Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by bcbartuska
Room of Marvels: A Story about Heaven That Heals the Heart by James Bryan Smith
3.0
“I could now see clearly how heaven changes everything we suffer in this life.”
I find books like this difficult to review, because when it comes to spiritual truth, what is black and white to me (based on Scripture) may not be so to someone else. With that said, it is important to note that this is a work of fiction, not a memoir, although the author does say it is partly based on his own experience. But remembering that it is fiction helps me not get completely caught up in what I may not agree with theologically.
First, what I liked: This book is honest about grief and its relationship with faith. I think this aspect could be very comforting for someone walking through a season of grief. Secondly, the theme of hope and how the reality of Heaven brings hope was beautiful. Third, I liked the idea of the room of marvels, but it would be a spoiler to explain what the room actually contains.
My biggest concern with this book on a theological level was on the issue of forgiveness. The characters not only discuss forgiving of self, but forgiving God. I do not find that to be at all faithful to Scripture. There are other parts that I would not completely agree with, but again, in a work of fiction there can be some creative license.
This book just wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoyed The Shack or even It’s a Wonderful Life, you may find some similar themes here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.
I find books like this difficult to review, because when it comes to spiritual truth, what is black and white to me (based on Scripture) may not be so to someone else. With that said, it is important to note that this is a work of fiction, not a memoir, although the author does say it is partly based on his own experience. But remembering that it is fiction helps me not get completely caught up in what I may not agree with theologically.
First, what I liked: This book is honest about grief and its relationship with faith. I think this aspect could be very comforting for someone walking through a season of grief. Secondly, the theme of hope and how the reality of Heaven brings hope was beautiful. Third, I liked the idea of the room of marvels, but it would be a spoiler to explain what the room actually contains.
My biggest concern with this book on a theological level was on the issue of forgiveness. The characters not only discuss forgiving of self, but forgiving God. I do not find that to be at all faithful to Scripture. There are other parts that I would not completely agree with, but again, in a work of fiction there can be some creative license.
This book just wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoyed The Shack or even It’s a Wonderful Life, you may find some similar themes here.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.