Review: The Letter

The Letter book cover on blue background

January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is a day to remember the victims of the Holocaust and an ever-present reminder of how much God's chosen people have suffered throughout their history. In light of that, The Letter by April Barcalow was a fitting book for me to read for this upcoming Saturday. If you're interested in reading this as well, it is available for free to newsletter subscribers.

Book Synopsis

Set in Holland during World War II, “The Letter” tells the story of an unlikely friendship between two strangers, about love across enemy lines, and about finding the courage to shine brightly when the darkness closes in.

Source: Author's Website

Book Thoughts

The Letter may be novella-sized, but there is a deep richness that lies within its pages. This book is the perfect length as so much is covered within the story without sacrificing any content, pacing, or plot. Written in both narrative and epistolary styles, readers get to know Elly and Pieter individually and together as they develop a relationship through letters over time. A number of historical events take place throughout their exchanges, which the author expounds upon in the note at the end of the novella. Knowing that there is family history embedded into this book not only makes it feel more real, but it is a powerful reminder that stories can get lost if it's not preserved. Each of the smallest pictures of what life was like in Holland during the Second World War is vividly captured, bringing readers into scenes of potato cakes and tire-less bicycles.

Beyond the historical details, there is a profoundly spiritual theme that ties all of the pieces together in this story. Without giving it away, it's a call to Christians about the type of life we can live while remembering those who have suffered because of their relationship to God. The events we are facing today may be different in context from the Second World War, but they are the same when it comes to our hearts. If you are looking for historical fiction that tugs at your heart without shying away from the grim realities of war and pervading anti-Semitism, this is a book that will keep stirring in your mind long after finishing it.

Book Summary

Format of book: 📱
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommendation: 👍

Comments

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Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! May you have a blessed day, celebrating the birth of our Saviour. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. - Luke 2:11 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6

Review: A Theology of the Ordinary

Since Christmas is nearing and it's a busy season, I thought a small book (only 68 pages) would be nice to share about. A Theology of the Ordinary by Julie Canlis was a book that ended up being surprising in different ways, with a lot packed into a short volume. Book Synopsis Julie Canlis is an award-winning author who has turned her attention to the ordinary. With the surge of books and blogs celebrating the ordinary, she lays a theological foundation for this celebration based upon the Father's blessing of ordinary life, the Son's incarnation in ordinary life, and the Spirit's re-creation of ordinary life. First, turning her attention to American revivalist roots, she explores how this has seeped into evangelicalism's DNA, pushing ordinary life in Christ to the margins. Then, she begins by turning to the Father's blessing of ordinary life in creation, and the way in which temple-language mimics creation-language, revealing all of the world to be God's te...