Title: A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael
Author: Elisabeth Elliot
First published June 1, 1987
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800730895 (ISBN10: 0800730895)
Rating: 4.05
Overview
Delve into the extraordinary life of Amy Carmichael, an Irish missionary who dedicated over five decades of her life to serving those in need in south India. Known as “Amma,” which means “mother,” she founded the Dohnavur Fellowship, a sanctuary for underprivileged children.
In this captivating biography, you’ll discover the incredible legacy left behind by this devoted writer and missionary who lived without furlough for fifty-three years. A Chance to Die is a powerful tribute to a woman who selflessly devoted her life to serving others.
About the Author
I was born in Belgium where my parents were missionaries. Shortly after my birth, we moved to Germantown near Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times.
The publication was widely used by churches as weekly teaching material for Sunday school.
We lived in Philadelphia and then New Jersey until I left for Wheaton College. By then, my family had grown to include four brothers and one sister.
My studies in classical Greek eventually led me to work on developing a way of writing for unwritten languages.
A year after arriving in Ecuador, I married Jim Elliot whom I had met at Wheaton. We worked together in the tribal areas with the Quichua Indians.
Jim had always hoped to reach an unreached tribe, and the Aucas were among the most dangerous. After discovering their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered their territory.
Unfortunately, they were all speared to death after a friendly encounter with three members of the tribe.
When Jim died, our daughter was only ten months old. I continued working with the Quichua Indians, and through a remarkable coincidence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for a year.
They were instrumental in my decision to live with the tribe that had killed Jim and the other missionaries. I stayed with them for two years.
After my work with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua Indians until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S. Since then, I have been writing and speaking. In 1969, I married Addison Leitch, a theology professor at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts.
He passed away in 1973, and I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, and the other, Lars Gren, married me.
We have been working together ever since.
Editoral Review
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael by Elisabeth Elliot
Elisabeth Elliot’s A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael, initially published on June 1, 1987, is a biographical account of the life of Amy Carmichael, a missionary to India. This moving narrative tells the story of a young, idealistic woman’s commitment to serve God and help others, leading her to leave her home and family to become a lifelong missionary in India.
The book is a compelling account of Amy Carmichael’s life, focused primarily on her mission work, spiritual journey, and the perseverance it took to achieve her goals.
The book is written in a conversational and engaging style that brings the reader into the world of Amy Carmichael, allowing us to experience the excitement, danger, and joy of her work.
Elliot’s writing is clear, concise, and insightful, making it easy to see why this book has become a classic in Christian biographical literature. The book is a mix of memoir, history, and biography, providing a unique perspective on the life of Amy Carmichael and the context in which she lived and worked.
Amy Carmichael’s story is both inspiring and challenging. She lived in India for more than fifty years, caring for children who had been cast out of their own society due to birth defects or other perceived ‘flaws.’ She learned the language, adopted Indian dress and customs, and became an integral part of the communities she served.
Her compassion for children is widely recognized, and many have been inspired by her dedication to their cause.
Despite her many successes, Carmichael’s life was not without its trials.
She suffered tremendous physical pain, including a severe back injury that left her bedridden for months. She also faced opposition from traditional Indian customs, including the opposition of the British colonial authorities who saw her as a threat to the established order.
Her determination to continue her work despite these challenges sets a powerful example of faith and perseverance. One of the book’s strengths is the detailed research that went into its production.
Elliot spent years researching Amy Carmichael’s life, visiting India, and interviewing people who knew her. The result of this research is a rich portrait of a fascinating woman and the world in which she lived.
Additionally, Elliot incorporates many of Carmichael’s own writings and letters, giving readers insights into her thoughts and beliefs. Despite its many strengths, A Chance to Die has some weaknesses.
Some readers may find the book overly focused on spirituality and religion, while others may be put off by its historical focus. Furthermore, the book has little to say about the wider political and social context surrounding Carmichael’s work, leading some to argue that it has little relevance outside its religious context.
Overall, A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael is an engaging and inspiring book that will appeal primarily to readers interested in Christian biographical literature. It contains a detailed and well-researched portrayal of Amy Carmichael’s life, her work, and her spiritual journey.
The book is written in an accessible and engaging style that makes it easy to read and understand for readers from all backgrounds. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the life of a remarkable woman, in Christian missions, or in India’s rich cultural heritage.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
