Title: Hinds’ Feet on High Places
Author: Hannah Hurnard
First published January 1, 1955
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780842314299 (ISBN10: 0842314296)
Rating: 4.32
Overview
Join Much-Afraid on her journey of faith in Hinds’ Feet on High Places, a timeless allegory that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. With over 2 million copies sold, this beloved book follows Much-Afraid as she faces danger and overcomes obstacles to reach new heights of love, joy, and victory.
As she reaches the High Places, she is transformed by her union with the loving Shepherd and gains a new name. This special edition includes a new cover design, as well as Hannah Hurnard’s personal account of the circumstances that led her to write this inspiring tale, and a brief autobiography.
Discover the power of faith and the transformative love of God in Hinds’ Feet on High Places.
About the Author
Hanna Hurnard, a Christian author from the twentieth century, is most well-known for her allegory Hinds’ Feet on High Places. Born in Colchester, England in 1905 to Quaker parents, she completed her studies at Ridgelands Bible College of Great Britain in 1926.
After becoming an independent missionary in 1932, she moved to Haifa, Israel, and dedicated the next 50 years of her life to her work there. Despite this, she also maintained a home in England.
Hurnard’s early writings, particularly Hinds’ Feet on High Places and its sequel Mountain of Spices, were widely embraced by the Christian community. However, as she grew older, she appeared to have deviated from traditional beliefs.
Editoral Review
Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard is a beloved classic of Christian literature first published in 1955. The book is part allegory, part self-help, and part spiritual memoir, making it a unique and multifaceted work that has inspired millions of readers over the years.
Hurnard was an English missionary who spent many years in Israel, and her experiences there inspired much of the imagery and language in Hinds’ Feet on High Places. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Much-Afraid who lives in the Valley of Humiliation under the tyranny of her relatives.
When the Shepherd comes to her and offers to take her to the High Places where she can have freedom and joy, Much-Afraid must decide whether to trust him and take the difficult journey, or stay in the valley and suffer. This simple plot conceals a deeper meaning, as Much-Afraid’s journey is really a metaphor for the Christian life and the struggles that believers face in their walk with God.
Along the way, Much-Afraid meets various allegorical characters such as Sorrow and Suffering, who teach her important lessons about faith, surrender, and love. Hurnard’s writing style is poetic and lyrical, full of vivid descriptions and powerful imagery.
Her command of metaphor and allegory is masterful, and she is able to convey deep spiritual truths in a way that is accessible and engaging. However, some readers may find the book to be overly simplistic or didactic, as Hurnard is not always subtle in her moralizing.
One of the strengths of Hinds’ Feet on High Places is its character development. Much-Afraid is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and her transformation from a fearful, hopeless creature to a confident, joyful one is both inspiring and believable.
The other characters that she encounters on her journey are also well-drawn and memorable, each representing a different facet of the Christian life. The pacing of the book is slow and deliberate, which can be a strength or a weakness depending on the reader’s perspective.
Some may find the book to be too slow-moving, while others will appreciate the opportunity to savor each scene and reflect on its meaning. Ultimately, Hinds’ Feet on High Places is a classic of its genre and a book that has touched the lives of countless readers over the years.
Its message of hope, faith, and perseverance is timeless and universal, and its allegorical language and imagery make it a powerful tool for spiritual growth and reflection. I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for inspiration and encouragement in their journey of faith.
