Cry, the Beloved Country

by Alan Paton

Anyone who has tasted redemption should read this book. Anyone who needs redemption should read this book. Yet, as a warning, this book is heavy. Only by great heaviness can thene be a true need for redemption.

I do not know whether Alan Paton believes in the gospel, but his priest characters certainly do. Their gospel brings forgiveness for real sins through Jesus Christ's death alone. Through them, the worldview is phenomenal.

I recommend Cry, the Beloved Country to advanced readers, however. Intermediate readers may not be ready for the sin portrayed (e.g. a woman in poverty turns to prostitution); also, they may need to be led through the political and social justice issues. Beyond that, everyone should read this story of redemption.

A Christian Tale of Adventure and Survival In Spite of Tremendous Odds, Displaying the Will of Providence

and the Glories of a Merciful God While Exploring a Savage Country for the Preservation of Life and the Furtherance of the Gospel Among Foreign Persons.

or Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe presents a biblical worldview clearly in his tale of adventure and survival on a remote island. Robinson Crusoe contains acceptable content for any age; however, the vocabulary difficulty will deter many readers. Also, I found the book less interesting--slower-- than I had expected in a story about survival on a deserted island. Boys will perhaps enjoy the book more than girls.

The most enthralling aspect of Robinson Crusoe was Crusoe's spiritual journey. Crusoe freely admits that his sins of discontent with his allotted life and disrespect for his parent's wishes resulted in his predicament. After some years on the island, he opens his neglected Bible and repents, glorying in God's mercy to him. For the rest of his adventure, Christianity plays a distinct part in his choices and attitudes. When he meets Friday, he shares the Gospel with him, and he carefully considers what action most carefully follows God's moral will.

Much of the book follows Crusoe's exploration of the island, pursuit of sustenance and comfort for his life on the island, and various attempts at escape. I thought the plot proceeded slowly, but another reader might disagree. All in all, Robinson Crusoe did not become a favorite, but it was definitely worth reading.