19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Award-winning high-calibre Christian historical fiction., November 26, 2001
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 The rightful landlord Joseph Connor Burke has been superseded by the greedy usurper Marlowe.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.
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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five stars are not enough for these stories!, February 28, 2000
By A Customer
I eagerly devoured all four of the Galway Chronicles novels! I have to say this story is touched my heart deeper than any other. Each book gave me fresh new insight into the hearts and lives of my Irish ancestors. The series defined Irish history and 'The Troubles' like nothing I have ever read. The writing is emotionally powerful, incredibly skilled and intelligent in presentation. It is brim full of their evident passion for the people and the times they portray. Brock and Bodie Thoene are authors for our time! Fifty years from now people will still be reading and marveling over their work. They are the best historical novelists of their generation. Compared to the Galway Chronicles and their Zion and Shiloh books all else pales.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unlike anything I've ever read!, August 23, 1999
By A Customer
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!
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