Excerpts and Art from The River Troll

Listen to a Sample from the Audiobook | The Animations | Some Reader Reviews

Illustrations by Rich Théroux | Download the pdf from here if you have come here from an audiobook link

The most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Naked. Snoring a little.
She sleeps with her mouth open and her breath will have a tang in the morning.

I slide out of bed, pull on my jeans careful not to catch my penis in the zipper,
dip into a cotton t-shirt, and slide into sneakers without socks.  

There’s a drunk in the lobby.
He sits so his one leg looks amputated at the knee, he asks for help.

Under the bridge is a different matter. Under the bridge is the River Troll.
He’s so ugly you can’t look him in the eye.

---

Some Reader Reviews

A review of "The River Troll" by
https://books.google.ca/
A familiar and universally private mystery.
Vivid, forgotten memories of the present's relentless narrative.
Echoes of cries and laughter from a fading, primordial dream.
The most honest lies, safely dressed in fantasy's clothing.
A gift, shining outward from the same mirror we all consult...
A story, shaped like a human face.
Reminding readers, authors, and protagonists to love completely.
Because life is a fatal adventure.
And sometimes, there are trolls.
.../The_River_Troll_A_Story_about...

By Chris Evans
So my friend Rich Théroux wrote a book.
I've now read it twice and I'm going back in again.
This unique novella is a winding river of poetry, folklore, with Rich's mind blowing artwork through out. If you listen carefully you can feel the subtle strains of the jazz trumpet in the background, even if you don't know from jazz.
This one will stop you in your tracks, and make you read that page, again, again, and again....
Hobbit fans? You gotta read this.... It's the real modern hero's adventure....

Dear Rich,
I read this in one sitting, swept away by the tumultuous, funny, despairing, and hopeful account of the inner life of one of my favorite artists. Even Theroux’s writing reminds me of the way he paints: in the same way that he seems to scorch crevasses into his canvas with his energy and passion, he sears images in my mind through his words and stories. I think all of us would benefit seeing the world through the eyes of an extraordinary artist who wrestles with and delves into visions, imagination, life-and-love, personal and collective myth, and who, in spite of enormous challenges, creates a living, loving, vibrant community for other artists and for young art students. Reading The River Troll, I laughed out loud, I cried, and closed the book feeling inspired and grateful that there were people like Rich Theroux in the world, especially in the world of art. Most importantly, however, as the subtitle says, this is a love story, and its profoundly dear heroine shines like a beautiful, glowing, steady lantern throughout.

Winslow
For a long time, I’ve had the sense that I experience the world a little differently than a lot of my peers. It’s a sentiment I’ve been trying to express since I was a teenager, but very rarely was it understood, so I stopped talking about it, and mostly tried to ignore it, until I wound up in Asia, mystified at most moments of the day, and only through trying to make sense of the bizarre life I found myself in, did it return to me and I began to understand that I was an artist. That’s what colors the lense I see the world with, and what has always made me feel off-kilter.
I think that’s the way with a lot of creatives and it can be a little isolating. I don’t know what would have become of me if I didn’t leave and find the people and places that brought it back out of me.
All of this is to say, that when I pulled this book out of my mailbox this week, it was like reading my way through all of that again. Rich Théroux, you found that thread of art and life that’s always made me feel a little bit mad and you pushed your finger into all its most tender spots. Thank you, really. I laughed and cried. What an honorable thing, to create something that makes people feel less lonely.

Sabrina Pinksen
I was sent a gift from a renowned multi talented artist in Canada Rich Théroux thank you for this awesome gift your published book of poems and art . You are tremendously gifted intelligent and kind considerate and compassionate I see the work you do for the other artists I am honored for your friendship and your gift

Greg Cruz
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4223833211
Not many writers can take an insomniac's midnight walk along the river and vividly describe demons and shadows that likely dog a lot of people in our troubled world. Combining a series of encounters with trolls, giant witches, minotaurs and monkeys with touching encounters with the real people in his life, Rich creates a picture of trying to fit in, not aways successfully, with others, both internally and externally. The subtitle of the book is "a story about love", and while this book has its dark moments, it also has warm passages of outpouring love and gratitude for his wife and children and their gifts. Musical themes permeate the book as well, and the power of music to heal and focus an unconventional thinker and communicator is clear. Comedy also has a place here, with laughable conversations with colleagues - and some not-unsubstantial theft of lamb kebabs from the staff room fridge - which lighten the tone and offer insights into acceptance and open-mindedness. His back-door approach to counselling troubled students so that they create the solutions to their problems is enlightening and worthy of contrast to top-down direction. A slim volume with lots to offer the imaginative seeking reader, The River Troll is definitely worth a look - and a long think about afterward.

Chriss Szabo
Reviewed in Canada on September 3, 2021
Rich Theroux writes how he speaks; with a genuine enthusiasm, appreciation, wonder, and love of people and the world around him. The River Troll is magical and poignant and more importantly, oh so real. This book showcases Rich's ability to see the world for what it really is and people for who they really are. It shows how he sees past the ugly and into the beauty, and that he loves all of the parts (good and bad) anyway. Finally, The River Troll is a testament to the work Rich does daily in his community and for those he loves. This book touched my heart and made it cry with sorrow and burst with joy.

Amazon customer
Saige · 9 days ago
Great read! Very inspiring!
I can across this amazing author on social media and I have the privilege of owning some of his paintings. I've always found Rich to be a dynamic artists with a freedom and realness, I can only hope to achieve. The river troll arrived on my porch tonight and had no I expectation for what I was about to recieve.
I read the book tonight, from cover to finish
His writing is as amazing as his paintings. This book will pull you into a reality you can relate too with a twist of fantasy thats enthralling. Worth every penny. Can't wait to share with my friends and family.

Theresa · 15 days ago
Great read
I loved the River Troll. It is an immersive mix of fairy tale villains, modern everyday life, and above all else love. I was carried away by the rich language mixed with gorgeous artwork that aptly conveys the complexities of modern life. It is a story to read and revisit multiple times to fully appreciate the book's many gifts.

Jenna · 21 days ago
Hobbit fans? You gotta read this.... It's the real modern hero's adventure....
I've now read it twice and I'm going back in again.
This unique novella is a winding river of poetry, folklore, with Rich's mind blowing artwork through out. If you listen carefully you can feel the subtle strains of the jazz trumpet in the background, even if you don't know from jazz.
This one will stop you in your tracks, and make you read that page, again, again, and again....