This book is so sad. I just couldn't get it out of my head how much tragedy she went through, and it was all rushed over (especially the last two deaths) like it didn't bother her after awhile and just became par for course. I think if it had been written by a woman, we would have gotten some more details on certain things. SPOILER ALERT: I was really mad when Ben married DellaRae. That just didn't seem fair. He didn't really love her; he and Elisabeth had even been making fun of her a little bit. So that was really disappointing. In fact, I wondered if it was a joke, until the mention that 20 years went by. The ending was somewhat satisfying, but I would have liked another chapter giving us time to bask in how wonderful it was that Ben and Elisabeth finally ended up together.Also, Elisabeth seemed really crotchety at her party. 65 isn't really that old. I know she's been through a lot, but she just lacked the joy of the Lord, considering that her whole life had been dedicated to that.Will's and Benji's illnesses were never fully explained, and they were so sudden. Also, what was the purpose of Bruce's life? He kept being saved from tragedy, and everyone said that God had big plans for him, only for him to die in a car wreck. I didn't really understand the theme of obedience being described, other than the fact that she honored her word with Agatha. Sure, she kept going to church and reaching out to her community in spite of her troubles, and she stayed by Will's side to the end, but I didn't really see what that had to do with "obedience." And why, if you commit your life to obeying God, whould it be assumed that your whole family is going to die?I really got into the book overall, and I was glued to it, just to see what happened and more than anything, because I really wanted to see her happy with Ben. But in general, I just think the book was unsatisfying.
I think I started this book one day last week but I did the majority of the reading this weekend. Just picked it up and didn't want to put it down. Reading Christian books like this one is a little like reading a Danielle Steele book but without the sex (I don't miss that and ya still get the sappy romance :)) and the gigantic bonus is that you get constant reminders in fictional but real application of scripture. I particularly enjoyed that the author made the main character struggle with the unfairness of the constant sacrifices she had to make in obedience and submission. It added a dimension of realism to a story of a woman who's faith was tested to extremes. I also liked that the real capstone of the book was the end and the lesson that whether we know it or not, the life we live is a living testimony to others of the love of Christ. Good summer read....
Do You like book Though None Go With Me (2001)?
I guess I'm ruining the average rating on this one. I totally expected to love it...even though my sister-in-law said that it was too sad for her taste.I loved the premise. I disagreed with some of her theology...granted, we have different faiths, so that is not unexpected...but one that really bugged me was the idea that if you really want to be a disciple of Christ, your life will be full of trials and sadness...well, my belief and understanding is that we all have trials and sadness, but it's Christ and his Gospel that make it easier to bear and helps us to find happiness sometimes even amidst our struggles.I thought Jenkins was an interesting writer, the book had a good premise, but...(well, whatever I said above) and then, again, I didn't care for the ending.
—Amanda
Hmmm. This book seems to suggest that if you are truly committed to Christ, you will live a long life filled with tragedy. Life is a struggle -- but does the depth of one's struggles indicate in any way the depth of one's faith? I had a hard time swallowing what seemed to be the author's basic theme -- that if your struggles are unimaginable it indicates you are one of the few who is fully committed to the Lord.I don't think that either a seemingly "blessed" life nor a tragic one is an indicator of one's level of faith. Life just IS. The rain fall on the just AND the unjust -- and our faith in God helps us with whatever situations we face.
—Karol
This is the first book I ever read that made me cry. I read it a while ago and since then, I've never read another book that made me cry. It's embarrassing to admit, but I blubbered like a baby for practically the entire second half of the book.It's been a while since I read it so I can only remember the basic plotline but I know that, despite all the crying, I loved this book. It was so touching and Jenkins really did a masterful job at making lovable, layered characters. The ending was perfectly satisfying and finished just the way I wanted it to. I would recommend this book only if you don't mind bawling your eyes out. (and that is a note to all you who are strong of heart too. I don't cry often but this book made me.) ;)
—Jessica
