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Sunday, July 16, 2017

STEPHEN : UNLIKELY MARYTR by KATHERYN MADDOX HADDAD

I always get excited when I start to read a book from this author. Her writing shows how much research she has done and makes the characters so vivid. I didn't know much about Stephen but was so mesmerized by the story I couldn't put it down. The beginning of the book is hard to read but an important part of Stephen's life. It is  hard for him to understand the torture that his friend is enduring. He cries out in agony for his friend and can't watch as the brutal treatment continues. I do remember reading in the Bible about many people who were ridiculed, beaten and tortured because they would not back down from their beliefs. It is hard to understand why people would be tortured for their beliefs.

The author has brilliantly written Stephen's story and helped me to understand him better. I loved how he was always concerned for the safety of his parents. As the family travels on a ship, the description of the sea made me feel like I was standing beside Stephen feeling the waves crash and the wind blow as the storm became fierce. I loved reading how Stephen honored his parents and respected them as they tried to keep him safe on the ship. It must have been hard fir the family to live on the meager food they had.

I enjoyed the talk between Stephen and his father. Stephen witnesses how the Jews are treated in the city they have come to. Ezekiel in his wisdom encourages his son to always stand up for his beliefs. Even though Stephen has seen friends lose their  life, Ezekiel explains that he must not get discouraged. It made me think of all the people today who are in foreign lands spreading the Word of God. They have chosen to be martyrs  no matter the cost. This is a lesson that Stephen will come to embrace. I loved reading how he grew in his faith and matured into an adult who wouldn't back down. He does have a stubborn streak at times  and  his actions cause riots to break out.

As you can see I completely lost myself in the story and loved the history that the author provided . Stephen is a true martyr and his actions were not unnoticed. He is a strong man who stands up for the rights of everyone and let's everyone know how much he loves God. The author writes his story with knowledge, grace and great compassion. I look forward to reading the next book from her.


I received a copy of this book from the author and The BookClub Network. The review is my own opinion.

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