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River Rising
"Hale Poser arrives in Louisiana in 1927 to find racial prejudices missing from the small town of Pilotsville. In pursuit of a missing child, however, he uncovers a dark secret"--Provided by publisher.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
26 people are currently reading
624 people want to read
About the author
Athol Dickson
14 books422 followersAthol Dickson's parents were living on the road when he was born. His first bed was a drawer lined with towels in a travel trailer. He has loved road trips ever since. Boating is a passion, too. Athol owns three boats, and once lived aboard a yacht full-time while cruising the Gulf of Mexico and the USA's Atlantic coast. But Athol's nine novels are proof he can sit still and write if he's with his wife of nearly 30 years, The Lovely Sue. They live in Southern California, where Athol is at work on novel number ten, the second in a series call "The Malcolm Cutter Memoirs" about a multi-millionaire chauffeur who would rather solve mysteries for his clients than hang out on his yacht. What bliss: a novel that combines boats and road trips!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
August 2, 2011
This book hooked me right from the start. Having never been to the bayous of Louisiana, I could imagine what each of the characters was seeing and hearing from the author's descriptions. The story brings the horrors of slavery into the early 20th century. Set in the swamps of the deep South in 1927, it takes you back to a time when segregation was commonplace. The author deals with a tender subject, the divide that exists between races which too often not even being part of the family of God can bridge. Throughout the story you are drawn along by a compelling mystery, babies are being taken from their homes in the night. As you follow Hale Poser, a newcomer to the small water-bound town of Pilotville, on his investigation into the disappearances, you are also led along the subtle but important spiritual journey of the characters. I read this book over the course of a few days, picking it up as often as I could so I could find out what happened next. I wanted to finish the book to learn the conclusion but yet I hated to see it end.
August 22, 2007
This has become my favorite book, and although not perfect, (the author does have some symbolism that tends to be cheesy and can at times be too abstract) the story is very interesting, the characters are well developed, and the overall message of the novel is wonderful. I highly recommend this book!
July 15, 2022
I am impressed with the outstanding writing. The story is not what I thought it was going to be. It is thoughtful and very sensitive to the variety of characters throughout the story. I was unaware of the horrible conditions experienced by some of blacks in the south. I can highly recommend this book.
November 3, 2020
I simply love this author's writing and story-telling. It is filled with depth, mystery while I am thoroughly entertained. The ease he is writing with is astounding and smart giving you a wonderful story that involves faith and the longing to belong.
Each character is well-defined and remarkable in their own right. It is honest and truthful and I really enjoyed each word. It is written with a rhymic charm that pulls you in and evokes so much emotion.
It is a brilliant work of art.
Each character is well-defined and remarkable in their own right. It is honest and truthful and I really enjoyed each word. It is written with a rhymic charm that pulls you in and evokes so much emotion.
It is a brilliant work of art.
July 24, 2013
I have to admit at the onset I was slightly offended by the use of racial slurs and was unsure if I could stomach the story being told in particular by a white male... But knowing Athol is a man of God I stick it out and couldn't be more pleased that I did! This story needed to e told and it held my attention kept me guessing and wanting to know more with every turn of a page... I found it interesting that no one would believe there was still slave plantation much like people today who don't believe there is still racism being acted out against and in the daily lives of minorities in this country... Really Good Read!
May 24, 2009
One of the more unusual books I have read lately. It was original, I think, and clean. It wasn't a titillating page-turner, but more of a thought provoking book I had to finish. Taking place in 1927, it's about a small village in the swamps near the Mississippi delta where blacks and whites live in harmony but are segregated on Sunday. They get an unusual visitor who seems to have mysterious powers. He eventually uncovers their secrets. It's pretty interesting.
November 30, 2011
I really liked this book. It was my first experience with this author, and I love his writing style. I didn't really relate to the people in the book (not that I have to) but even in a historical novel, I like to have some identification. I was drawn into the story world and learned a lot about the historic flood of 1927, but just didn't quite bond with it.
December 4, 2013
I don't often give books of fiction 5 stars, but this one does, because I am likely to read it again. Thoughtful story set in the 1920s about the relationships of whites and blacks that delves into the darkness of the hearts of men and where the miracles really are. Highly recommended!
June 28, 2022
Welcome to Pilotville, Louisiana, 1927, isolated outpost on the Mississippi River--a stilt village bounded by swampland to the horizon, accessible only by boat, an island of brotherly love in a sea of racism. Meet Hale Poser, a stranger with a bad hip who's come looking for his roots--a humble man, a righteous man, a miracle man. In the swamp beyond the cypress and the tupelo and veiled by Spanish moss lies a lingering evil. For years it slept in dreadful isolation. Now comes Hale Poser, and it will sleep no more. It will rain down on Pilotville, it will rise up like a river, and nothing but a miracle can stop this awful flood.
This is a very interesting book. It is about slavery in 1927 and the flood and the building of the levees by the slaves. Rev. Hale Poser is on a mission to find the missing babies. He also finds Hannah living among a plantation of slaves. A very different type of a book but a very good read.
This is a very interesting book. It is about slavery in 1927 and the flood and the building of the levees by the slaves. Rev. Hale Poser is on a mission to find the missing babies. He also finds Hannah living among a plantation of slaves. A very different type of a book but a very good read.
Read
January 1, 2013I won't go into the plot here, many reviews have this covered already. I found this a nice easy read for travel, not something that would tax your mind or challenge your thinking to heavily. Given the subject matter I felt the last quarter of the book was a little rushed and the confession at the end somewhat hackneyed (almost felt like we should be looking for those darned kids). If you have some time to kill there ate worse ways to do it.
November 26, 2012
this is one of those books that makes me wonder if I can ever get published myself. the writing and symbolism and storyline and depth put me in awe. it took a bit to get into, but soon the story captivated me. this was my first athol Dickson novel, but it will not be my last. wish I could write like him.
July 28, 2009
Indonesian version:
Miracle Man, Sebuah Novel
Judul asli River Rising
Pengarang Athol Dickson
Penerjemah Slamat P Sinambela
Penerbit Gloria Graffa Yogyakarta
Cetakan I Maret 2009
280 halaman
HALE Poser, seorang pendeta kulit hitam dari kota modern New Orleans, memutuskan pindah ke tempat sepi, Pilotville, daerah rerawa sepanjang sisi sungai Mississipi, negara bagian Louisiana. Dia tidak keberatan bekerja menjadi pegawai rendahan dari satu rumah sakit khusus orang Negro. Pada waktu itu di rumah sakit, seorang ibu muda hamil tua tengah berjuang untuk melahirkan, begitu kesakitan hingga dokter memutuskan untuk melakukan operasi Caesar. Dorothy, orang yang menerima bekerja di rumah sakit itu, mengajak Hale menengok. Entah apa yang terjadi tapi ketika Hale menyentuh perut si ibu, ibu itu bisa melahirkan secara normal.
Dorothy bertanya-tanya apa yang dilakukan Hale. Hale merasa tidak melakukan apa-apa, hanya berdoa. Di usia dua hari, bayi itu hilang. Seluruh warga –baik kulit hitam dan kulit putih- mencari bayi itu ke kolong tempat tidur rumah sakit sampai ke rawa-rawa. Pencarian yang aneh memang. Tak sengaja Dorothy mengeluh bahwa peristiwa seperti itu pernah terjadi 19 tahun lalu di daerah itu. Di kantor sheriff, Hale menemukan banyak catatan tentang kasus kehilangan tapi tidak pernah diusut tuntas. Karena penasaran, Hale bertekad mencari tahu.
Dengan rakit sederhana ia menyusuri sungai Missisipi hingga telat Meksiko. Selama empat hari ia malah sampai di satu ladang yang luas. Sekelompok orang Negro bekerja di sana sebagai kuli petik pohon kapas. Kondisi para pekerja sangat mengenaskan, salah satunya seorang perempuan tua Negro yang bertingkah aneh, namanya Marah. Melihat keadaan itu, Hale bermaksud menghibur, berbicara kepada mereka tentang Tuhan yang sanggup melepaskan manusia dari belenggu apa pun.
“Tapi Dia (Tuhan) kulit putih, kan?” tanya Marah bertanya tentang Tuhan (hal 132). Pada masa itu perbedaan status kulit putih dan hitam sangat lebar. Di ladang ini orang kulit putih akan dipanggil bos dan di dalam benak mereka orang kulit putih identik dengan bengis dan pembohong. Hale berkata, “Tidak. Dia bukan kulit putih. Paling tidak bukan hanya kulit putih. Kupikir, Dia berkulit seperti semua warna kulit yang ada.” Marah tidak puas dengan jawaban itu, juga para pekerja. Kalau Tuhan berkulit putih, bagaimana Dia bisa dipercaya? Tapi, bagaimana kalau Tuhan itu berkulit hitam?
Pertanyaan seperti itu mulai dipertanyakan lagi di masa perbudakan tahun 1600-an di daratan Amerika. Di masa sekarang, mungkin pertanyaan berbunyi, Tuhan itu agamanya apa? Sejarah umat manusia di muka bumi ini menunjukkan sulit untuk “berbagi Tuhan yang sama” dengan orang-orang yang tidak disukai atau dianggap sebagai musuh.
Kebebasan Sejati
Mengambil setting tahun 1927, Athol membeberkan interaksi orang kulit putih, kaum imigran, dan budak-budak Negro yang didatangkan dari Afrika, diperjualbelikan di Amerika, termasuk di Louisiana. Ia membeberkan ambisi orang kulit putih mencari lahan luas untuk menetap, membangun kerajaan kecil mereka, membeli budak-budak untuk dipekerjakan di tanah mereka.
Novel berjudul asli River Rising ini pernah memenangi Christy Award 2006 untuk novel jenis suspense. Buku ini sarat dengan nilai-nilai kekristenan. Dalam ceritanya Athol memanfaatkan keadaan para budak untuk mewakili kerinduan seluruh umat manusia untuk mendapatkan kebebasan sejati. Dalam satu dialog, Athol berhasil memunculkan masalah sederhana umat manusia, yaitu soal kebebasan jiwa manusia yang seringkali dilihat hanya secara kasat mata.
“Kau bilang Yesus ini akan memerdekakan kita di luar sana! Apakah Negro di luar sana benar-benar merdeka?” Pertanyaan yang bersifat fisik. Sementara tokoh dalam buku ini, Hale, menawarkan kebebasan yang jauh lebih bernilai. “Dalam dunia Yesus, kau dapat merdeka dari dalam dirimu sendiri, tak peduli apa pun yang mereka lakukan terhadapmu.” (hal 157). Sungguh menyedihkan bila hidup serba menderita (secara fisik) di dunia fana ini dan tidak paham bahwa kebebasan manusia sejati dimulai dari pikirannya. Bukan dari apa yang tampak. Bukankah di zaman modern ini manusia lebih tertarik memandang kebebasan semu sebagai yang kekal?
Manusia Ajaib
Plot dalam novel ini lurus tak berliku. Jika diibaratkan lagu, maka pada awal bernada rendah, naik sedikit ke tengah, terus meninggi di puncak, kemudian turun perlahan lalu menghilang. Seperti seorang yang ingin memberi petunjuk kepada pencari jejak di hutan lebat, Athol bermurah hati memberi rambu-rambu di setiap sudut hutan, menandai pohon-pohon, memberi fasilitas sehingga si pencari jejak tak mungkin kesasar.
Ada beberapa penjelasan kenapa buku ini diberi judul lain oleh penerbit menjadi Miracle Man. Mungkin karena sang tokoh utama yang tiba-tiba menemukan buah persimmon padahal tidak sedang musim, membuat si ibu hamil tua melahirkan normal, meredakan badai di suatu malam, membuat isi panci selalu penuh sayuran dan daging sehingga para pekerja di ladang kapas itu tak kekurangan makanan saat banjir melanda, meramal akan turun hujan tak berhenti hingga menaikkan air rawa.
Seandainya ini adalah cerita wayang, Athol adalah dalang yang baik. Ia mengatur para tokoh dalam ceritanya sesuai dengan kebutuhan, tidak membebaskan mereka sesuai karakternya masing-masing. Misalnya, tokoh Hale seperti nabi yang tidak berbuat kesalahan. Tokoh Marah, yang selama bertahun-tahun tertindas di ladang kapas, tiba-tiba pintar berbicara tanpa canggung ketika membeberkan rahasia hidupnya.
Buku ini juga sangat menghibur. Dengan jenaka Athol melukiskan ‘persaingan’ dua gereja kulit putih dan khusus Negro, yang jaraknya berdekatan, saling bersaing untuk menyanyi lebih baik, berkotbah lebih baik. Anda akan dibawa pada suasana perkebunan kapas yang luas, berkenalan dengan pepohonan rawa, ‘mendengarkan’ orang-orang Negro bernyanyi merdu. Uniknya, Rokok Lucky Strike disebut di buku ini. Saya jadi penasaran, tahun berapa brand itu lahir. Anda akan menemukan kejutan di akhir cerita yang mungkin tidak seperti yang diduga. Selamat menyusur ke masa lalu.
Ita Siregar, 29 Juli 2009
Miracle Man, Sebuah Novel
Judul asli River Rising
Pengarang Athol Dickson
Penerjemah Slamat P Sinambela
Penerbit Gloria Graffa Yogyakarta
Cetakan I Maret 2009
280 halaman
HALE Poser, seorang pendeta kulit hitam dari kota modern New Orleans, memutuskan pindah ke tempat sepi, Pilotville, daerah rerawa sepanjang sisi sungai Mississipi, negara bagian Louisiana. Dia tidak keberatan bekerja menjadi pegawai rendahan dari satu rumah sakit khusus orang Negro. Pada waktu itu di rumah sakit, seorang ibu muda hamil tua tengah berjuang untuk melahirkan, begitu kesakitan hingga dokter memutuskan untuk melakukan operasi Caesar. Dorothy, orang yang menerima bekerja di rumah sakit itu, mengajak Hale menengok. Entah apa yang terjadi tapi ketika Hale menyentuh perut si ibu, ibu itu bisa melahirkan secara normal.
Dorothy bertanya-tanya apa yang dilakukan Hale. Hale merasa tidak melakukan apa-apa, hanya berdoa. Di usia dua hari, bayi itu hilang. Seluruh warga –baik kulit hitam dan kulit putih- mencari bayi itu ke kolong tempat tidur rumah sakit sampai ke rawa-rawa. Pencarian yang aneh memang. Tak sengaja Dorothy mengeluh bahwa peristiwa seperti itu pernah terjadi 19 tahun lalu di daerah itu. Di kantor sheriff, Hale menemukan banyak catatan tentang kasus kehilangan tapi tidak pernah diusut tuntas. Karena penasaran, Hale bertekad mencari tahu.
Dengan rakit sederhana ia menyusuri sungai Missisipi hingga telat Meksiko. Selama empat hari ia malah sampai di satu ladang yang luas. Sekelompok orang Negro bekerja di sana sebagai kuli petik pohon kapas. Kondisi para pekerja sangat mengenaskan, salah satunya seorang perempuan tua Negro yang bertingkah aneh, namanya Marah. Melihat keadaan itu, Hale bermaksud menghibur, berbicara kepada mereka tentang Tuhan yang sanggup melepaskan manusia dari belenggu apa pun.
“Tapi Dia (Tuhan) kulit putih, kan?” tanya Marah bertanya tentang Tuhan (hal 132). Pada masa itu perbedaan status kulit putih dan hitam sangat lebar. Di ladang ini orang kulit putih akan dipanggil bos dan di dalam benak mereka orang kulit putih identik dengan bengis dan pembohong. Hale berkata, “Tidak. Dia bukan kulit putih. Paling tidak bukan hanya kulit putih. Kupikir, Dia berkulit seperti semua warna kulit yang ada.” Marah tidak puas dengan jawaban itu, juga para pekerja. Kalau Tuhan berkulit putih, bagaimana Dia bisa dipercaya? Tapi, bagaimana kalau Tuhan itu berkulit hitam?
Pertanyaan seperti itu mulai dipertanyakan lagi di masa perbudakan tahun 1600-an di daratan Amerika. Di masa sekarang, mungkin pertanyaan berbunyi, Tuhan itu agamanya apa? Sejarah umat manusia di muka bumi ini menunjukkan sulit untuk “berbagi Tuhan yang sama” dengan orang-orang yang tidak disukai atau dianggap sebagai musuh.
Kebebasan Sejati
Mengambil setting tahun 1927, Athol membeberkan interaksi orang kulit putih, kaum imigran, dan budak-budak Negro yang didatangkan dari Afrika, diperjualbelikan di Amerika, termasuk di Louisiana. Ia membeberkan ambisi orang kulit putih mencari lahan luas untuk menetap, membangun kerajaan kecil mereka, membeli budak-budak untuk dipekerjakan di tanah mereka.
Novel berjudul asli River Rising ini pernah memenangi Christy Award 2006 untuk novel jenis suspense. Buku ini sarat dengan nilai-nilai kekristenan. Dalam ceritanya Athol memanfaatkan keadaan para budak untuk mewakili kerinduan seluruh umat manusia untuk mendapatkan kebebasan sejati. Dalam satu dialog, Athol berhasil memunculkan masalah sederhana umat manusia, yaitu soal kebebasan jiwa manusia yang seringkali dilihat hanya secara kasat mata.
“Kau bilang Yesus ini akan memerdekakan kita di luar sana! Apakah Negro di luar sana benar-benar merdeka?” Pertanyaan yang bersifat fisik. Sementara tokoh dalam buku ini, Hale, menawarkan kebebasan yang jauh lebih bernilai. “Dalam dunia Yesus, kau dapat merdeka dari dalam dirimu sendiri, tak peduli apa pun yang mereka lakukan terhadapmu.” (hal 157). Sungguh menyedihkan bila hidup serba menderita (secara fisik) di dunia fana ini dan tidak paham bahwa kebebasan manusia sejati dimulai dari pikirannya. Bukan dari apa yang tampak. Bukankah di zaman modern ini manusia lebih tertarik memandang kebebasan semu sebagai yang kekal?
Manusia Ajaib
Plot dalam novel ini lurus tak berliku. Jika diibaratkan lagu, maka pada awal bernada rendah, naik sedikit ke tengah, terus meninggi di puncak, kemudian turun perlahan lalu menghilang. Seperti seorang yang ingin memberi petunjuk kepada pencari jejak di hutan lebat, Athol bermurah hati memberi rambu-rambu di setiap sudut hutan, menandai pohon-pohon, memberi fasilitas sehingga si pencari jejak tak mungkin kesasar.
Ada beberapa penjelasan kenapa buku ini diberi judul lain oleh penerbit menjadi Miracle Man. Mungkin karena sang tokoh utama yang tiba-tiba menemukan buah persimmon padahal tidak sedang musim, membuat si ibu hamil tua melahirkan normal, meredakan badai di suatu malam, membuat isi panci selalu penuh sayuran dan daging sehingga para pekerja di ladang kapas itu tak kekurangan makanan saat banjir melanda, meramal akan turun hujan tak berhenti hingga menaikkan air rawa.
Seandainya ini adalah cerita wayang, Athol adalah dalang yang baik. Ia mengatur para tokoh dalam ceritanya sesuai dengan kebutuhan, tidak membebaskan mereka sesuai karakternya masing-masing. Misalnya, tokoh Hale seperti nabi yang tidak berbuat kesalahan. Tokoh Marah, yang selama bertahun-tahun tertindas di ladang kapas, tiba-tiba pintar berbicara tanpa canggung ketika membeberkan rahasia hidupnya.
Buku ini juga sangat menghibur. Dengan jenaka Athol melukiskan ‘persaingan’ dua gereja kulit putih dan khusus Negro, yang jaraknya berdekatan, saling bersaing untuk menyanyi lebih baik, berkotbah lebih baik. Anda akan dibawa pada suasana perkebunan kapas yang luas, berkenalan dengan pepohonan rawa, ‘mendengarkan’ orang-orang Negro bernyanyi merdu. Uniknya, Rokok Lucky Strike disebut di buku ini. Saya jadi penasaran, tahun berapa brand itu lahir. Anda akan menemukan kejutan di akhir cerita yang mungkin tidak seperti yang diduga. Selamat menyusur ke masa lalu.
Ita Siregar, 29 Juli 2009
December 6, 2021
This is a story that is hard to give a review because I had no idea where this story was going. It was always a surprise (and a shock) and I don't want to ruin it on here by giving any of it away. This is a hard read because it's about a difficult topic.
It's 1927 in the small village of Pilotville, Louisanna where blacks and white get along well. That is except for Sundays when they go their separate ways to their own church. The blacks go to the all black church and the whites go to the all white church.
Then Reverend Hale Poser shows up. He wants to find his roots. He grew up in an orphanage and he recently came upon some paperwork linking him to this village.
Pilotville floods a lot since it's on swampland. It has a lot to do with this story.
Shortly after Hale arrives, James and Rosa's baby disappears and the towns folk try their best to find Hannah to no avail. James and Hale keep searching and then something big happens.
This book had me from the very first page and I couldn't get enough.
It's 1927 in the small village of Pilotville, Louisanna where blacks and white get along well. That is except for Sundays when they go their separate ways to their own church. The blacks go to the all black church and the whites go to the all white church.
Then Reverend Hale Poser shows up. He wants to find his roots. He grew up in an orphanage and he recently came upon some paperwork linking him to this village.
Pilotville floods a lot since it's on swampland. It has a lot to do with this story.
Shortly after Hale arrives, James and Rosa's baby disappears and the towns folk try their best to find Hannah to no avail. James and Hale keep searching and then something big happens.
This book had me from the very first page and I couldn't get enough.
January 20, 2018
The Rev. Hale Poser is on a mission to find his roots. He was placed in an orphanage at a young age, and as an adult, he chanced upon some papers regarding his parentage. His quest takes him to a small and seemingly quiet community, where whites and blacks co-exist peacefully. But though a pleasant town, there are undercurrents every bit as dangerous as those found in flood waters. Babies have been disappearing in the night, for decades. And the Rev. Poser is determined to find out what is happening in this strange little town. This tale is most unusual and perhaps even unique in its plot. The characters likewise are also unusual. I’m not sure how I feel about this story and its treatment of the relationships between blacks and whites, but I will say this: it’s likely to be unforgettable to anyone who reads it.
March 5, 2018
River Rising is a solidly written book by Athol Dickson. While I would be interested in reading more of his work, I found this particular book to be slightly contrived in its narrative. It was predictable in many ways. I can understand why most people would be surprised that the author is white. However most people were surprised when Mark Twain originally voiced Jim in Huckleberry Finn. this story has a religious and spiritual seems at the top all the way through it. It is much more of a documentation of one man's journey of faith. There is something happening for someone like me who is not particularly religious. the book is an excellent commentary on race and how the church has dealt with differences. It also has astute observations of what we're willing to look past and ignore.
May 13, 2022
When a slightly crippled black man comes to outwardly integrated Pilotsville everyone forms an opinion. Some think he’s a “film-flam”, others a healer, still others a prophet; one thing is for sure he’s not just a former reverend now working as a janitor.
When a newborn black baby girl is kidnapped this man is determined to find her. Trawling the swamps he becomes dehydrated and disoriented and stumbles upon a slave plantation. Upon awakening Hale is convinced he is a prophet sent to save these slaves and return them to civilization.
A wonderfully written story on what faith, freedom and loving your neighbor really looks like.
When a newborn black baby girl is kidnapped this man is determined to find her. Trawling the swamps he becomes dehydrated and disoriented and stumbles upon a slave plantation. Upon awakening Hale is convinced he is a prophet sent to save these slaves and return them to civilization.
A wonderfully written story on what faith, freedom and loving your neighbor really looks like.
April 4, 2018
This is a hard book to read for many reasons, but it's a good one. It looks at such topics as racism, slavery, pride, faith and doubt. For my taste, a bit too much of it is thought instead of action, but it's still worth the read.
June 7, 2018
A journey of faith
This was an interesting story, a hidden plantation in the swamp, slavery long after the Civil War. A simple man of faith looking for his roots and losing his way only to have his faith restored.
This was an interesting story, a hidden plantation in the swamp, slavery long after the Civil War. A simple man of faith looking for his roots and losing his way only to have his faith restored.
August 10, 2019
Good, easy read for the Summer. I like the historical setting or 1927 with the "great flood."
The "hero" of this story makes you think about yourself and your faith - how grounded is it in "truth."
The ending is a bit nebulous with all the imagery in my opinion, but hey.... it still worked.
The "hero" of this story makes you think about yourself and your faith - how grounded is it in "truth."
The ending is a bit nebulous with all the imagery in my opinion, but hey.... it still worked.
September 9, 2021
I received this book as part of a blind date with a book box and I LOVED it!!! It is not one that I would normally have picked up, but I finished it in two days. The characters were believable and I thought the plot was interesting. Plan to pass this around to my book reading buddies.
November 22, 2022
I just finished reading River Rising. It has left with a peaceful and contemplative feeling. A wonderful novel of a time in 1927 in a southern swampy bayou town where black and white slowly come together to uncover atrocities that have long been hidden.
May 2, 2024
A story like no other about a stranger who wonders why the whites and the blacks worship the same God separately instead of together. Welcome to Pilotsville, LA 1927 and ask the questions along with the town, is this a miracle worker?
May 25, 2017
page-turner
June 3, 2017
Great book. At times I couldn't put it down. But towards the end I just wanted to hurry and put it down. Kinda figured out what was going to happen but a good story teller.
April 5, 2018
Heavy on the issues, but a fascinating read.
July 26, 2019
A very good read!
November 23, 2019
I could not put this book down. Going now to order another novel from Athol Dickson.
December 19, 2019
Absolutely love this book! Not my genre, but well written, engaging characters. It was easy to get sucked in to the bayou and feel what it was like back in the early 1900’s.
March 9, 2020
I simply love this book. It has so many twists and turns. One of my favorites of the year for sure.
March 8, 2017
An unusual story from beginning to end, it was well written, compelling and plausible with strong, true to life, struggling characters. I enjoyed it. It made me look for miracles in unexpected ways and places.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews