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Book Review of Like a River from Its Course

Like a River from Its Course
PianoLady357 avatar reviewed on + 157 more book reviews


When it comes to Like a River from Its Course, there's no way any words of mine can do it justice, so I'll let Kelli Stuart and her characters do some of the talking. But if I had to express my thoughts in only one sentence, it would be this: If ever a book cried out to be read, it's this one.

What's most amazing is that through extensive research, debut author Kelli Stuart has drawn from personal stories of survival to write this moving work of fiction, based on historical events that weren't that familiar to me the Nazi occupation of Ukraine. The story is told from the first-person perspective of four main characters and rather than me trying to describe them, I encourage you to read about them in the book's overview above if you haven't already. Here are some expressions of their thoughts . . .

Frederick: "Ending one life to preserve another is not killing. It is saving."

Ivan: "Sometimes horrors are too great to be put into words."

Luda: "When you grow up without love, accepting it becomes almost burdensome."

Masha: "I'm scarred and emotionally beaten. The girl who left was swept away in the flood of war, but I think that girl is still somewhere inside. If only I could get back to find her."

Like a River from Its Course is riveting, dark, raw, yet hopeful and redeeming. It reflects the essence of humanity, from total depravity to selfless, tender kindness. It's not a light read, nor is it an easy one but it is compelling, relevant for today, and hard to put down. Truly unforgettable.

I'm amazed at the literary quality of Kelli's writing, for it sparkles in its beauty. She has a gift for pulling you right into the story, compelling you to experience the people, setting, and all the horrors of war in a way that is palpable. I marked several quotes that really spoke to me; here are just a few . . .

"If love gives flight to the soul, hate kills it completely." (Ivan)

"You would be surprised, my friend, at the power in believing in something outside of yourself. When you acknowledge that the pain of this world is unbearable, you're able to finally surrender to the One who alone is worthy of carrying the weight." (Father Konstantin)

"To believe is to trust, and when you trust, your life has meaning and purpose outside of the mere endurance of hardship." (Father Konstantin)

And finally, one that is true yesterday, today, and tomorrow . . .

"God cannot be suppressed under the evil of man." (Father Konstantin)

For me, Like a River from Its Course is a story not to be missed.Highly recommended.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Kregel for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.