Step into the literary roots of Patrick D. Smith with his inaugural novel, The River is Home.
Renowned for his historical fiction masterpieces like A Land Remembered and the award-winning Forever Island, Smith’s journey into the world of storytelling began with this captivating work.
Did you know that he wrote his first novel in just 10 days? He simply wanted to see if he could write one. Upon sharing it with his professor at Ole Miss, who encouraged him to submit it to a publisher, he sent it off to Little, Brown, & Company, and it was promptly accepted. He became the youngest published writer in Mississippi at just 26 years old, back in 1953.
Upon publishing, his novel received critical acclaim, launching him into his career as a novelist.
About The Story: The River is Home
The River is Home revolves around a poor Mississippi family’s struggle to cope with changes in their rural environment. This coming-of-age story focuses on Skeeter, the youngest son in a family rich in spiritual values but poor in material goods. They live near the banks of the Pearl River in Mississippi, surrounded by swamps, woodlands, and the ever-present river, which provides them with abundant food but also poses dangers from wildlife and periodic floods. Unfortunately, their living situation leaves them ostracized by the local community, furthering their struggles.
The novel explores how Skeeter and each member of his family adapt to the demands of life on the river. The swamp setting, rife with mosquitoes and alligators, reappears in Smith’s later Florida books, especially Allapattah.
The novel, set against the backdrop of impoverished rural communities in the early 20th century South, skillfully captures the essence of the era by immersing the characters in the vernacular of the time. Through authentic dialogue and regional expressions, the author brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the poor residents, providing readers with a genuine portrayal of their experiences.
For those who appreciate the artistry of language and the ability to transport oneself into a bygone era, this novel, with its rich vernacular and masterful scene-setting, promises a captivating literary experience.
Special Offer: Two For The Price of One
With Christmas approaching, consider these novels as thoughtful gifts (they aren’t children’s books). The River Is Home is offered in this special two-for-one promotion. For every online order, the shipment will be doubled, making each book just $7.48 instead of the usual $14.95. It’s a great deal for great gifts.
Order The River Is Home Here 
Make sure not to miss the short video on this page, created to demonstrate the author’s skill in setting the scene when describing the Corey family.
Bonus: Get Another Book For Free
With every order, a FREE copy of the hardbound book The Last Ride (originally $18.00) will be included.
“The story was happy. Despite obstacles, the characters had the will to make it in the swamps of the Pearl River. The description of the people, their habitat and their way of life was fascinating. I couldn’t wait to see what was for dinner! Reading the dialect got a little old but it was quite an accomplishment for the author. Good read for anyone but especially for people from that part of the world…like me.” ~ Lilla Gayle Martin
“This book is a marvelous picture of life on the Pearl River, It is really a slice of life with vivid details and wonderful characters, which takes the reader to a time and place not often heard about. A short book, it’s a very fast read. You want to know what’s coming next with every page I definitely recommend The River Is Home.” ~ Olivia Kersh
“This man combines history with fiction, yet realistic characters . He really researched before he wrote and I learned a lot about the land and the people of that era. Captivating reading.”
~ Amazon Customer