish history, as nearly one million perished of starvation and disease and another one and a half million emigrated – fully one-third – of the Irish race at the time. But above all, the themes are not shallow, but reflect a very honest picture of what it means to be a Christian in a world of sin and suffering.
This theme is especially clear in “All Rivers to the Sea,” as evidenced in the significance of the title. Mad Molly says prophetically “We’ll none of us survive! The river flows, don’t ye know? It carried off man and beast, grass and flower, to the sea. Always to the sea! It’s over for us.” (p.153) Joseph later explains: “Life is about people, and not about things or places or land. A river that rises in the mountains only to die in a bog is a sad, useless thing, Martin. We must be like the stream that bursts through all dams and finds its way to the sea. To a new life in a new way.” (p.270-1) And the angels admonish at the end: “Remember the River from whence you came! Remember the Sea which all are bound to cross one day!” (p.302)
At the end of the novel there is some taste of justice and redemption. Yet the bitter taste of suffering remains, forcing Joseph and Kate and the people of Ballynockanor to take drastic measures to ensure their ongoing survival. With the last chapter of “All Rivers to the Sea”, one chapter of their lives is at an end. The characters must move on to a new chapter, even if it is clouded with adversity and suffering.
Yet it is precisely this that makes “The Galway Chronicles” so appealing. Unlike many contemporary Christian writers, the Thoenes’ do not offer us a “feel-good” pill with a “they all lived happily ever after” ending. Instead, they are not afraid to make their readers journey through the depths of tragedy and despair, nor to leave them with a bitter taste in their mouth. Some readers might prefer a fairy tale ending, but this is real life, not a fairy tale. And in real life, the presence of sin and suffering is ongoing, even at the end of a book. The solution is not found in a pretend perfect life, but the solution is found in the work of Jesus Christ who gives hope in the midst of a life of sin and suffering. The happy ending comes only when this last chapter of history comes to an end, and when He returns.
In this sense the Thoenes’ boldness in presenting a harsh picture of a life of suffering, and their refusal to provide a “happy” ending, is heartily refreshing. They do not do the gospel a disservice - as so many other writers do - by suggesting that believers on earth can expect happy endings here on earth, before heaven. These novels show that there is no heaven here on earth, but that the hope of heaven offers real encouragement in a life of earthly suffering. And that certainly makes them worth reading.
December 28, 2008
This was a great read and very educational about Ireland in 1652.
November 21, 2020
Loved this book but certainly not entertaining.
May 13, 2024
I usually love Thoene books but this series, the Galway Chronicles, was one I read (because I'm closure-oriented and it was good enough to at least finish all four books), but I then gave away because it's not a series I would read a second time. There was nothing wrong or bad about it, I just don't favor books that have an overall feeling of hopelessness and this series did. The main characters just hit one evil after another and I didn't think there was enough humor or joy to balance it out. Granted, it's historical fiction, so I know it was based on actual events - the great Irish potato famine and the conflict with Britain at that time, and these horrible events are what drove so many Irish to anywhere else, like America. But if I'm going to read some of the horrors of our history I'd rather read it as biography or historical non-fiction. This was too depressing for me.
November 14, 2023
Mixed feelings on this series. The characters felt blander with each subsequent book. Almost like they were placeholders to represent the larger tragedy of Ireland during this time period - the widow, the priest, the workhouse children, the emigrants. Once again, lots of desperation and sadness. It certainly captures the idea that most refugees don't want to leave their countries of origin, their homes. They are forced by horrific circumstances to leave all behind and hope for new life elsewhere.
November 23, 2024
Found this at a library book sale. Historical fiction is a good way to enter into a period about which I have only cursory knowledge. In this case, the focus is the Irish Famine of the mid-1800s. I was not previously familiar with these authors or this series, but I do love Ireland and this book game me a good overview of the situation and surrounding influences. Ultimately, it shows how horrid people can be to one another at a national level as well as how kindness and generosity can exist at a community level.
December 12, 2024
The British continue to stop Ireland from having it's own government. Then this potato famine happened (which went on for 6 more years and a million people died and more than that imigrated to the US and other countries) and the story of this family ended up having to give up their lease of their land and imigrated to America. Real places and real people are in this series as it is a historical novel. Not knowing anything about Ireland makes it hard to understand a lot but a good series. You can follow the people okay.
August 4, 2021
I have loved reading this series of books about Ireland in 1844-1847. Historical fiction at its best. The history of the potato famine in Ireland was sad to read as so many starved and died. I’ve been to Ireland and found it a great country. Would go back to visit again for sure! Thanks to the Thoene’s for well written books.
February 29, 2024
It’s tough to read this series when you realize this part of history really happened! It was a part of history I knew nothing about so I’m glad I made it through. The story and characters are wonderful, but that makes it even harder to realize what it’s been like in Ireland for most of their history!
July 28, 2022
I am so glad this book ended well because I’m not sure I could take much more heart ache! I love how the Thoenes so seamlessly entwine history and story. I learned so much about Irish history. Remarkable series, as always.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2019
Excellent as always. Love the Thoene books.
April 18, 2019
This is the 2nd time I've read this book series. Hats off to the Thoenes….they are fantastic researchers and writers.
The last book brings this beautiful Irish series to a close, illuminating the horrible atrocities of the potato famine and its effects upon the Irish people. But alas, there is good that comes from every disaster. These people kept traditions, forged ahead through trying times and helped one another. They learned that their enemy would not change; therefore, they needed to endure or be brought to nothing. I love this persevering people, their feisty, fiery nature and their tenacity to thrive.
Joseph and Kate finally get to be together and for the loss of a child, they are blessed with one that would have died due to evil English rule. To lose one life and save another is a beautiful picture of God's sweet kiss upon the human soul.
The beautiful friendship sphere between the Cladaugh men, Mad Molley, The Burkes, The Clooneys, The O'Flaherty's and others, to include the beloved Father O'Bannon make townships dance with life and the heart of man beat with love. The tiffs that erupt, the laughter that rings and the songs that sweep through the night make humanity worthwhile.
The Thoene's did a superb job researching and writing this 4 book series and eventhough it doesn't have that happily-ever-after, everybody lives and they get to keep their lands ending, the depth of man's will to survive and ability to change gives hope to the soul. Too, the great nation of America gets to inherit a rugged people who work hard, play hard and add depth to our growing country's roots.
Highly recommend this wonderful read if you are a historical fiction nut:)
The last book brings this beautiful Irish series to a close, illuminating the horrible atrocities of the potato famine and its effects upon the Irish people. But alas, there is good that comes from every disaster. These people kept traditions, forged ahead through trying times and helped one another. They learned that their enemy would not change; therefore, they needed to endure or be brought to nothing. I love this persevering people, their feisty, fiery nature and their tenacity to thrive.
Joseph and Kate finally get to be together and for the loss of a child, they are blessed with one that would have died due to evil English rule. To lose one life and save another is a beautiful picture of God's sweet kiss upon the human soul.
The beautiful friendship sphere between the Cladaugh men, Mad Molley, The Burkes, The Clooneys, The O'Flaherty's and others, to include the beloved Father O'Bannon make townships dance with life and the heart of man beat with love. The tiffs that erupt, the laughter that rings and the songs that sweep through the night make humanity worthwhile.
The Thoene's did a superb job researching and writing this 4 book series and eventhough it doesn't have that happily-ever-after, everybody lives and they get to keep their lands ending, the depth of man's will to survive and ability to change gives hope to the soul. Too, the great nation of America gets to inherit a rugged people who work hard, play hard and add depth to our growing country's roots.
Highly recommend this wonderful read if you are a historical fiction nut:)
September 20, 2013
A wonderful conclusion to an informative, interesting, heart-wrenching story of the plight of the Irish even before the potato famine was fully underway. I didn't know that 1/3 of the Irish people either starved or emigrated during this holocaust, nor had I any idea how cruel the English were to them under Cromwell and Trevelyan, who felt that "God in His providence has seen fit to remove the Irish from Ireland so a better race may rule!" The tyranny that cost so many lives and cost as many others their homes still remains the source of bitter debate in Northern Ireland, and the country's population is still only half its pre-famine pre-immigration levels, according to these authors.
I loved the books, the characters, the enfolding of the stories, and the emphasis on God's unfailing love. (I wish I could discuss this with Bill. :-(
But as one Irish traditional poem goes,
"O! Dublin sure there is no doubtin'
Beats every city upon the sea,
'Tis there you'll see O'Connell spoutin'
And Lady Morgan making tea.
For 'tis the capital of the greatest nation,
With finest peasantry on a fruitful sod,
Fighting like devils for conciliation,
And hating each other for the love of God."
I loved the books, the characters, the enfolding of the stories, and the emphasis on God's unfailing love. (I wish I could discuss this with Bill. :-(
But as one Irish traditional poem goes,
"O! Dublin sure there is no doubtin'
Beats every city upon the sea,
'Tis there you'll see O'Connell spoutin'
And Lady Morgan making tea.
For 'tis the capital of the greatest nation,
With finest peasantry on a fruitful sod,
Fighting like devils for conciliation,
And hating each other for the love of God."
January 4, 2016
Following this story through the great potato famine of Ireland, our main character, family, friends, neighbors, finally are forced to leave and board a ship to America. At first this seems very sad, but as is expressed by Joseph, "We (Christians) must continue to live and focus on life, not places and things." The accused family that were to be hung were exonerated and also were able to go with the rest to the new land. The historical saga is a good one, and reminds us all of what is important and how the sovereignty of God is always pervading. I look forward to reading more from Bodie Thoene and her husband. This is the end of this series, "Galway Chronicles." Easy reading overall.
Read
April 18, 2016This was a fair good book. This is the day that Kate Donovan Burke is to deliver the child of Squire Joseph Connor Burke. The future generations in Galway are assured. Squire Joseph is far from home his tenants believe he will surely return to share in the joy and abundance of his people. They believe it as certain as the river flowing to the sea.
Their have been no one living memory had ever seen such wealth of potatoes from the fields that slope up from the gentle waters of the river Cornamona.
The villager's of Ballyknockanor eagerly await the birth of Joseph and Kate's son.
Their have been no one living memory had ever seen such wealth of potatoes from the fields that slope up from the gentle waters of the river Cornamona.
The villager's of Ballyknockanor eagerly await the birth of Joseph and Kate's son.
August 25, 2016
The historical aspect of the series was quite informative and interesting. But I must admit it was a depressing series... being reminded of how poorly mankind can treat each other. The arrogance and cruelty was staggering... but we must be reminded, so that we appreciate what we have and do not repeat this kind of history.... on both small and large scales.
June 25, 2015
This is the final book in an AMAZING series by Bodie Thoene which follows a family through the harsh conditions of the Irish in their homeland and, for those who survive, as they attempt to escape to a new life in America. If you are at all interested in the history of the Irish people, this historical fiction is right on the mark and speaks right to the heart.
August 22, 2016
I really enjoyed this book as I learned much about the potatoe bought in Ireland as well as the political background. I had to read this book in diagonal as well being a bit bigger down in all the different stories ongoing at the same time. lived all the Christian values painting the novel throughout. nice love story. thank you Thoene and Thoene for another great series
July 3, 2008
After wading through all that tribulation, I was glad to make it to the end. The story of the Irish is a gut-wrenching one, and I had trouble ploughing through these four volumes to the end. It was my second reading, so perhaps once was enough. It was also an engrossing story.
October 7, 2009
4th and last book in series. Enjoyed the hisorical information about Ireland, and everything else. wasn't sure if I should give these books a 4 star rating or 5 star rating. Really enjoyed these books. Would like to read more books by Bodie and Brock Thoene!
March 5, 2008
This is the last of the 4 books in the Galway Chronicles. If you want to learn something of Ireland during the time of the Potato Famine then read these. Easy reads and interesting.
May 12, 2009
Very satisfying ending to the series. I'm so glad that even when money is tight I don't have to worry about my children starving to death.
December 4, 2009
I loved this series of an Irish family. I was sad to finish the last book.
February 4, 2010
This was my favorite book of the series! A great series about an Irish community in the mid 1840's.
September 4, 2010
I loved the entire Galway Chronicles series. Very good book about the Irish.
August 8, 2012
Good resolution to the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews