I just read this book in about a week.
It was excellent!
The author is new to me, although I've seen his name before....I've seen reviews about him but had never read one of his novels. He writes books on faith and life with a little bit of mystery.
STORY SUMMARY
Leah and her parents, Ellen and Dr Tom Norcross, are from Away. They are new in the town of Mattingly which is set in the south (Virginia). Leah is nine years old and has a stutter to her words when she speaks. She is shy and a loner. Her dad is a psychologist and works long hours back in the city where they are originally from. Mattingly is a very small town where everyone knows everyone's business.
One day, during Leah's birthday party, she "sees" Rainbow Man. Is he (He) God.....or an imaginary friend? Not many people believe He is God. Leah believes. Her new friend Allie is unsure. Ellen and Tom are not religious but they tell the town minister that they are spiritual. He doesn't understand the difference. Neither does Barney who is married to a disabled woman, Mabel. Barney and Mabel are elderly and are often overlooked by the other townfolk.
Barney gives Leah a beautiful birthday gift requested by Tom and Ellen. It is a wooden easel, handmade by Barney.
Leah begins to paint. And the painting will change the entire town.
There is an event that is foreshadowed in the painting. And it comes true!
Leah says the ability she has of telling/knowing the future is told to her by the Rainbow Man. Some of the town people are intrigued by her. Some are afraid of her. But no one believes in the Rainbow Man. The town minister (Reggie) is annoyed that a mere child...a little girl with a stutter....seems to be hearing from God more than he does!
The town begins to argue over what should be done with this child. Meanwhile, she continues to paint and the next painting is dark and sinister in nature. But Leah insists that the Rainbow Man's heart is pure.
And then something dramatic and tragic happens....and everyone's lives are in danger. Will the town begin to embrace the things that Leah believes in but that can't be seen? Or will they cling to their old ways?
MY THOUGHTS
This book is a parable type story. It is full of faith and hope....and questions. It centers around the question of the miracles of God and the imagination of a little child.
This book shows that we often think we know God......and His ways...and yet...we really don't. His ways are higher than our ways........and His thoughts than our thoughts. This is evident all throughout the story and the plot is gripping. It's a real page turner. It's about believing in the unseen.
I was very impressed with the depth of the characterization and in the description of Leah's (and the other characters') feelings. It drew me in and I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen!
I really enjoyed the Scripture at the beginning, before Chapter 1 opens:
"God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us." ~Acts 17:27~
Perfect for the plot.
In my opinion, this book is appropriate for ages 14 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 10.
1 comment:
I'll have to look at the library for this one.
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