The Messenger of Magnolia Street: A Novel - Hardcover

Jordan, River

3.66

137 ratings by Goodreads

9780060841768: The Messenger of Magnolia Street: A Novel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060841761 ISBN 13: 9780060841768

Publisher: HarperOne, 2006

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". . . when I look I see an open gate where there should be none. And what longs to enter through it, darkness and devastation. And I can feel that evil longing emptying out the good of Shibboleth, pulling on it with every rancid breath as it stands waiting for the gate to open farther."

The Messenger of Magnolia Street tells the haunting story of three childhood friends who reunite to fight the unnamed presence that is slowly draining their beloved town of goodness and light. Nehemiah Trust fled his hometown of Shibboleth twelve years ago, after the death of his mother. Now chief of staff for a powerful senator, Nehemiah has washed his hands of Shibboleth. But one night his older brother Billy and childhood friend Trice appear at his front door. Something is wrong, they tell him. Nehemiah is needed back home.

This mesmerizing novel of love awakened, purpose abandoned, and legacy reclaimed begins as slow and easy as a southern Sunday, but as the town of Shibboleth begins to sense the approaching darkness, the three friends must race against time to save the lifeblood of the place they call home. The solution requires a willingness to sacrifice everything.

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About the Author:

River Jordan is a storyteller of the southern variety and spent ten years as a playwright with the Loblolly Theatre group. She now teaches and speaks on "The Power of Story" around the country. She is currently completing a new work of fiction and a collection of essays.

Review:

“River Jordan had me at hello. This is wonderfully written, a dazzling debut.” (Michael Lee West, author of Mad Girls in Love)

“This is a book that inspires as well as it entertains -- and that is a rare achievement.” (Terry Kay, author of To Dance with the White Dog)

“[L]ike A Wrinkle in Time for grown-ups...a story filled with light.” (Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama)

“If Harper Lee and Dean Koontz joined their talents, they might come up with something as beautifully riveting as Messenger.” (Eric Wilson, author of Expiration Date and Dark to Mortal Eyes)

“This is a magical novel.” (Lynne Hinton, author of Friendship Cake and The Arms of God)

“[A] story full of southern dirt, courage, biscuits, faith, old trucks, old dogs, old friends - and love.” (Lisa Tucker, author of The Song Reader)

“Jordan has woven the mystery of redemption into the backdrop of the smalltown South...in the rich tradition of Flannery O’Connor.” (―Janis Owens, author of My Brother Michael and The Schooling of Claybird Catts)

“In the best tradition of Stephen King and Peter Straub, Jordan creates an eerily sinister landscape....” (Booklist)

“A beautifully written, atmospheric tale.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“When a new year starts with a novel this good, it bodes well for the whole year....” (Crossings Book Club)

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