Book details
Three Rivers Rising: A Novel of the Johnstown Flood
Description
Sixteen-Year-Old Celstia spends every summer with her family at the elite resort at Lake Conemaugh, a shimmering Allegheny Mountain reservoir held in place by an earthen dam. Tired of the society crowd, Celestia prefers to swim and fish with Peter, the hotels hired boy. Its a friendship she must keep secret, and when companionship turns to romance, its a love that could get Celestia disowned. These affairs of the heart become all the more wrenching on a single, tragic day in May, 1889. After days of heavy rain, the dam fails, unleashing 20 million tons of water onto Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in the valley below. The town where Peter lives with his father. The town where Celestia has just arrived to join him. This searing novel in poems explores a cross-class romanceand a tragic event in U. S. history.From the Hardcover edition.
Age
12-17
Text complexity
proficient
Length
304 pages
Why to read
- Historical Insight: The novel provides a detailed and emotional portrayal of the Johnstown Flood of 1889, offering readers a chance to learn about this significant event in American history through the lens of compelling characters.
- Engaging Storytelling: Jame Richards employs a verse-novel format, which creates an engaging and unique narrative experience. The poetic structure allows for a deep connection with the characters' thoughts and feelings.
- Multiple Perspectives: The book presents the story through the eyes of several characters from different social classes and backgrounds, providing a multifaceted view of the disaster and its impact on society.
- Themes of Resilience and Humanity: 'Three Rivers Rising' explores themes such as resilience in the face of disaster, the strength of the human spirit, and the complexities of love and loss, making it a thought-provoking read that resonates with readers long after they finish the book.