Review: The Shack by William Paul Young

About the Book

Whilst on a camping trip to Wallowa Lake in the wilderness of Oregon, Missy the youngest daughter of Mackenzie Allen Philips is abducted. With the discovery of an abandoned Shack, evidence suggests that she may have been brutally murdered.

Four years on in the midst of Mack's pain and suffering (The Great Sadness), he receives a suspicious note apparently from God, inviting him back to the Shack for a weekend. Mack is convinced that there are three plausible explanations to the note; it could be a cruel joke, even something sinister from Missy's killer and as absurd as it might seem, an invitation from God! Unable to dismiss the note and desperate for answers, Mack returns to the Shack and what he finds, changes Mack's life for ever.

Review

Author William P Young wanted to write a story for his children, to help them understand his relationship with God and never intended writing a book. The central character Mack, is introduced to the reader by his friend Willie. Willie is the one to tell Mack's story. I was totally absorbed in the story, so much so that at times it was easy to forget that it was a work of fiction.

The Shack evokes many emotions which include love and hope as well as sadness and despair. A parents worst fear would be the loss of a child and William Young having experienced personal family loss, is able to express such heart wrenching emotion in his writing. The effect is that realism is mixed with narrative.

Mack meets with God at the Shack and in a world filled with pain, suffering and injustice, the question of "where is God" is answered for Mack. It is important however, that the dialogue that transpires shouldn't be read as theological fact. Some readers might also struggle with the author's depiction of God appearing to Mack as a Black African-American woman.

However, I found The Shack thought provoking and it challenges the reader to examine their own views on the concepts presented and on our own relationship with God. I am therefore giving this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Review: Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock

About the book: Following their horrific double murder, the family and close friends of Thelma and Wade Owens struggle to come to terms with their deaths. However, suspicion casts a shadow over the family and residents living at Hanovah House (a halfway house for ‘undesirable’ characters). Cade, the Police Chief in charge of the investigation, struggles to piece together the events surrounding the murders and to identify who might be responsible. This is a novel full of suspense, and the author takes a ‘drip drip’ approach to revealing the characters’ many secrets.

Review: I was surprised at how quickly I became emotionally involved and had begun to form judgements about the main characters in the story; the hot-headed Jonathan, the main suspect, the superficial town mayor and Blair who appeared so antagonistic towards God,  or anyone, for that matter, who expressed faith in God.

I particularly enjoyed liked the author’s conversational style of writing. I felt drawn into the story... as though I was witnessing firsthand the events as they were unfolding. I sensed the heaviness that Blair and Morgan were feeling, the incredulity following Jonathan’s arrest, and even frustration with Cade as he desperately attempted to solve the double murders.

Initially Sadie’s character seemed out of place in the story – an irritating distraction from the main plot. However, as her storyline developed, Sadie became a welcome relief and drew the focus away from the tension and heaviness of the main plot. Humour was also used to lighten what was, at times, a rather depressing story line.

If there was a weak aspect to this story, I felt it was the author’s portrayal of Gus. I found the constant use of the word ‘mon’ rather irritating, as well as the numerous references to the big black man wearing the red bandana. I thought this offered a rather stereotypical and shallow portrayal of Gus’ character.

That aside, I really enjoyed the book. The story was an intriguing one so I’m giving it 4 out of 5 stars. I would definitely read more of Teri Blackstock’s books.