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In this daring debut, Mr. Young sketches a portrait of an idealized, and unfortunately too uncommon journey to redemption, which is advanced as the blueprint for both the would-be proselyte and the would-be proselytizer. Our nameless narrator, who brings an open but critical perspective, ponders the deep questions of life as he searches along the River for truth, meaning, purpose, and ultimately, a new beginning. Accompanied by a compassionate and insightful Christian who uniquely understands the true significance of the River and the Road, he faces intellectual and moral challenges from diverse directions that threaten his worldview. Interwoven with the gospel themes (both false and true) are a number of other encounters with angels, skeptics, seekers, temptresses, and travelers with a variety of religious viewpoints. The allegory, illuminating and penetrating-through stressing the fundamental notion of salvation from sin (not only its consequences)-aims to undercut some of the most prevalent misconceptions of the gospel message today. The result is a narrative that will both delight and educate, is both ponderous and free-flowing, and will both entrench Christians in some of their most beloved doctrines and challenge the very foundations of their theology.
