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paperbacks_and_ponytails's review against another edition
4.0
A heart-breaking story of a prodigal daughter.
When a young girl leaves her father and sister to take care of the farm and try to make her way into the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. But all she ends up finding is heartbreak, hunger and resorting to desperate measures to be able to stay. But when she wakes up next to a dead body, things go from bad to worse!
I loved the characters in this story, yes it's not a happy story but the ending did it justice and I loved the way Stephanie Landsem brought the parable of the prodigal son to life. I loved the era of the 1930s and I loved that the author mentioned so many famous people of that era. Being a huge movie buff, I was able to connect really well with the story.
When a young girl leaves her father and sister to take care of the farm and try to make her way into the glitz and glamor of Hollywood. But all she ends up finding is heartbreak, hunger and resorting to desperate measures to be able to stay. But when she wakes up next to a dead body, things go from bad to worse!
I loved the characters in this story, yes it's not a happy story but the ending did it justice and I loved the way Stephanie Landsem brought the parable of the prodigal son to life. I loved the era of the 1930s and I loved that the author mentioned so many famous people of that era. Being a huge movie buff, I was able to connect really well with the story.
breezymor's review against another edition
4.0
Definitely a really interesting take on the story of the prodigal son. I enjoyed this book.
staceylovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
I really wish I could give this book more than five stars. I loved it so much. I felt like I was part of every scene experiencing everything along with the characters. The thorough research done is evident throughout.
I have always been fascinated by Old Hollywood and the 1930s and the author captured both so well. I loved seeing the names of some of the brightest stars of the age and getting a peek at them off the screen. After I finished reading, I researched the historical events and places mentioned and went down some interesting rabbit trails. I love when a book makes me do that.
I really enjoyed the characters and how real they were. Mina's father and Max were my favorites. I appreciated the thread of faith and forgiveness that runs through the story.
I can definitely say this is one of my favorite books and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
I have always been fascinated by Old Hollywood and the 1930s and the author captured both so well. I loved seeing the names of some of the brightest stars of the age and getting a peek at them off the screen. After I finished reading, I researched the historical events and places mentioned and went down some interesting rabbit trails. I love when a book makes me do that.
I really enjoyed the characters and how real they were. Mina's father and Max were my favorites. I appreciated the thread of faith and forgiveness that runs through the story.
I can definitely say this is one of my favorite books and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
sierra_trot's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.5
bookishlynady's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.75
belovedbrat's review against another edition
3.0
first reviewed here: http://belovedgraceful-carissasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2021/07/in-far-off-land-by-stephanie-landsem.html
Title: In a Far-off Land
Author: Stephanie Landsem
Pg: 384
Genre: Christian Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Publisher: Tyndale
In A Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is a book that’s slightly out of my comfort zone but I did enjoy it. This one was edger that other Christian fiction that I’ve read but it was worth the read. I enjoyed the prodigal son retelling in 1930s Hollywood which was a setting that worked for the type of retelling.
The author stayed true to history and it’s easy to see that she did her research in order to do justice to hard topics. Even now no one wants to admit it but during the depression Americans weren’t fond of immigrants taken what few jobs and the author handled that event in the novel truthfully. As well as the police corruption in the L.A. police department in the 1930s which is indeed based in historical fact. That the author handled tactfully.
This book is worth the read but it’s a hard read.
Title: In a Far-off Land
Author: Stephanie Landsem
Pg: 384
Genre: Christian Historical
Rating: 3 stars
Publisher: Tyndale
In A Far Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is a book that’s slightly out of my comfort zone but I did enjoy it. This one was edger that other Christian fiction that I’ve read but it was worth the read. I enjoyed the prodigal son retelling in 1930s Hollywood which was a setting that worked for the type of retelling.
The author stayed true to history and it’s easy to see that she did her research in order to do justice to hard topics. Even now no one wants to admit it but during the depression Americans weren’t fond of immigrants taken what few jobs and the author handled that event in the novel truthfully. As well as the police corruption in the L.A. police department in the 1930s which is indeed based in historical fact. That the author handled tactfully.
This book is worth the read but it’s a hard read.
msdarcyreads's review against another edition
5.0
In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem is a fabulous retelling of the prodigal son set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s Golden Age and the Great Depression. The absolutely loved this story and its powerful message of love without conditions. Landsem has a unique writing style that draws the reader in as Minerva recounts her time in Hollywood and events that led her finding her “happily ever after.” The author did an excellent job of fleshing out her secondary characters and making me invest in their various storylines. Overall, a 6-star read that will make my favorites of the year list.
(I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
(I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.)
helenaferreira's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bestinsuspense's review against another edition
4.0
In a Far -Off Land gives readers a look into all the grit and drama of Hollywood in the 1930’s. I haven’t read too many stories set in the Depression era, but the author sets the stage with the contrast between over-indulgent socialites and obliterating poverty. Minerva Sinclaire decides to leave her humble small-town roots for the lure of Hollywood stardom. Thinking she can make money as an actress, she sets out to earn enough to keep her family’s farm from going under. But she enters a world of corruption and winds up losing everything, especially her identity.
I love a few things about this story. The time period and setting seemed magical with the celebrities and scenery of old-timey Hollywood. But just a few blocks down the road, communities were devastated by the Depression with unimaginable poverty. The author really brought to light the social issues of the times.
I also liked that this story is a modern-day retelling of the prodigal son. In this case, daughter, but the story was filled with redemption and meaning. The spiritual lessons jump off the pages as a reminder that no matter how bad things get, we are still loved. Forgiveness isn’t a dream from a far-off land.
While not fast-paced, this novel brings emotional depth to the characters and I found this to be a meaningful and well-crafted story. I definitely recommend, especially for any fans of historical fiction.
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
3 stars (some suspenseful moments)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love a few things about this story. The time period and setting seemed magical with the celebrities and scenery of old-timey Hollywood. But just a few blocks down the road, communities were devastated by the Depression with unimaginable poverty. The author really brought to light the social issues of the times.
I also liked that this story is a modern-day retelling of the prodigal son. In this case, daughter, but the story was filled with redemption and meaning. The spiritual lessons jump off the pages as a reminder that no matter how bad things get, we are still loved. Forgiveness isn’t a dream from a far-off land.
While not fast-paced, this novel brings emotional depth to the characters and I found this to be a meaningful and well-crafted story. I definitely recommend, especially for any fans of historical fiction.
4 stars (I liked it a lot and would definitely recommend)
3 stars (some suspenseful moments)
I received an ebook review copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.