Arthur L. Ford

If I could sum up my review in four words, it would be: long, fascinating, yet disappointing.

I was excited to get this book, as I live near and am friends with many Mennonite families. I didn't expect the book to give me any insight into their beliefs, as different Mennonite groups hold to somewhat different practices, but I did expect it to be an interesting look at one facet of some Mennonite communities. And it was interesting.

However, I lost interest several times during the narrative, as it seemed to be taking too long to tell the story. I think some editing is needed here, as whole chunks could be deleted from the narrative and I think the overall story would be better for it. And in the end, there really doesn't seem to be a resolution -- at least, not one that satisfied me. This book was on my mind for several days after I finished it, which I suppose is a good thing, but most of my thoughts focused on how I wished the ending were better.

Overall, I do think the characters were well-developed, which is what elevates it to 3 stars in my review rather than 2. However, some careful editing and a different ending would probably have vaulted it to 4 stars, because the author really is a good writer.… (lisätietoja)

I always enjoy books about the Amish or Mennonite culture, as it allows me glimpses of a way of life that is so foreign and yet so rooted in religion to be close to me. This book, while not perfect, was an interesting take on the outsiders dilemma, especially when the outsider is first contacted by a member of the inner circle.

It is very obvious that both of the main male characters have ulterior motives when the book begins, and yet Jacob is the only one who manages to follow through and stick to his motive no matter how painful that might be for him. The decision that he has to make in regards to his family is just as painful as having to choose between a career move and the family one has.

Unlike others, I was able to sympathize with these characters because they rang true for who they were presented to us as. Just because one does not understand the seeker does not make the seeker an unlikable person.… (lisätietoja)

Andy is a newspaper reporter in Central PA who is contacted by Jacob, a member of the Reformed Mennonite community, to help him spread the word of his church and family shunning him. Jacob wants his family back but disagrees with the church's bishop who has ordered Jacob shunned. He feels that he cannot forsake his spiritual health to compromise with the bishop and get his family back.

I was excited to get this book because it is set near where I live and I have know many Mennonite families over the course of the years. I was disappointed in it. It was very hard to finish the book. The characters were not appealing and I could not find sympathy for the characters.… (lisätietoja)