Customer Reviews

Only the River Runs Free (Galway Chronicles, Book 1)

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 The rightful landlord Joseph Connor Burke has been superseded by the greedy usurper Marlowe.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.

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.

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!

When Joseph Connor Burke returned to the small Irish village of Ballynockanor, he only expected to stay a few months. Just long enough to put the past and his stolen inheritance behind him. But as he gets reacquainted with his neighbors, he finds himself drawn into their struggles against Protestants in general and his uncle in particular. Is there a way to reclaim what is rightfully his? Is the priesthood his true calling? And what about his feelings for Kate?

The Thoenes went in an unexpected direction when they started this series. Up til now, they'd been writing about Israel and America. For that reason, I've put off starting this series, even though I've heard such good thing about it. Boy, was that a mistake!

I know very little about Irish history. In this one book, I learned so much that helps me understand the current struggles. Yet, as always, the history is wrapped in a wonderful story with very real characters. While I figured a few things out before they happened, most of the time I was unsure what would happen next and had a hard time putting the book down as a result. As always, the Thoenes develop their characters well and I felt myself getting angry on their behalf on more then one occasion.

I'm already planning my next trip to Ballynockanor for the next chapter in this sage. Any fan of the Thoenes or anyone wanting some fictitious background on Ireland will love this book.

I have never read a series so full of heart as this. The characters are vibrant and alive, funny and real in their emotions. Any thing I write is a pathetic reflection of how truly great these writers are. How can I even begin to say what an impact the Galway Chronicles have had on my life? This is the most perfect Christmas story I have ever read. Just read the book and you'll be hooked too! Incredible!

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!

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.

Only the River Runs Free, set in 19th century Ireland, recounts one year in the life of the Donovan family. Poor, struggling to survive as tenant farmers in an Irish village under the rule of a harsh and wicked landlord, beset by tragedy and alcoholism and injustice, theirs could be the story of nearly any family in Ireland at that time. There seems to be no end to the unfortunate incidents that buffet them: their cottage catches fire in which several family members die; a son kills a wicked young nobleman in an accident framed as murder, is betrayed to the authorities and faces a death sentence; a daughter nurses her damaged hand and wounded heart; another daughter is seduced by a young nobleman and led off to Dublin and a life of prostitution. And at the same time Joseph Connor, who as a child was cheated out of his rightful inheritance, has returned to this village as an adult to redress his wrong and regain his estate.

The problem with this book is that it is like a cake pulled out of the oven when it is only half-baked. The plot meanders all over the place like a -- well, like a drunk Irishman trying to make his way home from the pub. It touches all the various story lines, but never really develops any of them. As just one example, near the end of the book Joseph, after eating his heart out with love for a certain woman for 232 pages, suddenly decides to marry someone else. The authors spend all of two or three sentences describing this about-face; Joseph heard The Voice and suddenly knew what he must do. And that was that. No inner struggle, no thought for the woman he'd loved all his life and just "dumped" in his heart. He suddenly loves someone else. Needless to say, I was not convinced.

Another scene that was thrown in without thought or development was the funeral cortege of a young woman (who I will not name so as not to be a spoiler) going from Dublin back to her home village. We're never told how in the world it came about, but all of a sudden all of Dublin knew of this young woman's death and 20,000 people decided to walk in her funeral procession??!! During this time in Ireland, there were no-doubt thousands of young women from various villages who ended up in Dublin as prostitutes, and who consequently died young from disease. What was so special about this particular young woman that 20,000 strangers would want to walk miles and miles behind her casket? Again, I was not convinced.

It was not only the plot that lacked development but the characters, as well. When villainous characters are not properly developed they come off as cartoonish and Disney-like, and this book was, unfortunately, no exception. The "bad guys" were absolute buffoons. The "good" characters were shallow and uninteresting. And the way that Joseph Connor always showed up when one of the Donovan family was in a crisis made me roll my eyes; all he was missing was a red cape and an "S" on his chest.

Considering how highly Bodie and Brock Thoene are regarded, I certainly expected better of them than this book delivers. Many years ago I read their WWII series and remember enjoying it; so I am certain it must have been much, much better than this book. So, based on that, I am going to try one more of their other books, although I will not be reading any more of the books in The Galway Chronicles series.

My recommendation; if you want to read a book set in 19th century Ireland try something else. There are lots of them out there, and there are certain to be many that are better than this.

I majored in English Lit. in college and expected Christian fiction to be weak and soppy - like Thomas Kincaid art. I was happily surprised with this novel and found I couldn't put it down. I'll be checking out this author's other books as well.

I have read most of the Zion Covenent Series also written by the Thoene's and greatly enjoyed it. When I came across this book I expected to enjoy it very much. I must say I was slightly disappointed because I found the book hard to get into. For me a five star book is one I just can't put down and read quickly. As for Only the River Runs Free, it took me forever to get very interested in the story. I still have to give the book four stars though because it left me wondering what will happen to all the people in the story, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series