Atonement Child

by Francine Rivers

Tyndale House

ISBN: 0-8423-0041-4

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Francine Rivers weaves a compelling story with a compassionate voice to create a wonderful story that deals with the extremely sensitive and controversial issue of unwanted pregnancy resulting from a brutal rape. Not every author would be able to tell this story with such sensitivity, yet not shrink from the horrible side of abortion nor the horrible ripple effect that rape has on people close to the victim.

This masterfully crafted novel brings the verse about the sins of the father being visited upon sons to the 3rd and 4th generations to truth. Generations of hidden sin are revealed with different responses from different people in Dynah's life. Dynah's mother thinks Dynah should handle her unwanted pregnancy the same way she did, even though she's experienced years of anguish, guilt, and emotional turmoil. Dynah's grandmother feels strongly another way and will alter her own comfortable life style to give Dynah the support she needs to keep her baby. She seeks redemption for her own sin through Dynah. Sadly, Dynah's grandmother wasn't able to come to this understanding nor communicate this type of support for her own daughter years earlier.

The author also beautifully depicts true friendship with unconditional love between Dynah Carey and her fiance's best friend, Joe. This relationship is almost symbolic of God's desire for an unconditional relationship with us. He waits patiently for us to turn to Him and ask for help when we are tired of trying to discover our answers on our own. When we do that, we discover that He has been with us all along, we just didn't call out to Him when we could have.

This was an incredibly realistic and compassionate book. Reminds us that God's love is unconditional and all we need to do is unburden ourselves to Him, attempt to right the wrongs, and embrace the peace and acceptance that comes through Jesus Christ.

I consider this book an incredibly important book to read by those who have issues with abortion or unwanted pregnancy or other unconfessed sin in their lives. It's also a great book for anyone who feels strongly about the issue of abortion, and frankly, who doesn't have strong feelings around this issue one way or another? It sensitively tells of the hurts around abortion and unwanted pregnancy and the joy that can be found in following God's word and His will for our lives. He can make good come out of any situation, even a horrendous rape. This is a must read for everyone who wants to develop a greater understanding of God's blessings bestowed upon those who follow His word.

Bravo! Francine Rivers! This is an awesome book!

Review by Tracy