Why Join?

  • Add New Books

  • Write a Review

  • Backpack Reading Lists

  • Monthly Newsletter

Join Now

A House by the River

A House by the River

Author(s): Sid Smith

Location(s): China

Genre(s): Fiction

Era(s): Turn of the 20th Century

Location

Content

In the wild highlands of southern China, a tribe of fisher folk must venture daily on to a fearsome river. Into their world of struggle and superstition arrives a young couple, John and Grace Gerrard. Raised among the teeming streets of Hong Kong and Canton, they now confront a culture so alien that it challenges their love – and their lives. John is soon enthralled by the fisher folk, swept up by their dark gods and the invigorating dangers of the river. Meanwhile, Grace’s missionary work only incites mistrust. Hoping to reconcile her Western religion with her Asian blood, she begins to develop an extraordinary theory . . . But her insights provoke a murderous conspiracy. Parted by their enemies and the unforgiving river, John and Grace must find each other across the mountains and rapids of China’s secret heart.

Review this Book

To review this book, please

Log in

Book Reviews

Lead Review

A gripping page-turner containing beautifully observed descriptions of the lives of Chinese peasants… – Citation for the Whitbread First Novel Award for 2001 –

Read review