Title: The Atonement Child
Author: Francine Rivers
First published January 1, 1997
384 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780842300520 (ISBN10: 084230052X)
Rating: 4.28
Overview
Experience the powerful journey of Dynah Carey in Francine Rivers’ compelling novel, The Atonement Child. Follow Dynah as she navigates the aftermath of a traumatic event that shatters her perfect life.
With an unwanted pregnancy and a family torn apart, Dynah’s faith is tested as she grapples with a life-changing decision. Will she choose to embrace the life growing within her or end it?
This poignant story breaks through taboos and delves into the complexities of the human heart. Don’t miss this thought-provoking and emotional read.
About the Author
Francine Rivers is an acclaimed author who has won over readers worldwide. Her books, including Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, have become bestsellers and have been translated into more than 30 languages.
In recognition of her achievements, she is a member of the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame and has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). To stay connected with her readers, Francine Rivers can be found on Twitter at @FrancineRivers.
Editoral Review
The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers is a remarkable work of fiction that skillfully combines Christian themes with contemporary issues such as rape, abortion, and faith. First published in 1997, the book remains a timeless classic that is immensely relevant in the 21st century.
Francine Rivers is a renowned American author who has written many bestsellers, including Redeeming Love, The Scarlet Thread, and And the Shofar Blew, all of which explore the complexities of human relationships and spirituality. The Atonement Child is a compelling novel that tells the story of a college student named Dynah Carey, who becomes pregnant after being raped by a stranger.
The book revolves around Dynah’s struggle to come to terms with her traumatic experience, her faith, and her decision to terminate the pregnancy, which puts her at odds with her conservative Christian family and community. Along the way, Dynah encounters several well-drawn characters, including her taciturn boyfriend, her overbearing mother, and her wise grandmother, who help her navigate her way through the emotional turmoil and find redemption.
The setting of The Atonement Child is a Midwestern Christian university in the late 1990s, which adds to the authenticity of the story and provides a backdrop for the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters. The book also touches on sensitive issues such as sexual abuse, incest, and feminism, which are still relevant today.
Francine Rivers has a gift for writing that is both lyrical and unpretentious, and The Atonement Child is no exception. The book is masterfully written, with vivid descriptions, well-drawn characters, and a compelling plot that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.
Readers will find themselves rooting for Dynah as she struggles to find her way in a world that often seems hostile and unforgiving. The strength of The Atonement Child lies in its nuanced portrayal of the characters and their motivations.
The author does an excellent job of depicting the various points of view and attitudes of the different stakeholders in the abortion debate, without coming across as preachy or judgmental. The book is a testament to the power of empathy and compassion in the face of adversity and will resonate with readers who have experienced trauma or faced difficult moral choices.
However, one of the book’s weaknesses is its slow pacing, particularly in the first few chapters, which may put off some readers who are looking for a faster-paced read. Additionally, some readers may find the religious themes and references too heavy-handed or off-putting, although the author’s intent is clearly to explore the intersection between faith and personal growth.
Overall, The Atonement Child is a powerful and thought-provoking read that tackles complex issues with sensitivity and grace. It is recommended for anyone who is interested in exploring the intersection between religion, morality, and contemporary issues.
The book is rated 4 out of 5 stars for its powerful storytelling, well-drawn characters, and timely themes.
