Hurricane: A novel of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane [Paperback]

Janice A. Thompson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2004

It's 1900 and Brent Murphy, a prodigal son, is disillusioned with New York and his life as a newspaperman. Drawn home to Galveston Island, Brent knows it is likely he will face rejection from his father.

On Saturday September 8, 1900, without warning, the citizens of Galveston Island are in for the fight of their lives when the hurricane of the century hits. In a single night of horror, more than 6,000 islanders lose their lives and countless others are left in devastation.

Through the experience, Brent finally faces the truth of his own childhood and the stormy relationship he has with his parents. He finds the courage to write the story of his past and discovers a loving God.

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Editorial Reviews

From the Author

As a native Houstonian, I have always been fascinated with "the great storm," which still remains the largest natural disaster in American history. In 6th grade I was handed a children's book about the Galveston hurricane of 1900 and the rest, as they say, is history. As a fiction author, I dreamed of one day crafting this very real event into a novel, where ordinary characters would face the fury of the waters head-on, exhibiting extraordinary courage. I hope that readers enjoy this story. I also hope they discover the carefully woven message of hope planted within the pages of the book.

About the Author

Janice Thompson is a featured conference speaker in the Houston area and a director of ?Out There!? Drama Ministries. A member of Writer?s Information Network, Thompson has published numerous books, screenplays and magazine articles on a variety of subjects. She and her husband Michael have four daughters.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: David C. Cook; New edition edition (October 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589190203
• ISBN-13: 978-1589190207
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,288,189 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

got her start in the industry writing screenplays and musical comedies for the stage. Janice has published over fifty books for the Christian market, crossing genre lines to write cozy mysteries, historicals, romances, nonfiction books, devotionals, children's books and more. In addition, she enjoys editing, ghost-writing, public speaking, and mentoring young writers. Janice currently serves as Vice-President of CAN (Christian Authors Network) and was named the 2008 Mentor of the year for ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers). She was thrilled to be named the 2010 Barbour/Heartsong Author of the Year, with three books on the top ten list for that house. Janice is active in her local writing group, where she regularly teaches on the craft of writing. Her online course, "Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer" (www.freelancewritingcourses.com) has been helpful to many who want to earn a living with their writing. Janice is passionate about her faith and does all she can to share the joy of the Lord with others, which is why she particularly enjoys writing. She lives in Spring, Texas, where she leads a rich life with her family, a host of writing friends, and two mischievous dachshunds. She does her best to keep the Lord at the center of it all. You can find out more about Janice at www.janiceathompson.com or www.freelancewritingcourses.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A good story but poor history..., July 25, 2007

By 

Shelly Kelly (On the Island) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hurricane: A novel of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane (Paperback)

Each of the main characters in Ms. Thompson's novel face an internal conflict that reflects an external struggle as their world is upturned by the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. For those only slightly familiar with Galveston and the 1900 Storm, Hurricane, will be a slightly predictable journey of faith with easily recognizable humanly flawed characters.

Those who know the Galveston of 1900 well, and have detailed knowledge of the events of the Storm, should not bother with the book. Despite warnings that characters are invented and fact easily gives way to fiction, the author only tangentially writes a recognizable Galveston. Stereotyping abounds with regard to Galveston's immigration, and historical errors are common, especially related to the timeline of events for September 8. (One glaring example is Brent being frantically awoken in the Tremont hotel at 4 a.m. to be told that water is up to the diner and it is too high to send a carriage around. Yet six hours later The Strand, four blocks closer to the Bay than the hotel, has remained safe from flooding.) The author also inadvertently allows some characters to speak of late 20th century knowledge about hurricanes, their patterns and traits.

If you enjoy reading the allegory of Storms in our lives, and following characters as they struggle and lean on their faith to see them through, then you might enjoy this novel. Please understand that the Galveston and the events of the 1900 Storm as they are depicted here are largely fictional and not a true representation of the city and the Storm.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Historically accurate and exciting story, June 14, 2005

By 

Brenda J. Lott "aka Maggie Brendan" (Marietta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hurricane: A novel of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane (Paperback)

I'm a survivor of Hurricane Camille of 1969, that tore through Gulfport, MS in 1969 and the worst storm to hit the US Mainland. So I couldn't wait to read Thompson's Hurricane. Instantly I was drawn into her fictional story of the historical and devastating storm of 1900, that hit the island of Galveston, Texas. Thompson vividly portrays the catastrophic and devastating effects on human life and property in sharp contrast to hope, survival and faith. I read this book this past weekend, while in Mobile, AL with the threat of tropical storm Arlene in the background, so it was perfect reading material.

Drama and well developed characters tell the unfolding story of death and triumph as the storm moves into the gulf with such impact, that lives on the island are changed forever. I could almost taste the salt water, feel the roaring wind and slashing rain, so accurately described by Thompson, a native Texan. Though 6,000 people lost their lives in this terrible hurricane, many found strength and compassion to help their fellow islanders, and selfishly give of themselves, even in their own despair. This well crafted, minute by minute story, will pull at your heartstrings and make you say a prayer for every storm that enters your life. I highly reccommend it.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Will Be Blown Away!, June 24, 2005

By 

M. P. Merritt (Colorado) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hurricane: A novel of the 1900 Galveston Hurricane (Paperback)

Sometimes our humble beginnings-the ones we can't wait to get away from-are the ones we're inevitably drawn back to. So is the case for successful newspaperman Brent Murphy when he becomes disenchanted with the fast pace of New York City and returns to his hometown Island of Galveston. His return coincides with an event of catastrophic proportions, the 1900 Galveston hurricane.

Mrs. Thompson, a native Texan, has crafted an engrossing tale of tragedy, sadness, courage, and most importantly, hope. Experience one of this country's most talked about storms through the eyes of these well-developed characters. You will cheer for their bravery and cry over their loss. A wonderful tribute to the victims of the 1900 Galveston hurricane. A great read. Highly recommend.