Edgy Christian Fiction

Runaway Saint by Lisa Samson

I must admit that this review was difficult to write.  Lisa Samson is one of my favorite authors for her quirky, not run of the mill characters.  She does an excellent job in developing her characters and revealing them layer by layer.  And this book had the added element of re-introducing some characters from her previous book, which was a bonus.  Her writing style is easy to read.  And she deals with the nitty gritty issues of real life.  However, this book raised some questions in my mind of the purpose of Christian fiction.

I had always thought that Christian fiction was to elevate and stimulate Christ-like behavior.  Her characters have so many flaws that go against the grain of my conservative Christian up-bringing.  I am not used to “Christ-followers” who smoke and drink alcoholic beverages.  I am, perhaps labeling myself as one of those fundamentalists who follow a list of do’s and don’ts.  However, I still believe in personal holiness and feel that although Ms. Samson’s work is trendy or even hip, it doesn’t reflect my view of Christian literature.  She walks a tightrope between being too modern and appealing to more conservative readers like me.  Although some might consider her refreshing, I don’t think she can become much more edgy and still maintain her current readers.  But perhaps that is the purpose—she may wish to attract younger, hipper readers.

This being said, I enjoyed this book and found myself interested in Finn and Sarah’s life and work.  I was curious to find out why the characters behaved the way they did.  I was mostly satisfied by the conclusion of the book, although it seemed to resolve itself a bit too quickly.  She left enough questions unanswered that another book might be merited.  Putting aside my previous concerns, her readers will find this book interesting.  I recommend it to those more trendy than myself. 

Imaginative but boring

The Returned  by Jason Mott

What would life be like if the dead returned to life—not as zombies, but real, living people?  Jason Mott imagines it would cause havoc.  He paints the picture of Harold and Lucille, and what their life was like when their dead son, 8 year old Jacob returned one day.  Not only Jacob returns, but millions of others, so many that the world doesn’t know what to do with them.  In the end, the returned are kept in camps, away from the “true living.”  Life spirals out of control.  Will anyone be left alive?  Will the returned disappear?  When and how?

Jason Mott writes an imaginative tale, which waxed a bit long in my estimation.  I enjoyed seeing the growth in Harold and Lucille and their character development, but felt that the entire book took too long to reach its climax.  Although the premise was intriguing, the story fell short in my estimation.  I would have preferred a more swiftly moving plot.  This is not a book that I would recommend.

Children's Fairy Tale

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

Ophelia, whose father is a museum curator, finds herself in a foreign city while he prepares an exhibition of hundreds of swords. Because  her mother has recently died,  her father hopes that this week will give them a white Christmas away from their too quiet home.  In the museum, she stumbles upon a golden keyhole.   When she peers though it, she sees a boy!  And so begins her strange adventures.

This book captured my imagination and compelled me to read.  I enjoyed the setting of the museum, a rather dusty and down-to-earth place, which contrasted with the fantasy of the story line.  Ophelia was an admirable character who struggled with her role in the story.  The Marvelous Boy was quite intriguing as he encouraged Ophelia to fulfill her destiny.   Fairy-tale lovers will enjoy this story, which was written for children.  I would recommend it for third grade children and older, as younger children might find it a bit unsettling.  It was a very enjoyable read.