Story of a Christian Woman, Keeping Her Baby After Being Raped

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 · 40,280 ratings  · i,468 reviews

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I'yard impressed that a popular Christian author would be assuming enough to write near a subject similar this. At the fourth dimension that this volume was published, she was already well-known and could have chosen to stick to less controversial topics to avoid offending the masses and losing her broad support base. The fact that she chose to write a novel tackling rape and ballgame from a pro-life stance is admirable and demonstrates the prioritising of Christian values in her profession as a writer. One might assu I'm impressed that a popular Christian writer would be bold plenty to write about a subject similar this. At the time that this book was published, she was already well-known and could have chosen to stick to less controversial topics to avoid offending the masses and losing her broad support base. The fact that she chose to write a novel tackling rape and abortion from a pro-life stance is admirable and demonstrates the prioritising of Christian values in her profession as a writer. One might assume that all Christian writers would do this, merely sadly that is not the case as many have sacrificed and compromised to entertain or avert beingness controversial. Indeed, those who don't similar this book have focused on the overt pro-life opinion and the fact that it is "overly preachy." But maybe that is what is needed in a day when Christian compromise is the norm and thorny issues are avoided.

The story itself is well told and believable. Dynah is heading for the American Christian dream--pretty, pop, doing well at school, prospective pastor boyfriend etc. All of this is shattered past rape when she is walking dwelling alone one nighttime. The resulting pregnancy exposes the hypocrisy of the mostly Christians around her who in their different means brainstorm pushing her towards having an abortion. After all, her circumstances are infrequent and surely God would understand.....

Dynah's dilemma opens upwardly deep wounds in her ain family equally well as in the lives of those performing the abortions in the clinics. Although some of the dialogue and scenes were a little anticipated, I liked that the author touched on the fact that abortion tin upshot every person involved for a very long fourth dimension, some may never get over the trauma or concrete consequences. I wasn't sure nearly the supposed link between abortion and increased chance of chest cancer but information technology wouldn't surprise me if information technology was proven i day.

The obvious message of the volume is that every life is precious to God and created by Him in the womb, regardless the circumstance. That He can redeem any state of affairs and bring peace to those that believe it is impossible. I liked that Rivers chose to focus on moving forrad rather than habitation on the human activity of rape itself or of the attempts to place and bring the offender to justice. The book carries the pro-life message simply shows how difficult it might exist to take that stance when someone is seemingly solitary with their life-changing decisions. However, Rivers makes information technology articulate that the person doesn't have to be lonely--God is always present and waiting for the cry of help from a repentant soul.

This book is non suitable for children and may disturb some sensitive readers. Although the rape itself is not detailed, some details of the abortion procedures are mentioned. There is no bad language and no graphic violence. I note that some readers felt that the psychological trauma of the rape itself had not been considered and that the story followed a kind-of predictable happy-ever-after pattern. I don't concur with this. The aftermath struggles that the principal character faces are traumatic and make the important betoken that all of united states of america need to learn to trust God completely. She struggles with guilt, shame and questions why God immune the feel which shattered her perfect life....that is not unrealistic nor is it a cliche. If Rivers had introduced likewise much psychological trauma it would have made the book more graphic and would take inverse the focus from God'south plan of redemption to the crime, victim and criminal. The reality is that all of us are broken through sin--sin in our own lives and the sin of others confronting us--the focus needs always to be on God and the price that has already been paid by Jesus on the cross for our sin.

Although not perfect, I rate this highly and hope it volition influence those because abortions, those working in the clinics/hospitals, those providing funding for services and most chiefly, those counseling people dealing with choices they have made in the by and the consequences of them.

Check out my Francine Rivers shelf!

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Feb 24, 2014 Erin rated it did non like it

Recommends it for: people that enjoy drinking poison, perhaps

Alarm: This volume (and this review) discuss rape, pregnancy, and abortion.

Yuck.

I'm tempted to just leave it at that, simply my frustration with this book deserves more than than a one-word review.

To start, I can't really remember the controlling process when I chose to read this. I know it fulfilled a category in a reading claiming I was casually participating in, but so would a thousand other books. Perhaps I should have known better than to read a Christian novel about rape and pregnancy, but (lik

Warning: This book (and this review) talk over rape, pregnancy, and abortion.

Yuck.

I'm tempted to just leave it at that, just my frustration with this book deserves more than a one-word review.

To start, I can't actually think the conclusion-making process when I chose to read this. I know information technology fulfilled a category in a reading challenge I was casually participating in, but so would a thousand other books. Peradventure I should have known meliorate than to read a Christian novel virtually rape and pregnancy, only (like, 5 years ago) I read and loved Redeeming Love by the same author, so I figured I was relatively prophylactic.

Booooo.

This isn't even a real novel. It'south three hundred pages of pro-life propaganda. I think what pisses me off most about this fact is that Rivers could have told this story with a protagonist who got pregnant subsequently having sex, merely instead she chose to use rape as a means to communicate her agenda. Her storytelling choices were disgusting, insensitive, and manipulative, to say the to the lowest degree. At one indicate her poor main character explained that being raped wasn't even that bad; information technology was just physical pain that went abroad pretty quickly. No, what really hurt her was the way her loved ones tried to pressure her into getting an abortion. Maybe at that place are real people who experience that manner, only it was extremely obvious that Rivers wasn't interested in telling a story near sexual violence and healing. She was just interested in convincing her readers that ballgame is the evilest matter on the planet.

I don't really care almost her stance on ballgame; this review isn't a criticism or a support of her stance on that topic. But I am completely disgusted past the way she chose to tell her story and limited her opinions. Even though I'grand a Christian, I almost never read Christian fiction and I recall it's going to stay that way for a long fourth dimension. I experience so sad for any rape victims who picked this upwardly hoping for encouragement or compassion and instead got a sermon, and not even a very proficient sermon at that. Even the discussion questions at the end of the book were all about abortion and had nothing to do with sexual violence, and so there's no possible alibi to brand for the author's calendar. This is a pro-life opinion piece which is so clunky that when it tries to demonize the pro-choice group, fifty-fifty its stereotypes are stereotypes. I'yard so sad that Rivers dragged the sensitive topic of rape into this but for cheap manipulation and drama. This book was gross, gross, gross. (Writing an aroused review is cathartic, though.)

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The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers follows the story of a young college girl who is raped and finds herself pregnant. Yeah, it'due south intense material and an intense read.

While she struggles with the decision of what to practice and her faith, her family struggles and nearly falls apart in the process. This is a hard topic for anyone to talk over and while the novel itself is an excellent read (Rivers is by far one of my favorite authors), I was surprised to observe out how close the issue was for the author

The Atonement Child by Francine Rivers follows the story of a young higher girl who is raped and finds herself pregnant. Yeah, it's intense material and an intense read.

While she struggles with the decision of what to do and her religion, her family struggles and nearly falls apart in the process. This is a hard topic for anyone to discuss and while the novel itself is an first-class read (Rivers is by far i of my favorite authors), I was surprised to discover out how close the issue was for the author. When asked which book has been the hardest to write and why, Rivers responded: "The Atonement Child was the nearly personal and difficult to write because I had to face up my ain abortion experience. Added to the considerable research I did, and women who shared their experiences with me, I went through an intensive post-traumatic stress Bible report for post-abortive women at our local pregnancy counseling center. Reliving all aspects of my abortion determination and experience was excruciating – just healing. After 20-six years of being imprisoned by guilt and shame, I was free through the power and love of God. Though the book was the nigh heart-wrenching to write, information technology also proved to exist the near life changing. I've received endless letters from other post-abortive women and have learned my feel is not unique. Our nation is filled with wounded men and women. The graphic symbol of Hannah is based on my story, Doug is based on Rick's, and Evie is based on my female parent's."

It's an incredible story that is beautifully written. It's honest and doesn't carbohydrate coat how difficult a situation like that would be. Whatever your thoughts are about abortion, I think its a story worth reading.

booksandbeverages.wordpress.com

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Since this book was a Christian novel about an unwanted pregnancy, one would also wait a stiff anti-abortion message, but one also would await a novel. Ms. Rivers delivers on the onetime, but not the latter. The novel was non without some good points and strong writing, but rather inconsistently. At times it appeared Ms. Rivers forgot about the quality of the novel altogether. Having read Sure Equally the Dawn I should have been prepared for the fact that Ms. Rivers is capable of churning out some Since this volume was a Christian novel well-nigh an unwanted pregnancy, ane would also expect a potent anti-abortion message, but one too would expect a novel. Ms. Rivers delivers on the old, but not the latter. The novel was not without some good points and potent writing, but rather inconsistently. At times it appeared Ms. Rivers forgot nearly the quality of the novel altogether. Having read Sure As the Dawn I should have been prepared for the fact that Ms. Rivers is capable of churning out some really bad junk, as well as her quality novels. This sorry ballgame of a promising novel is 1 of the times when Ms. Rivers drops her standards. Aye, I am a Christian and anti-abortion and I hold with much of her message, merely that doesn't alter the fact that the novel has some big problems that, if non Ms. Rivers, some good consultants or editors should have fixed. Right from the beginning at that place were some factual errors that put holes in the story so big that you could fly the space shuttle through them--and had me gritting my teeth in frustration. If she has no medical background, she really should have consulted with a gynecologist before starting the book based on erroneous assumptions (similar that painful cleaning washed in the ER, information technology is called a D&C and prevents pregnancy). Possibly, she figured all Christian readers are idiots, then she doesn't have to worry about accuracy or Truth--just like the Supreme Courtroom determination she so severely bemoans in the book. To me the Truth is of import--not less and then for a Christian, but more and then. Since there was much to like in the book in spite of its flaws, I volition stop with a positive note. Ms. Rivers does not take a simplistic blackness/white, secular bad/Christian practiced approach. Instead she chooses a more thoughty Secular and Legalist bad/True Christian good. She does not spare the perfect, perfect Christians (aka hypocrites) in this book. The father is a total Christian Slimeball, who thinks his role equally spiritual leader is a blackjack God gave him to pound on the inferior females in his life. Dean Abernathy is so typical of many I know, primarily men, who love the fetus merely non the child--and certainly non the mother. One can't help but wonder how many of those who scream bloody murder, literally, during anti-abortion protests take never lifted a finger to help unwed mothers with their burdens--or are content just to add to those burdens. I guess they never read what Jesus had to say about that in Mathew 23 and Luke 11:46, but Joe paraphrased information technology so wonderfully in his confrontation with the Dean--one of the volume's loftier points--that maybe they'll run into the bulletin hither in case they skip over the verses of the Bible that address their own sins. ...more than

Later reading several other books by Francine Rivers, I was highly disappointed by this novel. While almost of her books take a articulate evangelical message just bordering on "preachy," this one was blatant in its aims. I sympathise that her goal was to unpack abortion, and the regrets and ramifications information technology causes; however, this book felt like a con list for the procedure thinly veiled by a "story," rather than a well-written plot about a fundamental outcome.

While I enjoyed the principal grapheme and her love

Later on reading several other books by Francine Rivers, I was highly disappointed by this novel. While most of her books have a articulate evangelical message just bordering on "preachy," this ane was breathy in its aims. I sympathise that her goal was to unpack abortion, and the regrets and ramifications it causes; all the same, this volume felt like a con list for the procedure thinly veiled past a "story," rather than a well-written plot about a primal issue.

While I enjoyed the main character and her love interest, the remainder of the characters fell flat. They were but tools used by the author to show another pro-life point. Also, I feel similar the psychological wounds of the rape causing Dynah's pregnancy were largely glossed over in order to focus on the writer's goal.

To me, an author, or whatsoever kind of Christian artist should make people ask questions, recall about things in a different mode. Simply in this volume, Rivers but beats her point into the basis with every angle she can get. In doing that, she failed to write an effective novel.

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Jul 13, 2012 Amy rated information technology it was amazing

Francine Rivers did such a corking job portraying the large consequence of abortion in this volume. The principal character, Dinah, a godly young lady, who is serving the Lord has the unexpected happen to her. You know the "why practise bad things happen to skilful people" ordeal? Her "perfect" life is shattered by rape and the consequences multiplied by an unwanted pregnancy which now brings the question, "What to do with this child?". Her life as she knows it is over, unless she does what anybody else seems to think s Francine Rivers did such a great job portraying the large issue of ballgame in this volume. The main character, Dinah, a godly young lady, who is serving the Lord has the unexpected happen to her. Y'all know the "why do bad things happen to skilful people" ordeal? Her "perfect" life is shattered by rape and the consequences multiplied by an unwanted pregnancy which now brings the question, "What to practice with this child?". Her life as she knows information technology is over, unless she does what everyone else seems to remember she should practice, gets an abortion. That would solve information technology all. No bad reputation, no ruined life, no reminders of the bad matter that happened to her, as far as those around her it seems to be the perfect solution.... simply what almost the emotional scars abortions can exit? No one wants to talk about the facts, or give her any real information on the long term effects of a decision like this. Her family unit is beingness torn apart, her faith stretched to the limits, and time is running out. What will she practice?

This book is so worth the read, for many reasons, but information technology particularly gives insight about the damage abortion tin do to a adult female physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I wonder how many women are out there that no one knows what they have gone through or suffered in the course of their lives after having an abortion, whether out of selection or peradventure being forced or coerced into 1. What does God have to say about information technology? Is society's view on the issue an authentic 1 in low-cal of His Give-and-take? This book certainly gives much to think well-nigh.

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May 09, 2012 Jessica rated it it was amazing

What a deep read! The premise of the volume is rape and abortion, both horrifically nightmare inducing topics. If you have a weak arrangement, do not read this volume. If, all the same, you do find yourself desiring to place your feet into a rape victims' shoes, delight put them on carefully. A very heart wrenching look into the REAL church culture surrounding abortion and the hypocrisy nosotros tend to hide. Francine Rivers never fails to provoke intense reflection and a desire to live a better life. This book will What a deep read! The premise of the book is rape and ballgame, both horrifically nightmare inducing topics. If you accept a weak system, do not read this volume. If, withal, yous exercise find yourself desiring to identify your anxiety into a rape victims' shoes, please put them on advisedly. A very center wrenching look into the Real church culture surrounding abortion and the hypocrisy we tend to hide. Francine Rivers never fails to provoke intense reflection and a desire to live a better life. This book will bring y'all to your knees literally, and you will go through a box of kleenex. You may even find yourself challenging your own church family to better educate and love their ain. I read this at a time when a woman fabricated news for being fired from her pedagogy chore after becoming pregnant, and while under dissimilar circumstances; I find myself questioning the morality. Would they take her abort the baby and keep information technology a hush-hush, enabling her to keep her chore? What a humbling thought. Every bit christians, we are chosen to love; and again Ms. Rivers points out the inner selfish desires that cause us to overlook the voice of God pleading with us to open our hearts and artillery. ...more

February 12, 2020 Hannah rated it it was amazing

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. WOW! What a powerful message, God has used Francine Rivers. He breathed life into this book, wow I just cannot explain how helpful this volume was. God has ordained you, unto all nations.
This volume is the perfect example of why you lot should never have an abortion, no matter the situation.

20 twelvemonth old Dynah Carey was raped in a park on her fashion abode, she plant out she was significant, She didn't want the babe, because it was conceived in rape. Her boyfriend, or should I say ex started to mentally abuse he

WOW! What a powerful bulletin, God has used Francine Rivers. He breathed life into this book, wow I only cannot explain how helpful this book was. God has ordained you, unto all nations.
This book is the perfect example of why y'all should never accept an abortion, no matter the state of affairs.

20 yr onetime Dynah Carey was raped in a park on her way home, she plant out she was meaning, She didn't want the babe, because it was conceived in rape. Her boyfriend, or should I say ex started to mentally abuse her, because he didn't want a married woman that wasn't a virgin. She was also kicked out of her college. A Christian college.
So she went abode. her ex young man'south best friend followed her, because he " Secretly loves her."
5 stars

Anywho when she gets home her parents find out most everything and their not to happy. Her dad wants her to take an abortion and so does Hannah ( Her female parent). She leaves and gets an apartment, and thats when she decides not to have an ballgame, because she has had fourth dimension to think.

I won't spoil anymore, for you.

This book would be great for whatever young woman, I high recommend to pregnant teens. Or in Dynah's case a adult female that was raped. Because nix is more precious than a footling miracle infant. All children are miracles.

God said he has ordained united states earlier we were even thought of, This book is based on the life a rape victim, information technology's pro-life. Pro- Jesus and thats why I liked it so much.

And so she goes to the ballgame clinic, but she doesn't have ane. Her parents are tearing each other ap

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Mar x, 2013 Niki Petzoldt rated information technology did non like it

It was seriously hard to read this book. I'm prolife, yes fifty-fifty in the instance of rape, and personally don't concur with nascency control either. Simply seriously, this book wasn't a story, it was a prolife, anyone who thinks abortion is ok is an evil person, pamphlet. The adult female who runs the abortion clinic? Well she's a crap parent with a drunk daughter who of grade was on birth command.... And how many people in one story tin have an abortion that ruinned their lives and gave them cancer???? Drivel. It was seriously hard to read this book. I'm prolife, yes even in the instance of rape, and personally don't agree with birth command either. But seriously, this book wasn't a story, it was a prolife, anyone who thinks abortion is ok is an evil person, pamphlet. The woman who runs the abortion dispensary? Well she's a crap parent with a drunk daughter who of course was on birth control.... And how many people in ane story can accept an abortion that ruinned their lives and gave them cancer???? Drivel...... This book could take been so crawly if the author told a story instead of pushed an agenda. ...more

Dec 08, 2008 Brittany rated it did not like it

So terrible. I tried to give Rivers one terminal chance. Even though I already suffered through Redeeming Beloved, everyone said I should give this one a take chances. I thought information technology was supposed to exist a novel, merely its actually pro-life propoganda, which wouldn't be then bad if you classified it as such. But it fails in every way maybe as prose. Then terrible. I tried to give Rivers one last chance. Even though I already suffered through Redeeming Love, everyone said I should requite this one a chance. I idea information technology was supposed to exist a novel, but its actually pro-life propoganda, which wouldn't exist so bad if you classified it equally such. But it fails in every way possibly as prose. ...more

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatsoever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of animal: information technology is mine. Exodus thirteen:two
Offset Sentence: It was on a cold January night when the unthinkable, unpardonable happened.

I retrieve the kickoff fourth dimension I read this book I was to young to fully comprehend the emotional carnage that this book brings. I had to take breaks, put the book downwardly and read something else, or but not read for a few days.
Some times it's so hard to follow God's word, to

Sanctify unto me all the firstborn, whatever openeth the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and of creature: information technology is mine. Exodus 13:2
Showtime Judgement: It was on a cold January night when the unthinkable, unpardonable happened.

I think the outset time I read this volume I was to young to fully comprehend the emotional carnage that this book brings. I had to take breaks, put the book down and read something else, or just not read for a few days.
Some times it's so hard to follow God'due south word, to practise what He wants. Rivers portray this struggle then beautifully, so real to live.

To date all of Francine Rivers' books had made me await at live in new light.

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What a great book!
God truly uses Francine rivers, and breaths life into her books!!

I KNEW I would hate this book merely from reading the summary and the fact that Francine Rivers wrote it, only I merely had to read it. This has been on my TBR listing for a few years at present and I finally had to subject area myself to this trainwreck because I freely admit that I am a rubbernecker.

I do not like Francine Rivers as an author because despite loving the historical research and details she puts in her novels (the Mark of the Lion serial, for example. 1st-century Roman life is presented to the reader

I KNEW I would hate this book only from reading the summary and the fact that Francine Rivers wrote it, but I just had to read it. This has been on my TBR list for a few years now and I finally had to subject field myself to this trainwreck because I freely admit that I am a rubbernecker.

I do non like Francine Rivers as an author because despite loving the historical research and details she puts in her novels (the Mark of the Panthera leo series, for example. 1st-century Roman life is presented to the reader in astonishing detail) she gets heavy-handed with the preaching. Not simply that, but she too pushes toxic feminity (submitting to the man, submitting to the pastor, other male lead figures) and this causes the women in her books to make some actually bone-headed decisions.

Like, for example, in this book, Dynah is raped, and and then when she is taken to the hospital, she refuses estrogen therapy (this book was written in the 90's, so today it'd probable be referred to as Plan B) and refers to it every bit an abortifacient. Mind yous, she'd been raped only a few hours before, and pregnancy does not occur until the fertilized egg is implanted into the uterine wall, so a woman does not actually get pregnant until well-nigh 5-15 days afterward sex activity. Merely the author is so staunch in her Christian/pro-life beliefs that plan B is the devil'south work. This is one of the reasons I gave this book i star.

I'm thinking to myself, oh my god, Dynah, yous fucking dumb cunt. If you'd just agreed to have the pills, then yous wouldn't have had to bargain with all the bullshit and grief that would happen eventually in the book.

Another thing that really bothered me was how near the beginning of the book, Dynah is thanking God for everything in her life, and and then after the rape happens, she asks God if she did anyhing to deserve being raped. I mean that in itself is a normal line of reasoning for a religious person to ask after a traumatic event, merely this kind of thing is 1 of the reasons I became an atheist.

If a god truly is a loving i, then he would not allow women to be raped, among other awful things that happen in the world. Just in the mind of the writer, everything happens for a reason, including the sexual assault of a adult female, the unwanted pregnancy that follows, and all the sadness and psychlogical trauma involved.

The title itself pisses me off too. 'Atonement Child' somehow feels like the child was foisted onto Dynah as punishment. Punishment for what? Having the nervus to walk office of the way home (to the dorm) at night after work?

I'd dearest to encounter a novel where Francine Rivers simply focuses on historical research and writing a good story instead of shoving her beliefs downward readers' throats or trying to convince united states that a god that allows awful things to happen "has a programme", because that is a theme/message I've read in all her other books that I've read.

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Nov 07, 2012 Lindsey rated it did non similar information technology

This review has been subconscious because information technology contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Obviously when I picked up this book I knew it would have a lot of prayer and Church-y stuff, but I think that information technology was still a piffling over the pinnacle, and that isn't even my main trouble with this book. My primary problem with this book was the catastrophe. Seriously, "Will you marry me?" You take to exist kidding me. Then the Epilogue, what was upward with that? I don't know what it had to practice with anything and it seriously took away from the book. Who were those people supposed to be and what was the point of Obviously when I picked up this book I knew it would have a lot of prayer and Church-y stuff, but I think that information technology was notwithstanding a niggling over the top, and that isn't even my main trouble with this book. My main problem with this book was the catastrophe. Seriously, "Will you ally me?" You lot have to be kidding me. So the Epilogue, what was upwards with that? I don't know what information technology had to do with annihilation and it seriously took abroad from the book. Who were those people supposed to be and what was the point of having the boyfriend walk the girlfriend to the nurse at the abortion clinic? Was that supposed to be her girl in the future in this far fetched viscous circle of getting meaning when you don't want to and deciding whether or not to abort the babe. What I would have liked to see was how her parents reacted to her keeping the babe, if she got married, how the baby was a couple years in the future... anything other than how information technology ended. I might seriously say it was ane of the worst endings to a volume I've ever read. ...more than

Apr 19, 2013 Kristine rated it it was ok

I appreciate that this book delves into the controversial moral and intimate subject of abortion. I'chiliad glad that the author didn't brand all the Christians "expert guys" and the non-Christians "bad guys". I'k glad she shone a lite on the hypocrisy that's rampant in Christianity.

Merely I merely didn't like very much else about this book. The characters were pretty one-dimentional. The story was predictable. The dialogue was cheesy. The way everything resolved was as well perfect. I've never read Christian fi

I capeesh that this book delves into the controversial moral and intimate subject of abortion. I'thousand glad that the author didn't make all the Christians "good guys" and the non-Christians "bad guys". I'thou glad she shone a light on the hypocrisy that'south rampant in Christianity.

But I simply didn't similar very much else virtually this book. The characters were pretty one-dimentional. The story was predictable. The dialogue was cheesy. The way everything resolved was likewise perfect. I've never read Christian fiction before, but I had high hopes that this would exist a though-provoking and deep book, based on the outset. Most a quarter of the style through, though, it just got a piffling to schmaltzy and preachy for me.

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Such a cute book ... the best one I've read in a long time. Such a beautiful book ... the all-time i I've read in a long time. ...more than

May eleven, 2015 Jasher Drake rated information technology did not similar it

I really don't like this. Every single character is so depressed and has tons of problems. From abortion to cancer to sexual practice before spousal relationship,information technology made me experience sad, and it's not even a good sadness. I have to say that I expected something a bit more than uplifting from a christian author. :( I really don't like this. Every single character is and so depressed and has tons of problems. From abortion to cancer to sex before marriage,information technology made me experience lamentable, and it's not even a good sadness. I accept to say that I expected something a scrap more than uplifting from a christian author. :( ...more than

Apr 24, 2012 Leslie rated it it was amazing

First-class volume! My start Francine Rivers & certainly not my terminal. This touched my heart in so many ways. I loved it.

Aug 31, 2012 Dana Cheryl rated it it was ok  · review of some other edition

Recommends it for: Anyone

The story of a protected, adored virgin existence brutally raped and dealing with a resulting pregnancy could not have been an easy story to write. The author did a adept task of creating a believable Christian family in crises by allowing u.s. inside their deepest thoughts thereby revealing weakness, doubt, fright, and acrimony woven with organized religion, redemption, and hope.

The Atonement Child was an interesting mixture of thoroughly developed characters undergoing intense trauma mixed with a few secondary players

The story of a protected, adored virgin being brutally raped and dealing with a resulting pregnancy could not take been an easy story to write. The writer did a good job of creating a believable Christian family in crises past allowing united states of america inside their deepest thoughts thereby revealing weakness, doubt, fright, and anger woven with faith, redemption, and hope.

The Amende Kid was an interesting mixture of thoroughly adult characters undergoing intense trauma mixed with a few secondary players that seemed a bit flat. While I'm glad to have read the book I did not love it for a few reasons. I felt it hurried key moments of development in the cardinal character, Dynah. The story spiraled out from her forming a generational anthology introducing us to three generations of women each with their ain story of unwanted/inconvenient pregnancy. At times I felt like I'd been wandering in the desert for forty years trying to sort out the timeline. Eventually things snapped back to the current storyline but by midway through it was exuding an almost fairytale similar feeling. The story becomes wildly implausible because everything works out seamlessly right down to the tiniest detail but it'south presented in a "well, with God all things are possible" kinda fashion. And, of course, with God all things are possible so perhaps...

Despite the lower points in that location were moments that shined. The writer excelled at examining marriages and family dynamics by exploring the vast range of emotions felt by Dynah, her parents, and her grandmother. She captured the nuance of Dynah's parents' wedlock and feeling for i some other to perfection.

The greatest declining was in the lack of discussion virtually the choice of adoption. While it was mentioned briefly very petty fourth dimension was spent looking into adoption as a legitimate ways for coping with unwanted pregnancy. Usually the omission of options would not be criteria for ranking a book but information technology is clear the author is using the story every bit a means of helping girls in this situation and I applaud her for doing so. Yet, while Dynah was a 19 year old college student with many options bachelor to her most girls who find themselves pregnant are much younger and adoption is nigh always the very best option. Teens in high school should not and cannot be presented only the options of ballgame or raising a child. Of course, this book was published in 1997 when significant twelve years one-time wasn't quite so commonplace as it is today. And so, maybe if given the adventure to write the aforementioned story prepare in the current time frame this oversight would be attended to more carefully.

Speaking of the year of publication... I defenseless myself thinking, "Why don't they just use their cell telephone?" only to remember they weren't widely in use or quite so small-scale back then. In the same vein I was tickled to retrieve of Dynah and some other graphic symbol, Joe, actually writing letters to one another instead of using email. Oh how the earth has changed! :)

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I read this for a volume gild and I have to pat myself on the back that I actually made it through the unabridged thing.

Information technology'southward bad. So very, very bad. It'south bad in every way a book tin can exist: the plot is full of holes and is so predictable, the interactions and dialogue are i dimensional and lack any of the qualities of real man interaction, the writing menstruum is stuttered, information technology is poorly researched, and it is literally the most judgmental thing I've ever read. And her characters... they are similar paper doll

I read this for a book club and I have to pat myself on the back that I actually made information technology through the entire thing.

Information technology'southward bad. And so very, very bad. It's bad in every way a book tin exist: the plot is full of holes and is so predictable, the interactions and dialogue are one dimensional and lack any of the qualities of real man interaction, the writing flow is stuttered, information technology is poorly researched, and it is literally the most judgmental thing I've e'er read. And her characters... they are similar paper doll people with no depth or existent personality. And she apparently did zero actual research when crafting her settings. The offset half of the volume takes place at a college. At 1 point, her chief character goes to talk to her professor. The proper noun of said professor? "Professor Provost." Professor. Provost. I wish I were joking. Alas, I am non. (If you don't get why this is mind-numbingly dense: Professor is an academic role at a university. Provost is also an academic role at a university. It's like naming her character "Dr. Nurse.").

The subject area of the book is ballgame and allow me be transparent. I'g pro-pick but respect diverse opinions on this issue. People are entitled to feel however they feel about sensitive and personal topics like ballgame. But, and this leads me to the absolute worst part of this volume, when y'all kickoff trying to apply misinformation or out and out lies to push people to your side, you've moved from having a heartfelt opinion to being intentionally manipulative and deceitful. And that is what this volume is. In that location are many, many examples of factual inaccuracies in this volume with which she tries to leverage the readers towards her pro-life perspective. But I will simply rip apart two of them for the sake of time.

ane) She references "Postal service-Abortion Syndrome" as a condition women who have had an ballgame ofttimes endure, which supposedly ravages them with guilt. If y'all have no awareness of psychology, information technology sounds plausibly like a real condition. Except it'due south not. It'due south non an bodily syndrome. It isn't in the DSM. It isn't diagnosed past bodily mental wellness professionals. And despite her claims, that isn't considering of some "medical bias" that causes people not to research this issue. It's considering it HAS been researched extensively and in that location isn't evidence it really exists. Some women experience trauma tied to their ballgame experiences and that is real. But that does not seem to be about women who have an abortion. There is no evidence that abortions themselves are significantly associated with a measurable and specific mental health status or a deterioration of mental health. And there certainly isn't testify of any causal human relationship betwixt abortions and the development of Mail-Abortion Syndrome specifically (if you lot know anything about causation, yous know in part why her claim is so bananas). This syndrome isn't existent. And if yous don't want to believe me, here'southward a quote from an American Psychologist periodical article on this very issue:

"The most rigorous studies indicated that within the United States, the relative risk of mental wellness bug among adult women who accept a single, legal, first-trimester abortion of an unwanted pregnancy is no greater than the risk amidst women who deliver an unwanted pregnancy. Evidence did non support the claim that observed associations between abortion and mental health bug are caused by ballgame per se equally opposed to other preexisting and co-occurring risk factors. Nearly adult women who terminate a pregnancy do non feel mental health problems. Some women practice, however. It is important that women's varied experiences of abortion exist recognized, validated, and understood." (Major et al. 2009)

2) She as well discusses ballgame "causing breast cancer" in the after sections of the volume. Shocking, no? What'south a scarier boogie man than abortion? Cancer. And she claims (via dialogue from i of her characters) that of course we Americans wouldn't have heard of this, because the scientists that research this tin can't go their research funded or findings published. Except... Guess what?? Again, this HAS been researched extensively. In fact, there was a study done about 10 years ago with 83,000 participants (if y'all know anything almost research, that is a huge sample) and they constitute no clan between intentional abortion and chest cancer (it's from the Lancet in 2004). In that location are some studies that find an association between multiple miscarriages and breast cancer (although virtually enquiry is pretty skeptical of this likewise). In this literature, miscarriage is oftentimes referred to as spontaneous abortion, and then maybe she just skimmed studies and didn't sympathize what she was reading. But given some of the other nonsense included in the volume, I'm going to guess that no, she didn't in fact bother to do whatever real research.

This book is basically the LifeNews website turned into a novel. Information technology's only as barren of fact and clearly biased, and the writing is even worse in quality. It is literally the worst book I have ever read in my life.

Only hey, I finished it. Somehow.

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I beloved Francine'southward piece of work, she's one of the best christian writers I know and my absolute favorite, why? Considering you can meet God'southward love, God's message in every unmarried folio of every book she wrote. Her writing flows beautifully, her dialogues are well written and keep yous reading, plot, romance, love, forgiveness, God'due south wisdom is all wrapped up in her books. The Atonement Child was such a good volume, it thought me so much, it really opened my eyes to the post abortion depression and made me run into those I love Francine'south work, she's one of the best christian writers I know and my absolute favorite, why? Considering y'all can run across God'southward dear, God's bulletin in every unmarried page of every book she wrote. Her writing flows beautifully, her dialogues are well written and continue you reading, plot, romance, love, forgiveness, God's wisdom is all wrapped upwardly in her books. The Atonement Child was such a good book, it thought me so much, it really opened my eyes to the post ballgame depression and made me run into those doctors that perform abortions daily under a new light. The manner Francine stays objective but at the aforementioned time makes you lot go on a rollercoaster ride full of emotions and surprises is astounding. I was Pro-life earlier I read this volume, and I'm even more pro-life after reading it. I have some friends who sadly got writ of their baby, yes information technology IS a baby and I pass up to call it "the problem" or the "fetus", they all confirmed what Francine wrote about, fifty-fifty if they may not believe in God, they all agree that they regret their decision and they will comport that weight for the remainder of their lives. One dearest friend even told me that she sometimes stops to look at a little boy or girl and retrieve most how her son/girl would have been of the same age. That said, I love how Francine doesn't say that it is wrong, she just tells you all the details and all the conflicts and makes you decide what to think of it. Allow's face it, Francine has a gift for writing. If you're looking for a skilful volume with a lot of suspense, dear, truth and God's wisdom, delight read it, and I promise you won't regret information technology. thanks and God Bless ;) ...more

Mar 07, 2011 Erica rated information technology did not like it

I thought this book had an incredible story line and above average grapheme development. I am staunchly pro-life then completely appreciated the books position. I am however not too fond of fiction that has undertones. This volume is just that. There is a lot of preachy sections and though I remember all of it is true and worthwhile I don't think a novel is the identify for it. I don't call back that someone who is looking for or in need of encouragement to make a pro-life conclusion is going to look in a I thought this volume had an incredible story line and above average grapheme development. I am staunchly pro-life and so completely appreciated the books position. I am nevertheless non too fond of fiction that has undertones. This book is just that. At that place is a lot of preachy sections and though I think all of information technology is true and worthwhile I don't think a novel is the place for information technology. I don't think that someone who is looking for or in need of encouragement to brand a pro-life conclusion is going to look in a novel and if they happen to I don't call up they'd take information technology that seriously, since it would exist QUITE ridiculous to site sources in the text. For this reason a lot of the preachy sections just come beyond every bit over the top and condescending toward someone who might not be pro-life. I hope that it encourages some but for me information technology is just not what I want in a novel. ...more

Jan 17, 2011 Tasha enderby rated it it was amazing

This is a very difficult book to read even for a believer. Well I should say information technology was difficult for me personally to read this volume with choices I have made in my own life. This book volition accept y'all angry, in tears and ashamed all at the same time. The story is redeeming in the end and of course information technology all works out every bit God has intended but yous learn a lot most yourself, other believers and religion along the fashion. This book put a lot of focus on generational sin and how i grandmother's choice has tainted all the w This is a very hard book to read fifty-fifty for a believer. Well I should say information technology was hard for me personally to read this book with choices I have made in my ain life. This book will have you angry, in tears and aback all at the same time. The story is redeeming in the end and of course it all works out as God has intended but you acquire a lot nigh yourself, other believers and faith forth the style. This volume put a lot of focus on generational sin and how one grandmother's pick has tainted all the women in her line. I believe this to be for many famillies still today. I see it in my own family and seeing the courage Dynah has to overcome information technology, finish the cycle and begin again is overwhelming for such a young women. ...more

Mar 28, 2011 Honeybee rated information technology it was astonishing

Ane of the All-time books ever written about the abortion outcome. Francine Rivers masterfully and sensitively examines the topic from just about every possible angle. Having been involved in the pro-life motility for decades, I have seen many sides of the abortion contend. I have read many books. This is the about outstanding. Buy it for teens, adults--anyone you care nearly. Whether staunch pro-lifers, "pro-pick," or undecided on the upshot, ATONEMENT CHILD will requite them plenty of food for thought. Due west One of the BEST books e'er written almost the abortion issue. Francine Rivers masterfully and sensitively examines the topic from just near every possible angle. Having been involved in the pro-life motion for decades, I have seen many sides of the abortion debate. I have read many books. This is the most outstanding. Purchase information technology for teens, adults--anyone you care virtually. Whether staunch pro-lifers, "pro-option," or undecided on the issue, Amende Kid will give them plenty of food for thought. Nosotros read this novel in a volume lodge I facilitated, and all the ladies loved it! Discussion questions at the back make it a powerful tool to assign in an ethics class or other church and educational venues. Gotta get it folks! And then endeavour out her other powerful novels, too. ...more than

January 08, 2012 Jeanie rated it it was astonishing

Francine Rivers always give a great story based on God's character and men's depravity. This is a great example. With abortion such an issue fifty-fifty among Christians, I would encourage all Christians to read this. Her characters could be based on existent people. I saw some that I knew personally. I think the 1 that gripped me the most was the md that was performing the abortions and the reasons why. I realize not all doctors have the aforementioned reason simply I appreciated this function of the story the most. Francine Rivers always give a great story based on God'southward graphic symbol and men'south depravity. This is a bang-up example. With abortion such an issue even among Christians, I would encourage all Christians to read this. Her characters could be based on real people. I saw some that I knew personally. I think the one that gripped me the most was the doctor that was performing the abortions and the reasons why. I realize non all doctors accept the aforementioned reason but I appreciated this office of the story the most. The story has real conflictions and emotions thru out. If you are pro selection, y'all will either experience that this book is an attack on your beliefs, however, I am sure that Rivers prayer that is God will grip the hearts of those that read this and see the truth of abortion. ...more than

In reality, I would have agreed that Dynah take the morn after pill in order not to get pregnant afterward she was raped. Even when she got pregnant, her beau (trained to be a pastor) and all her Christian College dean and professors, parents and friends wanted her to take an abortion maxim that God will sympathise. Dynah made the conclusion to listen instead to her heart and her centre said that killing the infant is non right. It also broke my heart to read that she was shunned by the College In reality, I would have agreed that Dynah take the forenoon after pill in order not to get pregnant after she was raped. Even when she got pregnant, her boyfriend (trained to be a pastor) and all her Christian College dean and professors, parents and friends wanted her to have an ballgame saying that God will understand. Dynah made the decision to listen instead to her centre and her eye said that killing the babe is not right. It as well broke my heart to read that she was shunned by the College she was studying in considering they don't want her to stain the school'due south reputation that there might be talks that she got pregnant out of wedlock considering she refused to announce to the world that she got raped (understandable, with trauma and all)..

Anyway, I dear this book. My most favorite and heartbreaking part was the ending...

When a girl and her swain was in the abortion clinic, Jesus was there with them saying No, I love you. Don't practise this. Trust me.

And when the daughter went into the test room to have the baby aborted, Jesus was crucified once again - God's Amende Child for our sins.

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The young daughter in this book starts out with everything a girl could want; a healthy, pure human relationship with a guy, attending a Christian college, friends that love her, and a potent human relationship with God. But all that changes every bit one nighttime she is badly raped and ends upwards with a child. Subsequently many show resentment and anger towards her, she begins to feel doubts about living with the kid inside her. With help from her family and a true friend, she must find the forcefulness to follow the path that her The young girl in this volume starts out with everything a girl could desire; a salubrious, pure relationship with a guy, attention a Christian college, friends that love her, and a strong relationship with God. But all that changes as one night she is desperately raped and ends upward with a child. After many show resentment and anger towards her, she begins to experience doubts about living with the child inside her. With help from her family and a true friend, she must find the strength to follow the path that her Savior has for her, and she just might notice everything she could ever enquire for.

This book brought me to tears when I read it. I loved the power and meaning of this book that shows our path may non e'er be God's path for us. Fifty-fifty though we observe pain and suffering in life and on the path that we have, God always has a purpose for all of it.

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Jul 20, 2013 Jerry rated it really liked information technology

A Quickie Review

Abortion has never afflicted me personally, but, as an emotionally sensitive person, this novel still moved me nonetheless. Dynah's struggle about what to do with her unborn child, and her want to exercise the right thing without knowing what it is, made for very gripping reading. Though it wasn't perfect--that's why I didn't give it a perfect score--the overwhelming emotional themes make up for any complaints I could come with.

Content Concerns: Themes of ballgame, rape, and sexual practice ou

A Quickie Review

Abortion has never affected me personally, merely, as an emotionally sensitive person, this novel withal moved me yet. Dynah'south struggle about what to do with her unborn child, and her desire to exercise the right matter without knowing what information technology is, made for very gripping reading. Though it wasn't perfect--that'south why I didn't give it a perfect score--the overwhelming emotional themes brand upward for any complaints I could come up with.

Content Concerns: Themes of abortion, rape, and sex outside of marriage, too equally emotional intensity, are all through this book. Anyone who is unable to sympathize or bargain with such textile should probably stay away.

Score: 4.v/5

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The atonement child
She was raped merely the baby that now grows in her, he is innocent so what to do adjacent?

May 12, 2015 Alsie rated it it was ok

This volume I had mixed feelings towards equally I read information technology. One point I'd get annoyed with the characters, another betoken I would begin to think the book was getting better, until it simply takes another large downfall in the next few pages.
I've read a few of Francine Rivers and they were great. Marta's Legacy, for example, I thoroughly enjoyed. Merely this... not really.

For one, I felt the main character, Dynah, was portrayed as much too perfect to be a real person. The start of the book seemed to expla

This volume I had mixed feelings towards as I read it. Ane signal I'd get bellyaching with the characters, another point I would begin to call up the book was getting better, until information technology simply takes another big downfall in the next few pages.
I've read a few of Francine Rivers and they were great. Marta's Legacy, for example, I thoroughly enjoyed. But this... not really.

For ane, I felt the main graphic symbol, Dynah, was portrayed as much too perfect to be a real person. The outset of the book seemed to explain that she lived a life under rather extreme protection, no bug and bug through her xviii years of life before the rape... that'due south not what reality is truly similar. Anybody has hard times no thing who they are. And because of this, I felt I couldn't really relate to Dynah. And non to mention a lot of the book was extremely predictable.

Joe was a groovy character. He had a pretty bad past that he turned away from when he met God. He was probably a grapheme many would resonate with; he was the most realistic one. He was very caring and understanding, and tried to aid people as much equally he could. I idea that was crawly.

(view spoiler)[I had a big problem with the fact Dynah just went along and proposed to Joe in the middle of a infirmary. Yep, I know it was because God told her he was the i, but that ending just frustrated me immensely, they didn't fifty-fifty engagement at all, and only went from friends to taking a big leap to fiancee. Irksome down, guys, y'all're still teenagers!!Please! (hide spoiler)]

I usually like deep, heart-touching books, but this ane was depressing - and non in a skilful way. Yes, it's a rather deep subject to write on - abortion and rape, and the volume opened my optics to the reality of some womens' lives, but I'm sure information technology could've been dealt with ameliorate. The ending didn't fifty-fifty leave me with a good feeling.

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New York Times bestselling writer Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the earth. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Dearest, A Vocalism in the Wind, and Span to Haven, and her piece of work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame likewise as a recipient of the Lifetime New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the world. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Vocalisation in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her piece of work has been translated into more than than thirty unlike languages. She is a fellow member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame also as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Honour from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers

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