During the semester, I am not able to read as many books on my own time as I would like. My time is spent working on papers, reading textbooks or supplemental reading, working at The Writing Center, or spending my free time as far from the written language as possible. Don't get me wrong, I am studying what I love, but it unfortunately does not leave much motivation or time for novels. When I feel I have enough time to truly dedicate myself to a book, and won't feel torn between studying and reading, I will pick up a good book.
This semster got off to a pretty easy start, so I decided to sneak in a good read while I had the chance. After asking around for which book would be most worth my time, I decided upon Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. It was an undertaking. I asked myself, Is a 450 page book really a possibility right now? I just knew, though, that it could be the last opportunity until Christmas break! So I delved right in, back to the comfortable haven of imagination and endless possibility that is fiction.
This semster got off to a pretty easy start, so I decided to sneak in a good read while I had the chance. After asking around for which book would be most worth my time, I decided upon Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers. It was an undertaking. I asked myself, Is a 450 page book really a possibility right now? I just knew, though, that it could be the last opportunity until Christmas break! So I delved right in, back to the comfortable haven of imagination and endless possibility that is fiction.
Redeeming Love is a retelling of sorts of the Book of Hosea in the Old Testement. In Hosea, God demontrates his love and commitment of covanency with Isreal. God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute, named Gomer, who keeps running away from him. Each time, Hosea goes back to save her, just as God will never forsake Isreal.
Rivers turned this Book of the Bible into a novel with Michael Hosea as Hosea, and Sarah/Angel as Gomer. Rivers fully developed the characters and added- an obviously large amount- of dialogue in contrast with the book of Hosea. Character development and dialogue are both foundational aspects of fiction, which Rivers hit out of the park.
On another note, she beautifully captured other themes in this story. Aside from Michael's absolute commitment to Angel rooted in his likewise absolute devotion to the Lord, Rivers hints about the effects of (even the contemplation of) abortion, demonstrates the difference between being controlled and respectfully submitting to your husband, and how easy it is to idolize another person or object more than God. This novel was uplifting, though sometimes sad; insightful, though sometimes convicting; and an overall great read.
I am glad that I chose to read Redeeming Love, despite the seemingly endless other titles left gathering dust on the shelves of my personal library. I am hoping to surprise myself and share my review of other novels I am able to sneak off the shelf and enjoy this semester.
For further review of this novel, look HERE.
