When the Nile Turns Red by DiAnn Mills
Award-winning author, DiAnn Mills, launched her career in 1998 with the publication of her first book. Currently she has over forty books in print and has sold more than a million copies.
Reviewed by Lacy J. Williams
Mills has created a masterpiece in the inspirational fiction, When the Nile Runs Red.
Paul Farid, wanted by his powerful family for rejecting the Islamic religion of his birth, believes it is his mission from God to deliver food and other aid to needy Africans across the continent. His wife Larson, a feisty American doctor, serves the people of Warkhou and other places by offering her medical services free of charge.
When Larson finds out she’s pregnant, fear that Paul will send her away keeps her silent. Meanwhile, Paul’s brother Nizam claims he wants to meet because he has questions about Christianity. Paul knows there is a chance it’s a trap, but isn’t it his duty to make sure his brother has a chance to know God?
Colonel Ben Alier leads a band of rebel fighters against those who kill innocent people for greed or genocide. When an injury forces him into the hospital, he finds out that his life will never be the same. He returns to Daruka, the woman he left alone and pregnant with his son David fifteen years ago. Will Daruka and David forgive Ben and accept him back into their lives? Will Ben find the meaning he is searching for?
When Paul, Larson and Ben must work together to survive the realities of
Mills draws the reader in to a poignant picture of
Plenty of action scenes as well as twists and turns in the plot keep the reader engaged with the story. With real characters, real struggles, life-and-death situations and a present but not overwhelming inspirational theme, Mills has created a wonderful read.
Armchair Interviews says: Highly recommended.
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Interview:
What inspired you to write this novel?
I had previously written a nonfiction book about the Lost Boys of Sudan – Lost Boy No More. From that research, I wrote the novel When the Lion Roars, but the story would not let me go.
Through numerous interviews and extensive reading, I grew to love and admire the courageous Sudanese people and was burdened by their incredible needs. I had to bring them back in When the
I spent some time in Nigeria, West Africa and just fell in with the people. Why
This country went through nearly two decades of civil war strife. In 1983, the northern government launched a holy war against the south. This grew out of the views of the Islamic north against the mostly Christian black African south. The war had three aspects: religion, politics, and oil. The atrocities committed against the southern people are too many to list, but the war was fought in the south through genocide.
How did you conduct your research?
I grabbed my backpack and sun screen and traveled to the southern capital. There I stayed at a Christian compound and met with southern Sudanese from all walks of life: refugees, political leaders, and church leaders. I talked to as many people as I could, snapped pictures, and listened to what was being said.
What an amazing experience that must have been! What touched you the most?
The incredible faith. I could look into a Sudanese’s eyes and see the pain of persecution and the hope of Jesus. Here, we say we love Jesus while we live in our huge homes, drive our fancy cars, are well-fed, are not hunted down for our faith, or are concerned about medical care. The Sudanese understand that all they have and need is Jesus.
What did you want to accomplish with writing this novel?
To increase awareness about the situation in and to share my passion for the Sudanese people through a compelling story.
The proceeds for this novel go back to aid the Sudanese.
Do you ever plan on going back to Sudan?
Yes, possibly in 2009. This time I want to get my hands dirty, not just observe, interview, and ask questions. This time I want to help on a grassroots level.
Will there be another book set in this country?
It depends on the publisher!
Was there a particular incident/story you remember while in Sudan that touched your heart and confirmed your reasons for writing this book?
Yes, This came from a man named Moses.
“A young man in Darfur was running from several Janjaweed mounted on horses. The young man raced to a compound, but there wasn’t a place to hide. The only person in sight was an old man grinding millet. He had a huge pile of the grain beside him. ‘The Janjaweed are after me,’ the young man said, ‘but where can I hide?’ The old man pointed to the pile of grain. ‘Underneath here.
The young man had no choice but to crawl under the grain. Moments later the Janjaweed rode up to the compound. The leader greeted the old man respectfully. ‘Have you seen a young man running?’ The old man nodded. ‘Yes, I have.’ ‘Where did he go?’ The old man pointed to the pile of grain. ‘He’s in there.’ The leader of the Janjaweed laughed and so did those who rode with him. ‘Old man, we are not stupid.’ Shortly thereafter the Janjaweed rode away, thinking the old man was crazy. The young man crawled from under the pile of grain. He trembled so badly that he could barely speak. ‘Why did you tell them where I was hiding?’ The old man smiled. ‘Grandson, do you not know that it is the truth that sets you free?”
Soon after my plane arrived. Moses, my new friend, was the last Sudanese I spoke to before leaving the country.
What do you hope the readers will gain?
To lose themselves in the novel. That’s every writer’s goal. But I also want the reader to sense a call to action and support the Sudanese cause.
