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My faith was strengthened and it was an amazing read - literally one of the best I've ever read. I laughed out loud, got angry, afraid and even cried while reading this book.
It starts with a gripping, heart wrenching account of the destruction of Jeruselem and how the main character, Hadassah, survives the loss of her entire family to become a slave to a Roman family. I truly enjoyed reading this book from beginning to end.
The character and plot development in this book is a refreshing change from some of the more shallow work that I've read recently. We also learn of Atretes, a German warrior captured and sold as a gladiator.
Rivers paints such a clear and realistic picture that I almost felt as if I were living with Hadassah and Atretes in Rome. In the beginning, I was frustrated by Hadassah's meekness and quiet spirit, but by the end, I was convinced that I needed to be more like her.
I highly recommend this to all.
Two, the characters are very believable. Like I mentioned, Hadassah does seem a little too "good" at times, but you get to see her struggles and how she handles them. The subplots build carefully with interesting character development that make it interesting from the beginning even if you are not sure how they will tie together. I give this book 5 stars for a few reasons. I know that even as a Christian who is pursuing God, I still struggle with many of the same things that people who don't know God struggle with and this book shows clearly the logical conclusions that these characteristics take you to. And to be perfectly honest even if it is difficult to relate to her at times you see the impact she has on people and see something to aspire to.The third reason I enjoyed it is because of the Christian principles and characteristics involved.
Hadassah can at times seem a little too "good", but you get to see the human side of her when her struggles and thoughts are described.
I enjoy Christian fiction immensely if it is quality and the characters are believable, someone you could picture in real life.
Many other characters are able to be related to as well.
One, it has a couple of subplots that make up the bigger plot, but they are not disjointed and then hastily tied together in the end.
Struggles I find very believable and easily related to.
I have a hard time finding Christian fiction I enjoy because the characters seem canned and to be perfectly honest, corny.
Francine Rivers however is able to develop interesting characters with characteristics and interaction you can find believable and that you can relate to.
The selfishness of Julia, the unwavering pursuit of money and pleasure by Marcus, the frustration and sadness of Phoebe and Decimus, and the judgment from the servants all make it able to be related to.
Hands down one of the best Christian fiction books I have ever read.
This Book is not only an inspirational book but also a thought provoking book and a love story. You won't be able to read this one and not order the next two books that come with it.
There is also plenty of action as the author brilliantly draws the reader into the breathtaking locations of her tale. From Jerusalem to Rome to Ephesus, travel with Hadassah, a young slave girl, as she clings to her faith in the face of the decadence of Rome in "A Voice on the Wind". As usual, Francine Rivers crafts a beautiful work of fiction full of poignant and thoughtful moments that touch the heart. She brings Biblical characters to life beside her fictional creations in this wonderful novel. I highly recommend this novel and am proud to have it in my collection.This book also contains a very helpful glossary of terms and an invaluable discussion guide for use with any reading group.
This book was recommended to me by multiple people and I found out why once I read it. It is my new favorite book, and Francine Rivers is definitely a new favorite author. Francine Rivers knows how to create an exciting story plot and bring you into it with vivid descriptions and believable characters.
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