The Black Pearl

by Scott O'Dell
Available from Amazon
***

Some of Scott O’Dell’s works are great, some are standard, and some are not worth the time. I was disappointed in this one. The plot is okay I guess, but it seems to lack anything very substantial, and is full of superstition. It tells the story of a son who goes into the pearl business with his father in La Paz, California. Nettled by the boasts of an employee, a pearl diver, he believes if he can find a pearl of gigantic proportions, he will be a man. In his father’s absence, Ramon abandons his responsibilities, and convinces an Indian man who has sold them pearls to teach him to dive for them. He learns to search for pearls, but the Indian warns him away from a certain cave, where he believes the Manta Diabla resides. He tells Ramon that the pearls in that cave are the Manta Diabla’s, and if anyone takes them, the Manta will pursue him until the pearl is returned. The Manta has spies all around who report to him the happenings when he is away. Ramon hunts in the cave anyway, believing the tale to be merely an old Indian legend. He finds an enormous black pearl, the size of a grapefruit, which has only a slight flaw, easily removed. The Indian counsels Ramon to return the pearl to the Manta Diabla, but scorning the tale, Ramon takes the pearl home. His father wanted to sell the pearl to one of the other pearl dealers in the town, but they were not willing to give him the sum he required, so he presented it to the virgin Mary image. Trusting in her to protect them after such a fine gift, Ramon’s father sailed into the teeth of a violent storm, and his entire fleet was lost, with the exception of the Sevillano, the young man whose boasts had prompted Ramon’s pearl discovery. The Indian insists that the storm was brought on by the Manta Diabla who wants his pearl back, and Ramon now believes him. He steals the pearl back with the intent to return it to the manta, but the Sevillano, armed with a knife, comes to steal it from him, intending to make his own fortune. Ramon is compelled at knife point to paddle the boat to the city where the Sevillano will sell the pearl, but the manta follows them, to recover his pearl, as Ramon is convinced. The Sevillano laughs at his fears, and tells him why his father’s fleet was lost. The manta does attack them, and the Sevillano harpoons it, and ends accidentally strapped to the manta when he dives his last. Ramon stays in the area for a while to see if the Sevillano, who was known for his long dives, would reappear. When he does not, Ramon returns to the city and gives the pearl back to the Mary image, believing that she has protected him from the Sevillano and the Manta Diabla. He feels content that he has finally become a man.

Me? Obey Him?

by Elizabeth Rice Handford
Available from John R. Rice and Amazon
*****

This is a discussion of the obedience of the Christian wife. The first chapter explores the reasons God commanded it, and then the book goes on to cover the Scriptures that direct wives to submit, and what they mean. Biblical examples are given, and questions about rights and tyrannical authority are answered. Basically, the author shows that God expects the wife to always obey her husband. She understands that sometimes husbands request or require things contrary to the Word of God, and in that case, disobedience is necessary. However, she says that she has never seen a husband being abusive or insisting that the wife sin when the wife has been in submission with a sweet spirit. Just because she has never seen it, of course, doesn’t mean it doesn’t occur, but she says that usually the spirit of a truly submissive wife will provoke tenderness in her husband. After all, Handford’s audience is not primarily those in arranged marriages, but those who entered marriage voluntarily, as did their husbands. She shows from Biblical directives and examples that no matter the husband’s character, we are to respect and submit to him. If it is not his virtues (as most are sinners), we are at least to honor his position as husband and head of the home. But then on the other hand, this should not be too hard, as most of us at least entered marriage with love for our husbands.

My mother gave me this book a few months before I was married, and I thought it was very helpful. I already wanted to bless and honor my husband, but this book reinforced the Scriptures, and I think it was good for me to remember to keep the right attitude toward the Lord and my husband. I would definitely recommend the book to engaged women, new wives, or wives unsure of their position, or wives who simply want to review what God says about submission to their husbands.

Helen Lester

by Isabella Alden
Available from Keepers of the Faith
*****
Helen Lester was a young girl who was rather upset that her older brother was coming home after some years abroad. She remembered that he used to tease her for going to Sunday School, and wanting to be a Christian. When he arrived, she was surprised to find him changed: he was now a gentle, loving older brother who encouraged her in her relationship with God. Helen learns what it means to be a true Christian, and everyone is surprised at the change in her. One by one, through Cleveland’s example and witness, the other members of the family decide they must follow Jesus. Their changed lives affect those around them, who at first mock, but then joined them in their walk. By the time Cleveland leaves again, the whole family has asked Jesus to help them love God more.

This story was the first Mrs. Alden wrote, and that while yet in her teens, and it won the contest for the best story explaining salvation to children. Sometimes it seems almost too simple, almost stressing the works of the Christian. Only almost. However, Cleveland admonished Helen that on her own, she would keep failing as she had so many times before. If she wants to live the Christian life, and conquer her temper, and show patience to her family, and love God Whom she had never seen, she must ask Christ to help her. I would recommend this story to young children, as it does explain salvation, and I think it expresses the loveliness of Jesus so well. Who wouldn’t be drawn to Him? It is also great for those of us who want to share things simply with children. This story especially inspired me as an older sibling, to see the influence for good a caring sibling can have on the others. Cleveland did not spend his time preaching at his family, but they were drawn to Christ by his gentle example. And as far as preaching goes, Mrs. Alden’s stories never seem preachy. They do present plain truths, but they come in naturally, and the books always have an interesting plot and flow smoothly.

Black Star, Bright Dawn

by Scott O'Dell
Available from Amazon
*
The father of the Bright Dawn, the heroine of this story, is stranded on an ice floe while seal hunting. The sea becomes a terror to him, and they move from the Alaskan coast. He is asked to represent their new village in the Iditarod, and trains for it until an accident prevents his racing. Then Bright Dawn takes his place, with Black Star, her favorite dog, as her leader. No one from their town had ever finished the race. Bright Dawn runs into many hardships and dangers, but races well. She was the first to enter Iditarod, and also wins an award for taking care of other racers in trouble, even though it slowed her down. When she and her dogs are stranded on an ice floe, her father comes to the rescue. She finishes the race, becoming the first one from her village to do so.

Bright Star and her family are traditional Eskimos. There is plenty of Eskimo mythology and superstition throughout the book; Bright Dawn is portrayed as being true to her people when she relinquishes her skepticism (created by English influences) and decides to trust the old Eskimo gods, traditions, and talismans.

I thought the book was not one of O'Dell's better works. I was disappointed in the way he presented the Eskimos' beliefs, although I admire the way he portrayed their resourcefulness. I also thought the storyline was rather boring.

George Mueller: A Father to the Fatherless

by Rebecca Davis
Available from Amazon
*****
This biography is designed for 7 to 9 year olds, but younger children would enjoy hearing it read aloud. Each chapter can be read aloud or by a newer reader in less than fifteen minutes.

The book begins with the well-known incident of George Mueller’s father catching him with stolen tax money in his shoes, and goes on to tell of his years of thieving and living life for himself. We read of how he met the Lord at a Bible study while at school. What is really ironic is that he was studying for the Lutheran ministry, and others in his classes were just as unregenerate as he was. Next the book tells of his marriage, and his conviction that God would provide their needs, even though they committed to receiving no salary, and to tell their needs only to God. Further chapters show George’s burden for the orphans, and the development of the orphan homes. It is exciting to read of how George believed God would answer his prayers, and then to see Him do it, time after time. As the book progresses, we read of different children who came into the orphanages, their experiences there and how they changed their lives, how they knew George Mueller, and what happened when they left the homes. When his first wife died, George wrote in his journal that he missed her, but he was content in the Lord’s will. His second, younger wife went around the world with him as he spoke in different countries.

Rebecca Davis has written a great book as a biography. Younger children will enjoy reading it on their own, and it would also make for great discussions if read aloud in a family setting. I whole-heartedly recommend it!

Stones of Fire

by Isobel Kuhn
Available from Keepers of the Faith and Amazon
*****
Isobel Kuhn speaks of stones of fire as almost an oxymoron. Stones are hard and cold, and fire is hot and passionate. She describes people as stones of fire, people with fiery passion held rock solid by principle. Opals, stones with broken hearts made beautiful by the light that sparkles through them, are used as a physical example of a stone of fire. The book is written of just such a fiery stone.

The story of Mary begins when her name was still Third Sister in a small Lisu village in the highlands of China. We see her introduction to the missionaries John and Isobel Kuhn, her understanding of the Gospel, and her attraction to Lu-Seng. The reality of her faith and trust inGod is tested throughout the book, and she proves to be a ‘stone of fire’.

The book is written in a very easy to read style, and readers will be drawn into Mary's life as she encounters so many trials and hardships. We read of her family and marriage, the communist occupation and political turmoils of their village, and the physical problems that eventually led to her death at the ripe old age of... 25 years old. Through it all, she manifested such a sweet patience, so unlike Third Sister's feisty temper, that was rooted in her trust in the One Who redeemed her from her sins. Mary is such an example of a passionate woman who learns to let the Lord channel her passion to serve Him instead of herself. I felt ashamed of myself at times when reading of her love and trust, and awed once again by the power of Jesus Christ to change lives, even mine. If I could rate this book with more than five stars, I would. It is to be highly recommended.

Hearts of Fire

by The Voice of the Martyrs
Available from Amazon
****
Eight women in the underground Church have shared their stories of what their faith in God has cost them and their loved ones. They are each from different countries, and their individual ways of drawing persecution, and their sufferings are distinct. They are alike in that they each refused to deny the Lord Who saved them.

I don’t agree with all the women in the book. One of the chapters was on Sabina Wurmbrand. I appreciate her suffering and stedfastness in the Lord, but some of the comments, as well as some things I’ve read on her husband, Richard Wurmbrand who has suffered so much for Christ’s sake, seem to be contrary to Scripture. Maybe I am mistaken, or maybe they are less than orthodox, but I can still glorify God in their testimony for Him.

Ling was another woman who was tortured for Christ. She was a leader and preacher in the underground church in China. I believe that the Bible teaches against women preaching in mixed company, but I admire her conviction. I also realize that sometimes men are not available or willing to do things, and women are. Ling was willing, and she suffered much for Christ’s sake.

The other six women had one thing in common with each other and the previously listed two: they were all Christians. One woman suffered incredible physical and emotional pain after refusing to convert to Islam. One father tried to kill his daughter who became a believer in Christ from Islam after searching for the truth. Another woman lost her husband and two sons to those who resented the message of Christ.

One thing I really appreciated about this book is that these are women of today. They are not women to inspire me from history, although they will be that for others. They are women who are living now, existing on this planet in my lifetime. These are the sufferings of today. I have not been chosen to suffer as they have, but whether my time comes or not, these women inspire me to cling to Christ, and remain faithful to Him whatever the cost. Due to the explanations of the extreme costliness of their faith, I would only recommend this book to adults.

Enoch Roden's Training

by Hesba Stretton
Available from Lamplighter Publishing and Amazon
*****
This is another searching story by Hesba Stretton. Everything I’ve read that she has written has touched my spirit, and caused me to look at my character and my relationship with Christ, and to see if it is what it should be.

Enoch Roden lived with his mother, grandmother, and older brother. They were poor, but his mother Susan managed to bring in enough for their subsistence with her washing. Things were looking up, however. Enoch was apprenticed to a printer, and the young boy expected to be able to take care of his family. This printer had employed Susan as his daughters’ nurse when they were little. However, though the printer trusted in God, he neglected to provide for his family, and went bankrupt, dying shortly afterward. His older daughter became a governess, though bitterly resenting her father’s lack of care, and the younger girl went to live with the Rodens. Enoch’s older brother saw Lucy’s entrance into their family as the last straw, and ran off to the sea. Through it all, Susan showed a dependence on God, and joy lit her life from her trust in Him.

Enoch looked for work, but could not find any. He was trusting in himself to provide for his family, and was angry with God for not providing a job. Susan suffered an injury and was confined to bed, and in her time of healing lost all her customers. They could not afford to live, so Susan’s mother-in-law went to live in the workhouse. This was a struggle for everyone, as the grandmother had had too much pride do live there before, Susan and Enoch considered it a disgrace to themselves that she should have to, and everyone would miss her. Lucy encouraged everyone to look to their heavenly Father, and to trust that He would still care for them all. Enoch finally found work, but he did not make much, and was bitter that God did not take better care of His own, since they were trusting in Him.

Enoch eventually came to see that he was not trusting the Lord, and that He was providing, if not in the way Enoch desired and expected. In the end, everything is pulled together. The lost son at sea returns home with a changed heart, Enoch learns lessons in trusting, and even Esther, Lucy’s older sister, comes to know that the Lord does indeed love and care for His own. After the surprise at the end, Enoch tells his mother and Lucy how he compared himself to the Israelites who murmured against God. God had provided manna for their sustenance, but they were ungrateful because it was not what they wanted and complained, “What is this?” I cried when I read his words: how true they are! When he finished speaking, he found that he had a larger audience than he had thought, who considered it his first sermon.

The last chapter tells of the same characters many years later. As Enoch began to preach to an “official” congregation, they reflected on their past, and on Enoch Roden’s training for service.

The Refugees: A Tale of Two Continents

by Arthur Conan Doyle
Available from Inheritance Publications and Amazon
*****
The first half of the book takes place in France, mostly having to do with the royal court and the service of the king. It has the excitement, drama, and intrigue of Dumas’ The Three Musketeers, only the young man we are watching is a Christian. Eventually he must choose between his faith, and his position. He is engaged to his cousin, also a Huguenot. When it becomes illegal to hold to their faith, they make a narrow escape across the ocean, with the help of two Americans. The Puritan sea captain conforms to the modern stereotype of the Puritans, with a disapproving glance at pleasure in God’s creation (considering that we are not meant to enjoy life) and a habit of soberly calling down Biblical curses on those who are not of his way of thinking. My main disappointment in the book was this portrayal of New England Puritans. The other American is a backwoodsman, whose ideas tend to be much more liberal than his Puritan friend. Adele’s father, being weak in health, asks that the two young people marry before his death, which occurs on the voyage. They also suffer shipwreck.

When they arrive in Canada, the Huguenots are discovered to be escaping persecution in France, and a Jesuit persistently follows them, to return them to “justice” and the Catholic religion. Their American friends help them to escape their prison ship which was to return them to France. They meet new companions, and see them scalped by the hostile Indians. As they flee on, they are eventually captured by the Indians, with the Jesuit still behind them. Once again, they are rescued just in time, and finally reach safe territory, where they are free to believe the truth of God’s Word without interference.

The story is encouraging to see what others have been willing to suffer for their faith in Christ, and to see the history of so many who fled persecution. It is also a complex story, with many pieces which are eventually pulled together, and an unexpected complication to the plot around every corner. There is never a boring chapter, and though Christ shines through it, it is never preachy. I so appreciate riveting storylines that also hold up the Lord, and those who place their trust in Him. This book definitely falls into that category.

Princess in Calico

Available from Keepers of the Faith and Amazon
****
Katura lived a hard life with her stepmother and her children until an uncle invited her to spend the summer with his family. During her visit she met an older lady, Tryphosa, who lived in daily pain but radiated the joy of Christ. A certain nice young man who Katura admired, Richard Everidge had prompted the visit to Tryphosa. Her uncle asked her to stay longer with them, and study in the city, and Katura had for some time when her father asked her to come home, as her stepmother was ill, and could not run the household. Before she left, Katura visited Tryphosa and told her that she had become a daughter of the King. Tryphosa encouraged her in her walk.

When Katura reached home, she found a lot of work and much unpleasantness from the family. Her stepmother died, and the workload devolved on Katura. Her father began having a progressively harder time dealing with everything, and he also died. Through it all, Katura’s sweet, Christlike spirit kept things together. One day her brother Lemuel brought a letter in with her name on it, but refused to give it to her. He told her he was trying to get her mad, as another brother had promised him a pocketknife if he could cause Katura to lose her temper. She never did, but she never saw the contents of the letter until years had passed. She found it was not from her cousin, but from Richard Everidge, asking to visit her, and saying that if she did not respond to the letter, he would take it that she was not interested in him. By the time Katura read the letter, he had been married for three years and had a daughter. This was hard to bear, but Katura found peace, joy and contentment in her relationship with Christ. There were other heartbreaks, but Katura remained steadfast in Christ, on a plane above her trials.

Years later, Katura had some visitors due to a problem with their engine, one of whom we discover to be Richard Everidge’s daughter. She wrote her father that Katura looked just like princess, with a mass of soft, white hair for a crown. She said that she had found that Katura even claimed to be a princess, a daughter of the King. Her father responded that he had known Katura previously and that she was “pure gold,” and it delighted Katura to hear that.

The book is summarized in the last thee paragraphs:

“But, Princess,” said Muriel wistfully, “farm work and cooking and washing dishes over and over – it seems such drudgery.”

A great light broke over Katura’s face, and she cried in a low exultant tone, “ ‘Blessed be drudgery!’ Christ bore it for thirty years, why should I mind it for forty-nine? I have only to wait a little now for the ‘fullness of joy’ and ‘pleasures for evermore.’ “

Muriel threw her arms about Katura and kissed her softly. “Then the princess will be at home,” she whispered, “in the palace of the King.”