Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

The Weekly Read

For those who make art: Review of Walking on Water by Madeleine L’Engle

When it comes to books about writing, I gravitate toward ones that are more like memoir than a strict how-to, and who better to learn art from than Madeleine L’Engle?

Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith & Art is a must-read for anyone who considers themselves a Christian and an artist. L’Engle’s thoughts on art and truth are inspiring. She reflects on life as a creative act: “Creativity is a way of living life, no matter what our vocation or how we earn our living (p 80). And her thoughts on labeling art as Christian are refreshing: “all true art is incarnational” (p 16).

Reading this book has given life to my writing and the way I approach the creative process. It’s a resource I will return to when I’m feeling dry creatively or when I’m stuck for words. It has the potential to renew me again and again.

L’Engle doesn’t shy away from the need for the artist to experience pain and suffering, either, and this, too, is real and life-giving.

I have underlined words on almost every page of this book, and even paging through I’m encouraged anew.

(Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the book from the publisher through the Blogging for Books program, but my review is an honest reflection of my opinion.)

I’d put Walking on Water on a list of Best Books for Writers. If you haven’t read it yet, I think you’ll find it inspiring.

A captivating historical: Review of Child of the River by Irma Joubert

Author Irma Joubert got my attention with her debut English-translated novel The Girl From the Train. (Not to be confused with that more famous book/movie Girl ON the Train.) Joubert’s books spotlight South Africa’s role in world events, like World War II.

child-of-the-riverThis book, Child of the River, encompasses some World War II history but focuses more on events leading up to apartheid. It is the story of one girl, Persomi, who grows up poor and white on a wealthy farm where her family are sharecroppers. Her brother fights in World War II and her friendship with the neighbor boy, Boelie, is tested when he joins an underground nationalist movement.

When Persomi is given opportunities to further her education, her world expands and she becomes a vocal proponent of justice among her friends and neighbors. She is on a lifelong search for her real father, and she is tragically in love with someone close to her.

Joubert’s writing and storytelling are beautiful and captivating. I knew little about the beginnings of apartheid and felt like I learned a little bit about that era of South African history through the eyes of Persomi. Joubert says her stories are based on true situations, which I love even more.

My only complaint is that the ending felt abrupt after so much buildup. And I won’t spoil that here. It’s a lovely piece of fiction, and an important work that reminds us of how devastating segregation laws are to communities.

While I did receive a free copy of the book from BookLook Bloggers, my review reflects my honest opinion.

Also, stay tuned. I have an extra copy of this book to give away after the holidays.