James Alexander Thom, the author of some 15 books who was perhaps best known for his 1981 historical novel Follow the River, "about the 18th-century escape and journey of Mary Ingles, who had been captured by the Shawnee and made the 400-mile trek home," died January 30 at age 89, IndyStar reported. Follow the River made the New York Times bestseller list and by 2021, 40 years after its release, had sold about 1.3 million copies.
Early in his writing career, Thom worked for newspapers and other publications, as well as a magazine called Nuggets, which contained words of wisdom that comforted those who had lost loved ones. His "knack for connecting with readers during deeply emotional events would continue as he began writing historical fiction--a passion that would be a major part of the rest of his life," IndyStar wrote.
Discussing Follow the River, Thom said: "The basic thing is that this was a true story and people have found it utterly inspiring. I've had thousands of fan letters from people who have been encouraged to go on through tough situations because of the story."
"He treasured books only second to human beings," said his wife, writer Dark Rain Thom, for whom he drew the illustrations in her book The Shawnee: Kohkumthena's Grandchildren. Thom's other books include Time It Was Now: The Art & Craft of Writing Historical Fiction; Fire in the Water; St. Patrick's Battalion; Long Knife; From Sea to Shining Sea; Red Heart; and Warrior Woman (with Dark Rain Thom). His many honors included induction as a member of the Indiana Journalism Hall of Fame and being an Indiana Authors Awards Lifetime Achievement Honoree and National Winner. Follow the River is available from Ballantine Books.
