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Summary: A Delightful and Uplifting Read
Review: A quick and deceptively easy read, this book ranks among the truly great books ever written. In an allegory of simple clarity and delightful word-pictures, the author follows Much-Afraid on her epic journey.
Reminiscent of John Bunyon's "Pilgrim's Progress," this book shows the author's own unique touch and personality in prose that has a poetic quality to it.
Read it for the sheer beauty of language. But read it also for the beauty of the story with its amazing picture of love. Perfect for reading aloud, the lyrical quality of the language delights the ear.
This is a book with much to recommend it. It has stood the test of time. It deserves a place among your most treasured volumes.
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Summary: Inspiring, Will Lift You Up
Review: Another person who wrote a review said exactly what I felt after reading this book; other than the bible....this book touched the secret recesses of my heart more than any other book I've ever read. There are places in our hearts that hold things unspoken..feelings we have that cannot be put into words. As God and His word touches these places, so did this scripturally sound allegory about suffering, pain, fear, hope, yearning, and above all, the willingness to trust our Shepherd's leading at any cost. Much like the bible, which can be mined for treasure over and over, I believe this beautiful story is the same; I will treasure it forever and re-read it often.
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Summary: The most rewarding book I have ever read.
Review: Anyone who has ever questioned God or wondered why evil exists or why people suffer, must read Hurnard. Having rejected Christianity as a teenager because she felt unloved herself, she was dramatically converted at 19 and was overwhelmed by the intense love of God and His desire for her to love others. Love is the imperative of this allegory, but not a foolish, blind, or too-sweet love; instead, it is a powerful force that heals deformities, overcomes mountains, and compels the human soul to heights never before possible. The Shepherd is not a benign Savior, but a strong and holy Savior who demands sacrifice and gives ultimate joy and peace in return. His unconditional love desires and achieves the best for the beloved. Throughout this allegory, Hurnard dramatically portrays for the reader a life of fulfillment beyond typical spiritual mediocrity - a life that she is insists is attainable. Anyone willing to pursue a deeper relationship with God will find in Hurnard and excellent mentor.
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Summary: Great Book, Flawed Performance
Review: Hannah Hurnard's book has long held a special place in my heart. It's a sensitive parable of the life of faith, full of the Shepherd's love. Unfortunately, Flo Schmidt's narration trivializes the book. The reading is badly overacted, giving the parable the quality of a melodrama. The reader seems to believe that we won't figure out what to feel about the story unless the emotions are hammered into us.
My recommendation: find an audio performancy by a different narrator or stick with the print version.
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Summary: Other than the Bible, my all time favorite Christian book...
Review: I first read this book in college and have introduced it to many, read the children's edition (BEAUTIFUL illustrations - a good devotional book) to my children and since read the complete version to them. I cannot think of a more powerful allegory illustrating the Christian life. Though most people are familiar with Pilgrim's Progress, in my opinion, this book if even better. The story is about a girl named "Much-Afraid" who lives in the "Valley of Humiliation". She has a crooked mouth and crooked feet. Though she belongs to the "Fearings" family, she loves the Shepherd with all of her heart and desires to be in His service. She longs to have "hind's feet" and "leap upon the high places" with Him. (see the Psalms for the quote) He tells her that she may have her request, but first He must place the seed of love in her heart - it looks like a thorn. Her family has planned for her to marry her cousin, "Craven Fear", but "Much-Afraid" doesn't want to and her only way out is to go with the Shepherd. To reach the High Places, the Shepherd gives "Much-Afraid" two unique companions to help her along the way. They are companions of every Christian who walks the pathway to follow Christ. You must read the book to find out who they are, but be ready for a surprise! I love this book because it doesn't gloss over what our lives as Christians are like, the challenges we face, and a Biblical account of how we are to proceed - that following Christ means dying to self to live for Him. This is one of the most beautifully written accounts I have ever read. Get a copy and read it. It will become one of your most treasured possessions. Then read the sequel, "Mountain of Spices" where "Much-Afraid", who has been given a new name, returns to the valley to show the love of the Shepherd to her family and friends. TERIFFIC BOOKS!
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Summary: Problem with this book's message
Review: I really am questioning the focus on physical beauty in this book. Everyone unkind is ugly and everyone strives to be kind/beautiful. I am hoping that this means inner beauty, but that is not pointed out anywhere. We are always told that what matters is inside ourselves, but I certainly couldn't tell from this book!
Can anyone respond to this? I have wondered about it for a long, long time. People seem to think this book is so wonderful, but I really would like input from others. Thanks!
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Summary: Wonderful allegory of our journey through life
Review: This book is one of my favorites and I've frequently given it as a gift. The story follows the journey of Much Afraid in her quest to reach "the High Places". Because she is crippled, her family tells her she can't do it. But she listens the Good Shepherd who asks her to trust him. As she visits various locations, you'll marvel at her faith and progress.
What makes this book so special is that there are lessons about life hidden in every chapter and there are layers upon layers of symbols underneath the storyline. The book can be read on a story level by children as young as 7 or 8, and older readers can seek the nuggets of wisdom beneath the surface.
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Summary: If you liked Pilgrims Progress, you'll love this.
Review: This is a great allegory! I loved the imagery in it, and how it chose to portray the savior throughout the book. Its very touching and well worth reading.
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Summary: A Comforting Book
Review: This is an extended allegory taken from Habakkuk 3:19 about God making one's feet like hind's feet in overcoming difficulties in life. The author talks about observing the animals in action for herself and discovering that "their motion was one of the most beautiful examples of exultant and apparently effortless ease in surmounting obstacles which I have ever seen." The reference to hind's feet is also found in Psalms 18:33. The first chapter starts with an invitation to the high places. It is in the concluding few chapters that she reconnects back to the book's primary theme. Numerous Christians have been encouraged by this book and chances are you will be too.
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Summary: A must read for everyone on life's journey!
Review: This is by far one of the best books I have ever read. It is an allegory about a woman named Much-Afraid who asks the Shepherd to take her to the High Places. She is told the only way to get there is to take 2 companions--Sorrow and Suffering. It is an amazing journey that will make you really think about life and how you live it. I have recommended this book to literally dozens of people over the years, and keep several copies at all times so I can give them away when appropriate.
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