BOOK REVIEW: There Is A Wideness
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by: Ellie Schroder
Dancing Word Reviewer
Title: There Is A Wideness
Author: Mark McAllister
Publisher: River Oak
ISBN: 1-589-19010-6
Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Fiction
Based on true events, There Is A Wideness tells an engaging tale of two men who were both profoundly affected by a tragedy that occurred in a small Texas town in 1937. Three hundred people died when a gas-leak explosion disintegrated a school, including teachers, pupils, and visitors. This novel tells a fictional account of the events through the eyes of Luke Robertson, whose beloved younger sister was killed in the explosion, and Russ Smith, who also had a connection with the events that transpired. Both of these men were profoundly affected by what happened, and ten years later they cross paths in such a way that causes them to face the questions that have hounded them since that fateful day.
As Luke finds a listening ear in Russ, he tells his story, taking the reader on the journey with him through ten years of challenge and change, before he comes face to face with why he’s returned to the small town where it all happened. Russ’s own secret connection with the events keeps the reader intrigued, and by the end of the story the reader can see how the simplest relationships in life can be the most significant, and to not take for granted the close relationships we already have.
Suitable for men and women, this endearing story of redemption and forgiveness is sure to delight the heart of many readers, especially those who would normally read novels by Francine Rivers, Karen Kingsbury, Deborah Raney, or Gilbert Morris. A reader discussion guide is included at the end of the book.