Inspired by the strong women in author J. J. McCurry's own family, and historically strong women among his Celtic ancestors, The River tells the spiritual journey of a fictional Celtic woman-warrior, Nova, in search of truth.
It's easy to feel distanced from ancient history, but with the layered character of young Nova, the author seems to compress time, bringing the past to the present, by touching on the universal themes that connect all of humanity-love and the search for truth. The writing is beautifully simple, complete with all the words that are necessary, and none that are extraneous.
Nova's quest to understand the truth of spirituality begins with her attempts to balance her family's Druid mysticism and warrior culture. But, after being tricked into servitude by her own father, Nova finds her path unfolding in an entirely new direction when she meets a traveling Jewish rabbi. His engaging stories of his monotheistic religion captivate her.
Throughout The River, the author expertly weaves the history of the Celts with the Romans and the Jews, and reminds readers that Christianity began with the Jews, and that connection remains true to this day. Druids, Jews, and Christians-we are all of a cloth.
About the Author: J. J. McCurry proudly claims his Celtic origins. He studied at King's College in Raleigh, North Carolina; Regis University in Denver, Colorado; and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. McCurry served in the Vietnam War with the US Air Force before working as an engineer, an American English editor for Azerbaijan Broadcasting Company, and as an English professor at Khazar University.
McCurry has served in the ministry in North Carolina, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, British Columbia, and the Republic of Azerbaijan. McCurry has published several books about Azerbaijan, prior to The River and its predecessor Hannah.
The River is told from the viewpoint of an imagined ancestor, the Celtic girl Nova who became the warrior Hannah. This book is a love letter to the author's Jewish friends from Asbury Park High School, and a reminder to Christians that the blood of the Lord flows through His people.
