Where the River Ends by Charles Martin is a beautifully written story of love that prevails through adversity, illness and death. It’s the love story of Doss Michaels and Abigail Grace Coleman who come together and marry despite coming from completely opposite cultural upbringings. Doss was raised in rural Georgia in a trailer park. Abbie is the daughter of a powerful governor turned senator in South Carolina and is, in essence, Charleston royalty. Abbie and Doss inspire the best of one another and their bond in love is deep. Ten years into their marriage, Abbie’s cancer is discovered. Doss is beside her every harrowing step of the way through various treatments and trials. When doctors determine that no more can be done for Abbie, Doss agrees to take her down the river as she has requested of him. He helps her to complete her list of items that she has always wanted to do and they do these in their very own way.
Abbie’s trip down the river with Doss isn’t always a quiet, serene journey. There are difficulties and hardships along the way. The way Charles Martin ties together the trials of the journey with the beautiful moments they experience together is a poignant reminder of marriage and life. There might be some tough times along the way, but it’s always worth fighting for when it’s real and true. That’s the attitude I read from Doss all along. It would have been so easy for him to abandon the journey down the river. To give up and just rest. But, he pushes through to the end because he promised Abbie that he would do that. He loved her enough to fulfill his promise even when it nearly cost him everything.
The river trip also symbolizes Abbie’s journey from life into death. The various twists, turns, ups and downs intricately weave together just like her journey through life with cancer.
This is another amazing work by Charles Martin. His way with words is powerful. The depth of his characters is so real and touching. A beautiful novel all the way through. Highly recommended!
Here is a video with Charles Martin where he discusses the book. Worth watching!