The Glad River

by Will D. Campbell

Book Overview

The Glad River is a deeply affecting novel. Grounded in a particular place and time, its themes are, nonetheless, universal. A novel that probes the limits of religion and the state, it is also the work of a master storyteller and civil rights activist whose works are considered a treasure of modern Southern literature.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0030598982
• ISBN13: 9780030598982
• Release Date: January 1982
• Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
• Length: 310 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Simply this is one of the most meaningful books of my life

I was first introduced to this book more than ten years ago. I have read it again almost annually. Campbell, one of the best storytellers of our time, with his tongue planted firmly in his cheek and his words planted deep within your soul, brings you along with Doops on his journey. A journey with destinations in the midst of search, water, baptism and life. A journey deeper into your faith and soul than you will first expect. I would strongly suggest reading Campbell's "Cecila's Sin" upon completion of "The Glad River."

Just a plain ole' good story

First and foremost, Will Campbell presents the reader with a simple, wonderful story of three men and their interactions with one another. If you allow it, The Glad River will begin to show its many layers and expose themes the casual reader may not have expected to find within the current setting. The search for a "real baptist" by the main character, Doops Momber, allows the reader to define his or her own theological views of what a real Christian may be, and to define (and find) oneself as Doops does. If the glimpes at Doops' book make you curious for more, I highly recommend Wil Campbell's novella Cecelia's Sin which may offer some insight to the themes of the Glad River. In any case, Cecelia's Sin makes a wonderful companion book.