The novel, posthumously published by Michael Joseph following the author's death the previous year, was shortlisted for the 1976 Booker Prize.

[1] Hutchinson was writing the novel's final section when he died, and an outline of the conclusion, based on his notes, was included in a postscript written by his widow.

Set in a remote region of the Andes, Rising follows Sabino as he leads a peasant militia against rebels who are attacking a railway line that is vital to his family's copper mine.

Sabino, who is famed for his brutality, is diverted from his mission by the pursuit of a doctor, Papac, whom he wrongly blames for being spurned by a former lover.

[2] Rising was shortlisted for the 1976 Booker Prize, which was won by David Storey for Saville.