The Girl in the Blue Coat by Monica Hesse – This was a new book to me, though I’ve had it for several years.
The historical setting of this book is excellent. It’s tragic and normal combined – just like I expect life under German occupation must have been. The mystery was excellent, and dragged only a little in the end. The present first person narrative annoyed me a little, but I did get more use to it as I got engaged in the story.
The book was a good illustration of how one act of jealous revenge can cause a lot of pain for a lot of people – but also, how God allows even ugly things to bring healing. Because, despite the pain and tragedy that the jealous moment brought about, the main character found healing, purpose, and friends in the midst of it.
This was not a Christian book, but that doesn’t mean we can’t see illustrations of how God works in it. There were a couple points I disagreed with from a Biblical worldview, but they were not the focus of the story. The entire book, however, seemed to lack a depth that my other recent reads all had, but I can’t define it. Perhaps, it will come to me.
I plan to keep this book, especially, as I appreciated the historical setting in the occupied Netherlands, but it probably won’t be high on my re-read list.
Rebekah Ryberg nee Jones, is first and foremost a follower of the Living God. She started writing as a little girl, seeking to glorify the Lord with her books and stories…
