The Lower River

Aid. Things are often not as they appear in Paul Theroux’s novel, The Lower River. Spend a few hours with protagonist Ellis Hock in Malawi and you’ll feel better about your life, no matter how unhappy you may be, or how much you struggle. Hock has left behind his unhappy Massachusetts life in his early sixties and returns to a place where he had found happiness four decades earlier. With a plan to help the people of the remote and desolate Lower River, Hock finds himself powerless and trapped. Theroux presents a dark side of philanthropy that shows how aid may not always be helpful. The plot twists are complex and entertaining, and Theroux’s descriptions of the setting provide a vivid picture of the environment, especially if you like snakes. Rating: Three-star (Recommended) Click here to purchase The Lower River from amazon.com.