Reviews

In a Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

atticusmammy's review against another edition

Not for me.

wellreadcoffeeaddict's review against another edition

4.0

A heartbreaking retelling of the prodigal son, this story shows readers what the path to fame really would have looked like (and still does, unfortunately) for a young desperate wannabe star. From the cover and back, I had not expected how dark and sad this story would be, but I did thoroughly enjoy it and read it in one sitting because I just had to know what happens to Mina.

I would rate this story 5 stars if not for all of the content. I understand it was necessary, to drive home the main point of the story, but as it is I would caution young readers. Intimate relationships between Mina and other men are strongly suggested and

Spoiler

also two main characters do sleep together (semi-detailed leading up, closed door, nothing graphic. Mina ends up pregnant.)

I’m just not a fan of this type of content in Christian ‘clean’ fiction.

However, In A Far-Off Land is still a wonderfully dramatic, engrossing tale full of old Hollywood flair. The redemption part nearing the end was my favourite to read. Actually, the entire ending was just done so well. All in all, the author artfully captured the desperation that drove so many suffering from poverty and social injustice at that time, as well as the brokenness in everyone's lives, no matter how good they seem to have it.