Book Review: Redeeming Love

I snuggled into the couch and flipped open to the bookmark. Kevin noticed and asked, “How’s the romance novel?”

“It’s not a romance novel!” I asserted, indignant that he would accuse me of such a thing. “It’s a Christian fiction book about Hosea and his wife.”

As I finished the chapter and began the next, I put the book down and looked at my husband. “Kevin, I have to tell you something.”

“What?”

“I think this is a romance novel.” I picked the book up once again, less enthusiastic about the plot to come.

As a volunteer with my church’s youth group, I get a lot of questions from both parents and students asking if I would recommend a good book or a movie. One book that I comes up a lot is Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love.

I will admit, I read Redeeming Love five or so years ago and don’t remember thinking anything bad about it. As a former English major (once an English major – always an English major), I am a critic of all literature. So I do remember that the book was “cheesy” as many Christian fiction books can be. But I also remembered enjoying the book and feeling refreshed afterwards.

But then I read it again this summer.

I was shocked. Let me get out all my positive feedback on the front end. Francine Rivers paints a very clear picture of the forgiving nature of God’s love. She unabashedly used the book of Hosea to craft her plot, even allowing the characters the freedom to discuss the book openly. And (spoiler alert) the prostitute becomes a Christian at the end. It wouldn’t be a Christian fiction book otherwise…or would it?

Excuse me, my English major is showing. Unfortunately, my Christian nonfiction life never seems to end with unicorns and skittles. Instead, it’s messy. It’s unknown. It’s a continued journey of trusting God.

But let’s stick with just a couple of reasons why I would strongly urge you parents out there to read the book before passing it along to your daughters.

1. Though Rivers does not use obscene language, she paints graphic mental images without them. Some of which include a daughter waiting outside while her mother (and later while her nanny) have sexual intercourse. She frequently relates exactly what the girl is hearing. It is also abundantly clear that she is a full-blown prostitute. No question about what’s happening repeatedly inside her room. Two examples include her husband walking in on her during the act with another man and later in their marriage him forcing her to repeatedly say her name during the act.

2. The main character’s husband, Michael Hosea, never messes up. Not even a little bit. He is patient and kind and caring, even when his wife returns to prostitution. Plus, he is buff and tan. As a married woman, I don’t need to fill my head with unrealistic expectations of marriage. Don’t misunderstand – I love Kevin. And he is patient and kind and caring when I don’t deserve it. But we’re two sinners who made a covenant together. And that sin is seen. In the book it’s not.

3. I’m not convinced I would want my unwed daughter (or little sisters in Christ) reading a book that heavily revolves around sexual intercourse. Now, of course, you can’t really tone down what’s happening in the book of Hosea. And Rivers does use that emotion to point the readers to Christ. But I’m afraid there is so much emphasis on sexual intercourse that single girls of all ages are left fantasizing about this experience.

4. The main’s character’s life is just, well, sad. She tells us in depth that she was sold into prostitution as a child. She even goes so far as to tell us about the men who preferred to spend their “quality time” with children. And, sadly, as the plot progresses she explains that she had many abortions as a result of her profession.

Let’s get one fact straight: I am not your daughter’s parent. (You probably don’t believe this at this point – but I’m not a book prude. I love challenging literature.) This book has sold over a million copies, which is nothing to shrug at. Clearly it has hit a point of interest across generations. One young girl created a YouTube video as a tribute to the book. The book itself has 255,459 likes on Facebook. It has been translated into 23 different languages. You can even watch an Interview with Francine Rivers on how she got on track with God and He used her gift to write this book.

And, for as many negative aspects as I have pointed out, I have to admit that I enjoyed the book. Cheesiness aside, Rivers twisted my emotions so that I could relate to this main character. I understood that I am the bride of Christ. My sin is just as ugly as prostitution. But God still wants a relationship with me. He wants me to repent and trust that His redeeming love can save and purify me.

This book has many redeeming qualities (pun intended). But especially as a leader of students, I feel the need to warn you. This book may not be what you want your daughter reading at bedtime. Read it first. If you decide to pass it to your daughter, be certain to have talking points ready. Be a family that discusses Christ and guide your child into a mature relationship with Him. You can purchase redeeming love here or even go to Francine River’s website.