Title: Though Waters Roar
Author: Lynn Austin
First published January 1, 2009
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780764204968 (ISBN10: 0764204963)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
“Your plainness is your strength, my child. Beauty fades, but intelligence endures,” my grandmother told me.
And for years, I held onto those words as I watched my sister bask in the attention of suitors. But when I find myself behind bars, my wits are put to the test.
It’s not for a noble cause like Prohibition, as my grandmother faced, but for a crime that would shatter her heart. As I sit and ponder how I became a criminal, I realize that the only way to find the answer is to delve into my past.
So let me take you back to the beginning, where secrets were buried and choices were made, and perhaps we’ll uncover the truth together in Though Waters Roar by Lynn Austin.”
About the Author
Lynn Austin had always wanted to be a writer, but her busy life prevented her from pursuing her dream. She and her family traveled frequently, and when they lived in Colombia for two years, Lynn used her degree to teach.
They later moved to various places in Canada and the US.
It was during the long, cold Canadian winters that Lynn finally found time to write. Despite having young children to care for, she managed to work on her writing every day while they napped.
She believes that her experience of learning to write amidst the chaos of family life helped her become a productive writer who still prioritizes her family.
Lynn is very close to her extended family, and a conversation about the changing roles of women across generations inspired her novel Eve’s Daughters. She has always loved history and archaeology, which led her to pursue graduate studies in Biblical Backgrounds and Archaeology while researching her Chronicles of the Kings series.
She even participated in an archaeological dig in Israel, which inspired her novel Wings of Refuge.
In 1992, Lynn left her teaching job to write full-time. Since then, she has published 27 novels, eight of which have won Christy Awards for excellence in Christian Fiction.
Her novel Hidden Places was even adapted into a movie starring Shirley Jones. Lynn is grateful to have had the opportunity to pursue her dream, and she continues to write with passion and dedication.
Editoral Review
Lynn Austin’s historical fiction novel, Though Waters Roar, explores the themes of family, love, faith, and freedom. First published in 2009, the book is set in two different time periods, ranging from the early 1800s to the present day.
Austin has been acclaimed as one of the best-selling Christian fiction authors, and this novel is no exception, with its blend of historical accuracy, compelling characters, and inspiring storytelling. The book is divided into five parts, with each part focusing on a different period in American history.
The story begins with the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad, where we are introduced to Harriet, a young slave who is determined to escape her plantation and start a new life with her family. The subsequent parts span over a century and a half, covering events such as the Civil War, women’s suffrage, and World War II.
Each part of the story features a unique protagonist, but they are all interconnected, as they are descendants of Harriet. The characters in Though Waters Roar are richly drawn and multi-dimensional.
From the courageous Harriet to the passionate suffragette Virginia, the book showcases strong women who fight for justice and equality. The male characters are equally well-developed, such as the abolitionist lawyer Eli, the Civil War soldier Joshua, and the Vietnam War veteran Ben.
Austin’s attention to detail and historical accuracy also help to bring these characters to life and place them in the context of their respective historical periods. The pacing of the novel is superb, with each part of the story flowing seamlessly into the next.
Austin manages to juggle multiple plot threads and time periods without losing the reader’s attention. The writing style is engaging and elegant, with Austin’s prose capturing the essence of each era and the characters’ personalities.
The book’s themes of faith and self-discovery also add depth and meaning to the story, without being preachy or dogmatic. However, the book is not perfect.
There are some predictable plot twists and occasional cliches, particularly in the romantic relationships between the characters. Some readers may also find the book’s Christian messages too overt or heavy-handed.
Additionally, although Austin’s historical research is impressive, some readers may prefer a stronger focus on the fictional characters and their personal journeys. Overall, Though Waters Roar is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and Christian literature.
The book is a testament to the enduring power of love, faith, and family, and a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us. I give the book a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
