Monday, November 30, 2009

The Martyr's Song

Reviewed by Burton: 9.5 out of 10.

I read a blog post the other day which stated (and I quote):

Ted's novels aren't deep... None of them cause you to think deeply about your faith, nor do I know anyone who has come to a deeper walk with God because of reading them.

To the above statement, I respond (and I quote):

Pshh.

The Martyr's Song is, in essence, the pure oil of Dekker's story writing gift in a 128 page novella. Profound, spiritual, suspenseful, disturbing, moving, utterly memorable. An unforgettable story that vividly shows how heaven is far more real than the world we can see.

“Make me beautiful.” That’s what Marci wants from the old woman—not “inner beauty,” but real, physical attractiveness to save her from being a teenage outcast. The woman offers a gift in the form of a story—a strange tale from 1940s Bosnia about a group of soldiers who terrorize a town of women and children, brutalize their priest, and murder a child. Somehow, in the midst of the horror, a window opens to another reality—a world of impossible beauty, infectious music, irresistible laughter, and a vision that somehow changes…everything.

As the title suggests, this is a story about martyrdom... people who die for their faith in Christ. But like no other martyrdom story I've read, Dekker allows the reader to see what heaven sees, the refuge of the righteous in the time of calamity.

The Martyr's Song is a war story, a violent story, a love story, and an easy 9.5 out of 10.

Point of interest - The hardcover edition comes with a CD which contains The Martyr's Song written and performed by Todd Agnew. As I listened to the song once finishing the book - it was definitely a powerful moment.

The Martyr's Song is book one of the Martyr's Song series. I will be reviewing the other 3 books in subsequent posts.

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4 comments:

PaisleyJade November 30, 2009 10:06 PM  

Awesome review and I totally loved this book too!!!

Music December 1, 2009 7:23 AM  

No offence, whoever wrote that comment about Ted Dekker must be a bit on the "callous" side. :p His books always make me think about different aspects of Christian life & other theological concepts.

Have to admit I'm bias here as I grew up in Indonesia, just like him! LOL.

Burton December 1, 2009 8:52 AM  

Thanks for the comment Music. I totally agree with you!

Rachel Kate December 3, 2009 8:25 AM  

yup there certainly is a depth to his books that you can't ignore... even if he just manages in getting you to think more about God, or to ask some challenging questions, he has succeeded

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About Flannelgraph

Any church-going kid growing up in the 70's will remember Flannelgraph only too well. It was THE Christian storytelling tool back in the day. Nowadays, it is nothing more than a nostalgic memory (although I'm sure some retired Sunday school teachers still swear by it.)

I love reading, especially stories which strengthen my faith in Christ. I also love recommending good books to others.
So, I have come up with a cunning plan. To create a blog where myself and other like-minded friends can share our views on the various novels we've read... hopefully encouraging you to buy them, read them, be encouareged, and support the authors in using their gifts to glorify God.

What better name to call this... than 'flannelgraph'?

Review Ratings

0-1.5 (out of 10)
Absolutely terrible. No redeeming qualities and is not recommended for anything except fireplace fodder, or under a table leg to make it level.

2-3.5 (out of 10)
Below average, but may have some very minor elements that barely keep it from becoming fireplace fodder...

4-5.5 (out of 10)
Very, very average. You may enjoy this book if you have different literary tastes to the reviewer, but please don’t get your hopes up.

6-7.5 (out of 10)
Good-ish. If you like the series, genre or author already, possibly worth the read.

8 to 9.5 (out of 10)
Very, very good. An example of excellent authorship and any flaws are easily passed over.

10 (out of 10) HALL OF FAME!
A masterpiece! 10/10 books become immortalised in Flannelgraph's coveted 'Hall of Fame'.