The Alabaster Cross

by Richard Exley

This was a very heavy book. It had several emotional themes running through it. The main theme is the story of the search for a missing father. A father who had disappeared about 23 years earlier in the Amazon Rain Forest, leaving a mourning wife and two small children. Unable to deal with his past and his missing father, Bryan must make peace with his father if he ever hopes to be settled and able to walk into his future. Possibly allegorical, Bryan's search parallels our search for peace attainable through our Father, God.

Woven alongside this main theme, is the story of Bryan's sister, Helen. Helen, mourning the loss of her mother and in pain for her brother's obvious distress, experiences a growing isolation from her Pastor Husband who seems to be falling for the affections of his secretary. Both siblings are searching in their own way, for love, acceptance and peace.

Added to these main characters are others who enrich the story line and suggest possible ways the story could turn.

The plot was definitely fast paced and engaging. It is full of danger, insinuation, and trust issues. It deals realistically with many of the relationships and the snares they fall into.

The characters are real and you are drawn in to feel empathy for them. None of them are remarkable, but they are real and accessible.

It has been a few weeks since I finished this novel, so my excitement over it has waned, but don't let that lead you away from this book! It is a good read.