A new way of using compelling fiction to reveal a truth about God's relationship with his creation, 'The River' gives you a novel with an underlying meaning that impacts on the heart and mind of experienced Christian readers, and anyone who loves a good read with the heart of a spiritual, faith based romance.

With it's realistic weathered-effect book cover, and authentically simulated worn-edged pages, 'The River' is as many layered as Bunyan's classic, Pilgrim’s Progress. This modern day allegory gives you the story of one man’s journey out of loss, tragedy, anger and fear to all that he was meant to be. Using the wonder, beauty and power of nature, The River is a parable of relationship and reconciliation with the source of all life. Michael Neale’s debut novel presents the uncontrollable creative and re-creative power of the eternal as a mighty river that gives, takes away, cleanses and restores.

Reasons to read or give 'The River' by Michael Neale

• Open up a story that opens the mind as well as the heart
• Begin a journey that leads to unexpected reunion with God
• Enter a story of God's unpredictable yet unchangeable nature
• Reveal the power of reconciliation through faith
• Encourage another to find their true identity in God
• Explore the eternity of God in the wonder of nature
• Discover how God restores even through tragedy and loss
• Feel the impact of faith based fiction on a deeper level

What you need to know about 'The River'...

Through a chance encounter in an airport lounge, Neale unfolds the story of Gabriel Clarke, white-water canoeist and expert guide to the world’s most beautiful and most unpredictable rivers. In the great tradition of John Bunyan, C S Lewis and J R R Tolkein, The River is a deeply spiritual journey in which the nature of the eternal is expressed through, the story, its biblically named characters and the landscape itself.

Capitalised throughout the book, ‘The River’ is the consistent character and influence in the life of Gabriel Clarke. Beginning on the banks of the Colorado, Gabriel expresses his alienation, fear and resentment of The River that took his father through an act of tragic heroism. Through a succession of good friends and chance discoveries at the adventure camp formerly managed by his father, Gabriel faces up to the deep emotions that keep him from reconnecting with The River, the true source and purpose of his existence.

Discovering circumstances surrounding his father’s death brings confused feelings of bitterness and the realisation that his wilderness soul mate, Tabitha, would never have existed without his father's sacrifice. Throughout, The River flows, shapes, cleanses and restores, revealing and hiding itself. But the grown, mature and well rounded Clarke of the airport lounge is not a man who controlled and defeated the wildness of the river. Rather he’s a man who gave himself to what The River might make of him.

"I've experienced The River in many ways in my life,” writes Clarke. “I haven't always understood those experiences. What I will say is that The River has allowed me to feel the deepest grief and given me the greatest joy."

For Gabriel, becoming the man he was always meant to be is no easy choice. Coming to terms with his past and learning all his father wanted him to know about The River requires courage and forgiveness – for himself, for others and for The River itself. And that, in truth is often beyond the best of us. - Les Ellison