Before We Died

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Pub Date Sep 15 2018 | Archive Date Jun 28 2018

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Description

In 1908 two Irish American brothers leave their jobs on the docks of Hoboken, NJ to make their fortune tapping rubber trees in the South American rainforest. They expect to encounter floods, snakes, malaria, extreme hunger and unfriendly competitors, but nothing prepares them for the psychological hurdles that will befall them. Before We Died, the first in a three-book "rivers" series, is a literary adventure novel set against the background of the South American rubber boom, a fascinating but little known historical moment. 


In 1908 two Irish American brothers leave their jobs on the docks of Hoboken, NJ to make their fortune tapping rubber trees in the South American rainforest. They expect to encounter floods, snakes...


A Note From the Publisher

Author is available for interviews, blog tours, autographed tours, autographed book giveaways, contests, and book club discussions.

Author is available for interviews, blog tours, autographed tours, autographed book giveaways, contests, and book club discussions.


Advance Praise

“Before We Died explores the complexities of the relationship between two Irish-American brothers who embark on an Amazonian adventure fraught with peril. With her signature blend of literary elegance and heart-thrilling suspense, Schweighardt weaves an enticing, early-twentieth-century tale of passion, greed and sacrifice which will leave readers reaching for the next novel in the Rivers series!”
—Kristen Harnisch, International bestselling author of The Vintner's Daughter and The California Wife.

 

“With great skill, Schweighardt brings to magnificent life the colors, smells and sounds of Amazonia in this compelling tale of love, loss and honest men butting heads with privilege and greed.” 
Damian McNicholl, author of A Son Called Gabriel and The Moment of Truth.


"An exciting fictional account that explores the very real issues around the consequences of greed and misunderstanding between cultures. Schweighardt’s story happened with rubber tappers a century ago; it continues today around oil, lumber, cattle, soy, and the mining of crystals and other resources. This book, besides being a good read, is a wake-up call!"

—John Perkins, New York Times Bestselling Author 


“Before We Died explores the complexities of the relationship between two Irish-American brothers who embark on an Amazonian adventure fraught with peril. With her signature blend of literary...


Marketing Plan

About the Author;

Joan Schweighardt grew up in northern New Jersey and lived in Florida and New York before moving to New Mexico. In addition to her own writing projects (which include six novels and a memoir), Joan makes her living editing, writing and ghostwriting for private and corporate clients. In the years between 1999 and 2005 she also had her own independent publishing company and published several award-winning titles—including a Barnes and Noble “Discover Great New Writers” title—for other authors. She has also agented some books, including sales to St. Martin’s, Wesleyan University Press, Red Hen, and more.


About the Author;

Joan Schweighardt grew up in northern New Jersey and lived in Florida and New York before moving to New Mexico. In addition to her own writing projects (which include six novels and...


Available Editions

EDITION Paperback
ISBN 9781947044166
PRICE $15.99 (USD)

Average rating from 13 members


Featured Reviews

Thank you Netgalley and Five Directions Press for the ARC

This book grabbed from the first sentence and I knew I was in for a good ride. The language used is pretty 'tough-guy' with a lot of slang and not always easy to follow, but the dialogues made me smile all the same.

Jack and Baxter, brothers from Hoboken, New Jersey travel deep into the Amazon to join the rubber tappers.
An interesting piece of history I didn't know a lot about.
On the long journey to base camp we pass beautiful scenery, vividly colored birds and quirky animals, while the brothers get familiar with their new surroundings.
Finally at their destination they are forced to work hard to earn their keep. What really struck me was their comradery. Facing harsh realities, odd behaviour and near starvation, they never give up on each other.
By chance they end up with the Indians, seeing firsthand how nature feeds and medicates. Respect and hope grow, friendships are formed. The descriptions of the Gha-ru tribe and its ceremonies are magical.
While at first intending to make a fortune, both Jack and Baxter evolve with the story and become better men.
The end is left to the reader's imagination, which suited me just fine. There's a lot to digest, all told at a pleasant pace. Before We Died is a gem and I am looking forward to the next part in the River series.

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