River Rising
by Athol Dickson

List Price: $17.99
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 076420162X
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Welcome to Pilotville, Louisiana, 1927, isolated outpost on the Mississippi River--a stilt village bounded by swampland to the horizon, accessible only by boat, an island of brotherly love in a sea of racism. Meet Hale Poser, a stranger with a bad hip who's come looking for his roots--a humble man, a righteous man, a miracle man. In the swamp beyond the cypress and the tupelo and veiled by Spanish moss lies a lingering evil. For years it slept in dreadful isolation. Now comes Hale Poser, and it will sleep no more. It will rain down on Pilotville, it will rise up like a river, and nothing but a miracle can stop this awful flood.

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1. What is the primary theme of the novel, and what makes you believe it is the primary theme?

2. What secondary themes does the novel explore, and how do they relate to the primary theme?

3. What is the allegorical significance of the village, the plantation, the boardwalks, the levees, the slaves, the kidnapped babies, and the flood?

4. Of all the Pilotville residents’ reactions in Chapter 24 when Hale Poser told them about the plantation and begged them to return there with him, which one sounds the most like something you might say, and why?

5. What is "the paradox of miracles" in Chapter 25? How does it apply to your life?

6. What was your initial reaction when you read the statement, "God came down a nigger" in Chapter 25? Why did you respond that way? Has your reaction changed upon further reflection, and if so, why?

7. Other than Hale Poser, which one of the characters do you respect the most, and why?

8. On a allegorical level, what main problem faced the people in the village? What main problem faced the people on the plantation? How are these problems similar and how are they different? What does this suggest about the solution(s) to the problems?

9. What is the allegorical significance of the fact that the slaves destroyed the levee themselves? How does Hale Poser’s choice to die alongside them relate to this?

10. Were Dorothy Truett and Wallace Pogue right to leave their churches in the final chapter, or should they have stayed?

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"Atmospheric, well-paced and powerfully imagined, this novel is reminiscent of Octavia Butler's Kindred and deserves similar readership and respect."

—Publishers Weekly

"A riveting mystery of redemption and regret, salvation and loss… Dickson deftly explores a variety of complex issues, such as racial equality and religious faith --- all with a tasteful touch of magical realism. A vivid setting and well-drawn characters coalesce in this subtle yet captivating mystery."

—Kirkus Discoveries

"A KNOCK-OUT novel…If you haven't seen this one, get [it]. It will restore your souls."

—Phyllis Tickle, author and Publishers Weekly founding religion editor

"Powerful and suspenseful, this fiction thriller is an unexpected page-turner. The characters are well drawn. The setting is vibrant and vivid. The story is compelling and concise. Athol Dickson has created a timeless tale...."

—Library Review

"This book is Louisiana's TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD ... It will make you ask questions that need to be asked. And the reader will look for answers that are there to be found. You will see the worst side of man--and man at his best, seeking the God of the universe. Once you pick up this book you won't want to put it down until you've turned the last page"

—Armchair Interviews

"It's not often that a book makes you think of William Faulkner's Mississippi fiction and C.S. Lewis' THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA , both at the same time. But Athol Dickson has done that with RIVER RISING."

—Tom Morrisey, author of DEEP BLUE

"A quest for faith and freedom, RIVER RISING is a thought-provoking, fascinating journey into bayou country, super-charged with intrigue."

—Linda Windsor, award-winning author of FIESTA MOON

"Athol Dickson appeals to our sense of hope in his cleverly crafted RIVER RISING. Prejudice, intrigue, and an intense need for justice float to the top of Mississippi's swamp in a turn-of-the-century tale that will grab you by the heart and never let you go."

—DiAnn Mills, Writer

"An absorbing and worthwhile novel."

—Dr. Maxine Hancock, author and professor of Interdisciplinary Studies & Spiritual Theology, Regent College (Vancouver, BC)

"One of the most powerful books I've read in many years... a message you will ponder long after you've turned the final page."

—Judith Miller, author of FIRST DAWN

"Brimming with discoveries as mysterious and deep as the Louisiana backwater of its setting, RIVER RISING flows with passion and truth. Dickson's beautifully written story will flood your soul long after the final page."

—Brandilyn Collins, bestselling author

"With a prophet's eye to the past and future, Athol Dickson gives us a moving story of sin and redemption. RIVER RISING flows with beauty while raging with emotion. His characters could walk off the page."

—Eric Wilson, author of EXPIRATION DATE and DARK TO MORTAL EYES

"The stunning beauty of Athol Dickson's writing is a perfect compliment to the spellbinding story of RIVER RISING."

—DeAnna Julie Dodson, author of IN HONOR BOUND, BY LOVE REDEEMED and TO GRACE SURRENDERED

"Athol Dickson is a one-of-a-kind author and RIVER RISING is simply marvelous. With remarkable skill, Mr. Dickson has created characters that walked from the pages and shackled themselves to my heart. Congratulations, Mr. Dickson, you are one of the greats."

—Tracey Bateman, President, American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Author of The COLOR OF THE SOUL

"We are thunderstruck. Incredible story. Incredible writing... Disturbing... and yet full of hope. It doesn't get any better than that."

—Dave and Neta Jackson, Authors, THE YADA YADA PRAYER GROUP series