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karaklos 's review for:
Only the River Runs Free
by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene
Only the River Runs Free is a historical fiction novel that takes place in the 1840s in Ireland when Ireland was rebelling to end British rule over them. It has a Christian undertone to it; however, the actions of most of the characters are decidedly not Christian. It also has a bit of mysticism and foreshadowing of events. There is violence against women (and men as well) but it is not very detailed to be too upsetting as in other novels.
The story is about the Donovan family, a widower and his five children, and a stranger that enters their lives. Together they struggle against the landlord and his clan as well as their own pain from past tragedy.
The historical aspect was really interesting...imagine having to tithe to another country’s church (which you were not a member) and having the threat of your house being torn down and being exiled to another country if you didn’t. The imagery is beautiful. I felt like I was in Ballynockanor walking the landscape and listening to the milk hit the pail as they milked the cows. The character development was just ok. I felt like they could have really delved into Kate and Joseph’s characters.
The story itself did not grab me. It seemed like I was supposed to feel emotional at certain points but didn’t. I felt myself criticizing decisions and not feeling empathy when disaster occurred. Lastly, I never felt the urge to pick up this book. While fast-paced, it wasn’t something that excited me enough to want to run and read it.
The story is about the Donovan family, a widower and his five children, and a stranger that enters their lives. Together they struggle against the landlord and his clan as well as their own pain from past tragedy.
The historical aspect was really interesting...imagine having to tithe to another country’s church (which you were not a member) and having the threat of your house being torn down and being exiled to another country if you didn’t. The imagery is beautiful. I felt like I was in Ballynockanor walking the landscape and listening to the milk hit the pail as they milked the cows. The character development was just ok. I felt like they could have really delved into Kate and Joseph’s characters.
The story itself did not grab me. It seemed like I was supposed to feel emotional at certain points but didn’t. I felt myself criticizing decisions and not feeling empathy when disaster occurred. Lastly, I never felt the urge to pick up this book. While fast-paced, it wasn’t something that excited me enough to want to run and read it.