Dana's Valley
by Janette Oke &
Laurel Oke Logan
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Click here to buy from www.chapters.indigo.ca
Our little town, nestled
in the valley, was a charming, secure place for us kids
during our growing-up years. Our family probably wasn't
perfect, but we had a lot of fun, and we were sure of our
parents' love for each other and for the four of us. Best
of all, my sister--just a year older than me--was also my
best friend. Looking back on those years, I realize now
how carefully and intricately the circumstances and events
of childhood weave together to form the person we become.
Our attitudes about life, our values and, most of all, our
understanding of God, all are profoundly affected and formed
through what we see modeled in our homes. When someone's
mental images and memories are not positive, I'm sure God's
abundant grace is available in extra measure for that person.
For me, I know the things our family faced together--the
joys and triumphs, the difficulties and sorrows-- have provided
a firm foundation for my own spiritual journey. Let me tell
you what happened back then in Dana's Valley. (c)
Back cover, Dana's Valley
Janette Oke has a knack
for telling heart-wrenching stories, and this one is no
different. My heart aches whenever I gaze upon this book.
It brings feelings of such bittersweet sorrow and joy as
I remember the events of the book. Although I believe it
is not based on a true story, it could easily have been.
It is told in the first person by young Erin who is a preteen
at the beginning of the story. I don't dare to say too much
and ruin the story for all of you reading this review, so
I will keep my comments more vague than I usually might.
The characterization is
done very well and we come to know young Erin very well.
The rest of the characters are known only through Erin's
observations and view point. She communicates what she sees
of her brothers and her sister, her parents, and her grandparents.
Occasionally, there wil be a converstation between Erin
and the other characters in which we may gleam a little
more understanding from what is said. The story is very
much presented from the view of a young preteen trying to
make sense of her changing world, her faith in God, and
her family members.
This is a really lovely
story of the faithfulness of God. It is often extremely
difficult to reconcile our loving God with the pain of sickness
and disease. Erin struggles with these types of apparent
opposites throughout the book, trying to form her own independent
faith in God as apposed to accepting the faith of her parents
as her own. She wonders where God could possibly be as her
family goes through their various struggles. It isn't until
her mother speaks with Erin and clearly shares with her
how God has been present with her throughout all the tribulations,
that Erin begins to understand God and her own relationship
with him.
I wish everyone
could read this book and feel the pain and empathy for these
characters and see the beauty of God displayed through difficult
circumstances! It is just such a beautiful novel that tells
the story of many families throughout our world, I'm sure.
Perhaps it tells the story of your neighbour down the street,
or someone in your extended family, or of a family in your
church. This is truly a story for anyone and everyone.
Review by Tracy
