The River Prophet By: Raymond S. (Raymond Smiley) Spears (1876-1950)
The River Prophet by Raymond S. Spears is a captivating and thought-provoking story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the power of faith. Set in a small Appalachian town, the narrative follows the life of Noah Calhoun, a young man burdened by a mysterious gift. From the very beginning, Spears manages to create an eerie atmosphere that lingers throughout the entire novel. The vivid descriptions of the dense forests, rushing river, and isolated community immediately transport the reader into the heart of the Appalachian region, painting a picture of both beauty and desolation. The author's talent for setting is truly commendable, as he brings the town to life, capturing the essence of its inhabitants' struggles and deep-seated beliefs. At the center of the story is Noah, a troubled protagonist who possesses an uncanny ability to predict future events, particularly those involving water. As his powers become known to the townsfolk, Noah is thrust into the role of a prophet, burdened with an immense responsibility. Spears skillfully explores the repercussions of Noah's gift, dissecting the clash of faith and skepticism, and the devastating impact it has on both the protagonist and those around him. The characters in The River Prophet are richly developed and relatable, each carrying their own personal demons and desires. Through their interactions with Noah, their beliefs and motivations are examined, making for a nuanced exploration of human nature and the power of belief systems. An element that truly stands out in this book is the lyrical and poetic prose employed by the author. Spears' descriptive language creates a vivid yet haunting ambiance, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the Appalachian landscape. The writing is both evocative and introspective, offering moments of profound wisdom and reflection that add depth to the narrative. One slight drawback of The River Prophet is its pacing. While the majority of the book flows smoothly, there are moments where the story seems to stagnate, slowing down the overall momentum. However, these instances do not significantly detract from the overall reading experience, as Spears manages to swiftly pick up the pace and carry the reader forward. In conclusion, The River Prophet is a captivating novel that explores themes of faith, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. Raymond S. Spears weaves a mesmerizing tale that thrills, challenges, and ultimately leaves a deep impact on the reader. With its lyrical prose and insightful character development, this book is a compelling read for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking fiction. First Page: [Illustration: " She snatched the automatic pistol from her bosom and ... fired. The man stumbled back with a cry. "] THE RIVER PROPHET By Raymond S. Spears Frontispiece by Ralph Pallen Coleman Garden City New York Doubleday, Page & Company 1920 COPYRIGHT, 1918, 1920, BY DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, INCLUDING THAT OF TRANSLATION INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES, INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN THE RIVER PROPHET THE RIVER PROPHET CHAPTER I Elijah Rasba lived alone in a log cabin on Temple Run. He was a long, lank, blue eyed young man, with curly brown hair and a pale, almost livid complexion. His eye brows were heavy and dark brown, and the blue steel of his gaze was fixed unwaveringly upon any object that it distinguished. Two generations before, Old Abe Rasba had built a church on a little brook, a tributary of Jackson River, away up in the mountains. The church was laid up of flat stones, gathered in fields, from ledges of rock and up the wooded mountain side. It was large enough to hold all the people for miles around, and the roof was supported by massive hewn timbers, and some few attempts had been made to decorate the structure. Old Abe had called his church "The Temple," had preached from a big hollow oak stump, and laid down the Law of the Bible, which he had memorized by heart, and expounded from experience... Continue reading book >>

The River Prophet By: Raymond S. (Raymond Smiley) Spears (1876-1950)

The River Prophet by Raymond S. Spears is a captivating and thought-provoking story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the power of faith. Set in a small Appalachian town, the narrative follows the life of Noah Calhoun, a young man burdened by a mysterious gift.

From the very beginning, Spears manages to create an eerie atmosphere that lingers throughout the entire novel. The vivid descriptions of the dense forests, rushing river, and isolated community immediately transport the reader into the heart of the Appalachian region, painting a picture of both beauty and desolation. The author's talent for setting is truly commendable, as he brings the town to life, capturing the essence of its inhabitants' struggles and deep-seated beliefs.

At the center of the story is Noah, a troubled protagonist who possesses an uncanny ability to predict future events, particularly those involving water. As his powers become known to the townsfolk, Noah is thrust into the role of a prophet, burdened with an immense responsibility. Spears skillfully explores the repercussions of Noah's gift, dissecting the clash of faith and skepticism, and the devastating impact it has on both the protagonist and those around him.

The characters in The River Prophet are richly developed and relatable, each carrying their own personal demons and desires. Through their interactions with Noah, their beliefs and motivations are examined, making for a nuanced exploration of human nature and the power of belief systems.

An element that truly stands out in this book is the lyrical and poetic prose employed by the author. Spears' descriptive language creates a vivid yet haunting ambiance, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the Appalachian landscape. The writing is both evocative and introspective, offering moments of profound wisdom and reflection that add depth to the narrative.

One slight drawback of The River Prophet is its pacing. While the majority of the book flows smoothly, there are moments where the story seems to stagnate, slowing down the overall momentum. However, these instances do not significantly detract from the overall reading experience, as Spears manages to swiftly pick up the pace and carry the reader forward.

In conclusion, The River Prophet is a captivating novel that explores themes of faith, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit. Raymond S. Spears weaves a mesmerizing tale that thrills, challenges, and ultimately leaves a deep impact on the reader. With its lyrical prose and insightful character development, this book is a compelling read for anyone who appreciates thought-provoking fiction.

First Page:

[Illustration: " She snatched the automatic pistol from her bosom and ... fired. The man stumbled back with a cry. "]

THE RIVER PROPHET

Raymond S. Spears

Frontispiece by

Ralph Pallen Coleman

Garden City New York

Doubleday, Page & Company

1920

THE RIVER PROPHET

CHAPTER I

Elijah Rasba lived alone in a log cabin on Temple Run. He was a long, lank, blue eyed young man, with curly brown hair and a pale, almost livid complexion. His eye brows were heavy and dark brown, and the blue steel of his gaze was fixed unwaveringly upon any object that it distinguished.

Two generations before, Old Abe Rasba had built a church on a little brook, a tributary of Jackson River, away up in the mountains. The church was laid up of flat stones, gathered in fields, from ledges of rock and up the wooded mountain side. It was large enough to hold all the people for miles around, and the roof was supported by massive hewn timbers, and some few attempts had been made to decorate the structure.

Old Abe had called his church "The Temple," had preached from a big hollow oak stump, and laid down the Law of the Bible, which he had memorized by heart, and expounded from experience... Continue reading book >>

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Literature

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