Only the River Runs Free

Rating:
Summary: Only the River Runs Free
Review: I was hooked from the very first. I really felt like the characters were alive. The passages relating to the characters faith and where God is in the midst of pain and trouble are very real. I couldn't get the next book in the series fast enough.

Rating:
Summary: Award-winning high-calibre Christian historical fiction.
Review: Looking for high calibre Christian historical fiction? You can't go wrong with the husband-wife Thoene combination (the historical research courtesy of husband Brock, the story-telling courtesy of wife Bodie). This award winning novel is the first volume in "The Galway Chronicles" series is a great place to start, exhibiting their fine qualities as a writing team capable of producing novels that rank among the very best.

The title "Only the River Runs Free" reflects the historical setting that the Thoenes' have chosen as the background: Ireland in the 1830s and 40s, when Irish tenant farmers (mainly Catholics) were ruled by the English landlords and soldiers (mainly Protestants). It was a rule frequently marked by oppression, hence that saying that only the river ran free. The village of Ballynockanor is no exception, with the Donovan family chief among the poor and oppressed. The rightful landlord Joseph Connor Burke has been superseded by the greedy usurper Marlowe. The darkness of the time seems to crush the Donovan family, as they are confronted with tragedy and trial - Kate Donovan has already been made a widow by a fire, but now Kevin seems to be marked as a Irish rebel ("Ribbonman") deserving death, and Brigit abandons her family only to descend into a even deeper pit of calamity. But there is hope for the Donovans, and for Ballynockanor, and it lies in the fortunes of Joseph Connor Burke.

If evangelical Protestants are going to have any criticisms about this book, it might be that it elicits sympathy for Catholics. Some Christians may find it difficult to read a book in which the Protestants are the bad guys and the Catholics are the good guys. However, it has to be remembered that this is simply an accurate portrait of reality, and the Thoenes are reflecting a historical struggle, one that was actually more political than religious in nature. Rather than endorsing Catholic theology, the authors show that the Irish Catholics were often dealt with harshly and unjustly by the English Protestants who ruled them. Arousing reader sympathies for the way they were treated is different than arousing sympathies for their theology, and in my view is entirely legitimate. The depiction of Catholicism is presented by more by a picture of its rituals (crossing oneself, candles, penance) than by its thinking. In fact, some of the remarks made by the Catholic protagonists (p.233) could be construed as a reflection of the Thoenes' own evangelical Protestant thinking, since it is hardly consistent with Catholic theology. There is also evidence of modern ecumenism, as is evident in Joseph's dream - likely a mouthpiece for the Thoenes' own convictions - that "one day the warmth of God's love may melt the stubborn hearts of all true Christians, be they Catholic or Protestant, to stand and serve Him together as one nation." (p.194). Unlike the Thoenes, I would not attribute the divide between Protestants and Catholics to mere stubbornness, but to fundamental differences in belief. Optimism concerning "one body" and the union of Catholics and Protestants will always be unrealistic as long as the "one faith" of Ephesians 4 is absent, and where there is no fundamental agreement concerning the truths of Scripture. But this aside, one does not need to compromise Protestant theology to enjoy this book.

The Thoenes write with a flowing and captivating style that grabs your attention throughout with action, intrigue, mystery, and even a touch of romance. It's a gripping and compelling tale that is entertaining, but doesn't sacrifice realism or historical detail. Unlike a great deal of contemporary Christian fiction, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of superficiality. The historical detail and accuracy of the setting breathes an air of authenticity - this could easily be about real people and real events. The Thoenes are not afraid to describe the horrors of real life in a dark period of history, where characters must deal with murder, attempted rape, and prostitution. And yet although it is a tale much deeper than most products of contemporary Christian fiction, it is not so deep that you need boots to wade through it. The Thoenes have an ability to create a very suspenseful and readable tale that is hard to put down. "Only The River Runs Free" was the recipient of the 1997 Gold Medallion Award. The judges figured it was a novel of the highest class. After reading it, you'll have to agree that this entertaining and thoughtful novel ranks among the very best. I've read a variety of Christian fiction, and regard myself as a highly critical reviewer, but after reading this book I'm convinced that the Thoenes are among the best. Count me as a new fan.

Rating:
Summary: Award-winning high-calibre Christian historical fiction.
Review: Looking for high calibre Christian historical fiction? You can't go wrong with the husband-wife Thoene combination (the historical research courtesy of husband Brock, the story-telling courtesy of wife Bodie). This award winning novel is the first volume in "The Galway Chronicles" series is a great place to start, exhibiting their fine qualities as a writing team capable of producing novels that rank among the very best.

The title "Only the River Runs Free" reflects the historical setting that the Thoenes' have chosen as the background: Ireland in the 1830s and 40s, when Irish tenant farmers (mainly Catholics) were ruled by the English landlords and soldiers (mainly Protestants). It was a rule frequently marked by oppression, hence that saying that only the river ran free. The village of Ballynockanor is no exception, with the Donovan family chief among the poor and oppressed. The rightful landlord Joseph Connor Burke has been superseded by the greedy usurper Marlowe. The darkness of the time seems to crush the Donovan family, as they are confronted with tragedy and trial - Kate Donovan has already been made a widow by a fire, but now Kevin seems to be marked as a Irish rebel ("Ribbonman") deserving death, and Brigit abandons her family only to descend into a even deeper pit of calamity. But there is hope for the Donovans, and for Ballynockanor, and it lies in the fortunes of Joseph Connor Burke.

If evangelical Protestants are going to have any criticisms about this book, it might be that it elicits sympathy for Catholics. Some Christians may find it difficult to read a book in which the Protestants are the bad guys and the Catholics are the good guys. However, it has to be remembered that this is simply an accurate portrait of reality, and the Thoenes are reflecting a historical struggle, one that was actually more political than religious in nature. Rather than endorsing Catholic theology, the authors show that the Irish Catholics were often dealt with harshly and unjustly by the English Protestants who ruled them. Arousing reader sympathies for the way they were treated is different than arousing sympathies for their theology, and in my view is entirely legitimate. The depiction of Catholicism is presented by more by a picture of its rituals (crossing oneself, candles, penance) than by its thinking. In fact, some of the remarks made by the Catholic protagonists (p.233) could be construed as a reflection of the Thoenes' own evangelical Protestant thinking, since it is hardly consistent with Catholic theology. There is also evidence of modern ecumenism, as is evident in Joseph's dream - likely a mouthpiece for the Thoenes' own convictions - that "one day the warmth of God's love may melt the stubborn hearts of all true Christians, be they Catholic or Protestant, to stand and serve Him together as one nation." (p.194). Unlike the Thoenes, I would not attribute the divide between Protestants and Catholics to mere stubbornness, but to fundamental differences in belief. Optimism concerning "one body" and the union of Catholics and Protestants will always be unrealistic as long as the "one faith" of Ephesians 4 is absent, and where there is no fundamental agreement concerning the truths of Scripture. But this aside, one does not need to compromise Protestant theology to enjoy this book.

The Thoenes write with a flowing and captivating style that grabs your attention throughout with action, intrigue, mystery, and even a touch of romance. It's a gripping and compelling tale that is entertaining, but doesn't sacrifice realism or historical detail. Unlike a great deal of contemporary Christian fiction, I was pleasantly surprised at the lack of superficiality. The historical detail and accuracy of the setting breathes an air of authenticity - this could easily be about real people and real events. The Thoenes are not afraid to describe the horrors of real life in a dark period of history, where characters must deal with murder, attempted rape, and prostitution. And yet although it is a tale much deeper than most products of contemporary Christian fiction, it is not so deep that you need boots to wade through it. The Thoenes have an ability to create a very suspenseful and readable tale that is hard to put down. "Only The River Runs Free" was the recipient of the 1997 Gold Medallion Award. The judges figured it was a novel of the highest class. After reading it, you'll have to agree that this entertaining and thoughtful novel ranks among the very best. I've read a variety of Christian fiction, and regard myself as a highly critical reviewer, but after reading this book I'm convinced that the Thoenes are among the best. Count me as a new fan.

Rating:
Summary: Another Thoene Masterpiece
Review: Only the River Runs Free is a beautiful tale of love, honor, courage and the fight for freedom. Cliche`? Anything but!! The Thoene's have woven a story that will transport you back to a time where your brother would fight for your honor and your sister would sacrifice true love for your happiness. Convincing in it's historical detail, Only the River Runs Free is set in 19th century Ireland at a time when English rule and terror was beginning to take root. You'll fall in love with the characters, love the ending, and wait with held breath for the next book in the Chronicles.

Rating:
Summary: Possibly the greatest authors and stories I ever read!
Review: Only the River Runs Free, like all the Thoene historicals is a cut above anything else out there. I was amazed at how much I learned while I was enjoying the story! Kate and Joseph walked with me through all the things I did not understand about the beginning of Ireland's sorrows. (Now I know why there are so many Irish in America!) But more than just the historical detail and amazing amount of work they put into their writing, I was moved and spiritually changed and awakened by their storytelling. For me, at least, that is what Thoene books are about. Even when the stories have tragic conflicts and heartache, I learn something new about myself and God. I have a hope after reading their books that I never had before. Count me as a grateful fan.

Rating:
Summary: This book will make a great movie!
Review: Only the River Runs Free, like all the Thoene historicals is a cut above anything else out there. I was amazed at how much I learned while I was enjoying the story! Kate and Joseph walked with me through all the things I did not understand about the beginning of Ireland's sorrows. (Now I know why there are so many Irish in America!) But more than just the historical detail and amazing amount of work they put into their writing, I was moved and spiritually changed and awakened by their storytelling. For me, at least, that is what Thoene books are about. Even when the stories have tragic conflicts and heartache, I learn something new about myself and God. I have a hope after reading their books that I never had before. Count me as a grateful fan.

Rating:
Summary: A word about Galway's audio books.
Review: Recently we have received a whole slug of wonderful letters about the audio books of the Galway Chronicles. For those of you who enjoy books on tape during a commute, or just like the experience of letting your imagination soar with the voices of the characters, I wanted to tell you a bit about the Galway Chronicles audio project. The recording of these books on tape are a family affair. Our son Jake and I are both dyslexic and have difficulty reading, so good audio books have been an important part of our lives. (Many a good story can be ruined by a stinko audio book!) After listening to many good and bad books on tape we, as a family, decided to take things into our own hands! Why shouldn't we produce these stories the way we would want to hear them? Sons Jake and Luke both graduated from college in London with degrees in media. Our daughter Rachel is quite a hand at cutting a 600 page novel into a script while maintaining the excitement of the story line. (Like I used to do in my early days in the movie industry.) Beginning with Shiloh Autumn and now with the four books in the Galway Chronicles, we found the best acting talent in London as well as the most incredible director/producer named Anne Rosenfeld! Rachel abridges the story, Luke writes the music and co-produces with Jake. For the Galway series, Irish actor Sean Barrett does an inredible performce! (He says when the movie gets made he wants to play Mad Molly! I say he'll have to shave his moustache for that, but his voice is perfect!) Brock and I sit back with pleasure to watch our children and dear friends turn these novels into different but very beautiful art form altogether. (There is nothing quite like hearing Sean Barrett pronouce 'Ballynockanor' in the Irish!) All our audio books have been works of our hearts; produced by those of us who love the melodic sounds of the spoken word. There is indeed a difference between these audio books and former productions of our titles! Though I cannot reccommend the former productions, here is a list of Thoene Family produced audio books so far which I guarantee you'll enjoy...1.Shiloh Autumn 2.) Only the River Runs Free. 3.)Of Men and of Angels. 4.)Ashes of Remembrance. 5.)All Rivers to the Sea. 6.)Jerusalem Vigil...with many more to follow in the new Zion Legacy Series. I have no doubt you will listen and feel the joy we felt the first time we heard the voices of much beloved characters come to life! Thanks for listening! See you in Galway and Jerusalem!

Rating:
Summary: Another winner for the Thoenes!
Review: The Thoenes are an outstanding writing team, bringing to life unique, believable characters who you instantly care about. This tale juxtaposes the treachery and cuelty of a wealthy English/Protestant family with the devotion and love of a poor Irish/Catholic family. The climactic ending brought tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. Keep 'em coming Thoenes!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent plot blend and character development!!!
Review: This book had an amazing blend of mystery, romance, suspense, and action! Although I hardly thought it was possible, the characters were developed in such a way that they were even more alive than in the authors' previous books. I have just re-read this book and I enjoyed it even more the second time. The book pulls you into it, allowing you to relive this part of history as you laugh, cry, cringe, and rejoice with the characters. I have never seen such an excellent blend of fictional and historical content!

Rating:
Summary: Unlike anything I've ever read!
Review: This book took my breath away as I was immediaty swept back in time across the ocean. The characters were so real and the plot so exciting that I became blind and deaf to the world around me as the pages became my reality. I was left totally mistified! This was my first Thoene book, but it won't be my last!