Simonetta CarrRezensionen
Autor von Augustine of Hippo
Rezensionen
Christian Biographies for Young Readers: John Knox von Simonetta Carr
Learn about how Christianity spread to Armenia, the first official Christian nation; how a paper nailed to a church door in Germany marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation; how missionaries have taken the gospel to places like India, Japan, Latin America, and Africa.
Discover how the church has answered important questions like Is Jesus really God? Can we be perfect in this life? May Christians allow slavery? and What is the gospel?
Most importantly, you will see that after two thousand years, Jesus’s church is still growing and proclaiming the good news of salvation for sinners all over the world.
Luther's life is anything but boring, and Mrs. Carr tells his story well. Although he desired to bring about positive change within the Roman Catholic Church, many leaders remained steeped in tradition and were unwilling to change in spite of Luther's constant appeals to Scripture. Yet, "While many others attacked the abuses and corruption of the church and the pope, Luther went to the root of the problem, which is man's sinful heart, a problem that only God can solve" (pg. 54). Though Luther's writings merely sought to remedy ignorance of the Scriptures, the Church perceived him as a threat. Soldiers, swords, and kidnapping make for a particularly intriguing account. Ultimately, Luther's work ignited a split in Christendom that remains today.
Luther's life is instructive for us, displaying the importance of diligently studying the Scriptures, as well as, the writings of earlier Christians and discussing these matters with other believers. From Luther, we learn the necessity of "ordinary" Christians standing firmly on the foundation of God's Word in the face of opposition, even if that opposition is from church authorities (pg. 25-26). Like the apostle Paul, Luther refused to compromise the truth of Scripture as he was brought before authorities. Though he risked imprisonment and death, he was no longer held captive by fear but had faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
When Martin Luther arrived in our mail, my ten-year-old exclaimed, "Oh! It's one of my favorite books! Can I read it?!?" Her enthusiasm was contagious, and the rest of the children were soon vying for a turn with the tenth and latest book in the "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series demonstrating that it remains one of our family's favorite church history series for children. As I've written before, Ms. Carr is a very gifted author whom I cherish. Her writing uniquely has a purpose and depth which exceeds that found in much of written material for children today. I am overjoyed that she continues to add to this delightful series!
As with previous volumes in the series, readers of Martin Luther will encounter a carefully researched account that is edifying. A map, timeline, and portion of Luther's Small Catechism are included. Additionally, there are abundant illustrations and vibrant photos, as one can see from the sample pages which Westminster Books has provided. What can't be conveyed in these samples is that these sixty-four thick pages are contained in a sturdy hardcover with a stitched binding, making this book a collectible title that will endure many years of enjoyment, as we've come to expect from this high quality series.
Martin Luther is an engaging biography that is sure to encourage many as they rejoice in the Biblical truth that Luther discovered; " ' the righteousness of God' in this verse [Romans 1:17] is not a righteousness God demands, but a righteousness God gives in Jesus Christ" (pg. 24). I pray that the faith of all who read this book will be strengthened as they, like Luther, rest in the salvation that comes through Christ's perfect life and death in our place.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes...For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.' " (Romans 1:16-17, ESV).
Those who are interested can learn more about Simonetta Carr's "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" on her author website which includes interesting videos of the writing/illustrating process, activity and/or notebook pages for several existing titles (Augustine of Hippo, John Calvin, Athanasius), as well as, a study guide for John Owen.
If this review has served you well, you may wish to check out my related reviews of: Marie Durand, Jonathan Edwards, John Knox, Lady Jane Grey, Athanasius, Anselm, Weight of a Flame, and When Lightning Struck!.
*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews, Reformation Heritage Books, and Simonetta Carr for providing me with a complimentary copy of Martin Luther in exchange for my honest opinion!
I really like that Carr doesn't just tell the factual details of the lives she writes about but also delves into some theological concepts and even doctrinal controversies. It's good for young people to learn details about the defense of the right interpretation of God's word. In this volume, she does a good job of explaining some of the heresies that Irenaeus fought against, including providing some details of his critique of the bad hermeneutic of people who took the Scriptures out of context, twisting them to say other things: "He gave the example of a poem made up of separate lines from different books by the Greek poet Homer. The lines had nothing to do with each other, but together they made up a poem Homer had never intended to write. A casual reader would think the poem was really Homer's." I found it amusing to find that, when Irenaeus had critiqued some ridiculous and confusing Gnostic teachings, he ended his written explanation of their views with an exclamation akin to our "Eek!" expressing his view of the absurdity of what they believed. Apparently Irenaeus had a sense of humor.
As usual, Carr's book has many illustrations imagining what events in Irenaeus' life may have looked like, and also many photographs of places and things, including historical artifacts from that day, as well as some pictures of more recent statues of what others imagined how Irenaeus and Polycarp appeared. There is not a lot of information about Irenaeus' life but Carr does a good job of explaining the things that we do know about him and also inferring things that might have been the case based on what we know of that period in time. All in all I think this is a good summarizing biography.
I think it's perfectly fine for kids to read and hear works of fiction, but I think it's also good to let them learn about real Christians who lived in the past. Real people who lived and died fighting the good fight of faith. What better way to put one's imagination to work than contemplating real events, real Christian people and the teachings of God's Word? This book is one of a series of books that are a good way to have young people (and older people) practice doing that.
Many thanks to the folks at Cross Focused Reviews for sending me a free review copy of this book! My review did not have to be favorable.
Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr covers the whole of Edwards life. It tells the story of: his childhood, his education and marriage to Sarah Pierpont, his early days as a pastor, his pastorate at North Hampton, his friendship with Whitefield and his part in the revival, his dismissal from North Hampton and his Stockbridge years, his last days and death at Princeton. This is a children’s book, and short, so not a comprehensive treatment of Edwards. Carr points to episodes that would be of interest to young readers. She is an award winning biographer and has written quite a few biographies for young readers.
Carr’s Jonathan Edwards is beautifully illustrated by Matt Abraxas as well as maps, photos and Library of Congress stock images. There is even a portrait of Edwards from my favorite über-Calvinist theologian/portrait artist with a philosophical bent, Oliver Crisp. Crisp, who is a noted authority on Edwards, also read through Carr’s manuscript and helped answer some of Carr’s questions regarding Edwards.
The cover of the book, one of Abraxas’s illustrations, depicts the teenage Edwards dangling a spider from a stick. A sketch from Edwards’ journal (12) reveals that Edwards once dangled a spider from a stick and made several illustrations of it dangling from it’s web. Carr comments on the time that Edwards devoted to observing the natural world, which is one of the aspects I most appreciate about his writings. Readers of his most famous sermon, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, will also recognize the image of the dangling spider.
This is a good biography and presents Edwards in a way that is accessible for chidren. Because this book is written for young readers, Carr does not wrestle with the ambiquities of Edwards legacy (i.e. he like many in Puritian New England, was a slave holder). It also doesn’t explore the nature of Edwards struggle with the difficult youth of his church (such as his strong words against ‘bundling‘). This is a favorable presentation of Edwards and I think a good introduction for youth.
My seven-year-old stalled on reading this somewhere in Edwards college years. I think this book is probably best for readers slightly beyond her level. Perhaps children in the 8-11 range. I especially think kids will like the ‘Did you Know?’ section at the end of the book that shares trivia about the Edwardes and their time period. I give this book four stars.
Thank you to Reformation Heritage Books and Cross Focused Reviews for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Luther ultimately is promoted to higher positions, moving on to the city of Wittenberg to be a professor of Bible studies. Ultimately he also ends up preaching in the city church as well as "supervising ten monasteries". Tetzel comes into Germany with his indulgences and as a consequence Luther writes his "ninety-five questions" (I like how Carr simplifies much of the language for children). He simply wanted to discuss them on a scholarly level, but they end up being translated into the common language of the people and causing a big stir in the nation and around Europe. And then of course the famous 'Diet of Worms" happens, Luther gets taken away to a Castle…etc. Ultimately Luther ends up marrying and having several children. We see how generous Luther and his wife are, they help many people during hard times. They also go through hard times themselves, losing some of their children in death, but they still trust God. The book comes to a close with Luther's death followed by a quick summary of his influence.
There are pictures scattered around the book: old and new paintings and drawings of Luther in various events God ordained that he would go through. There are also pictures of some of his relatives and other historical people mentioned in this book. Also included throughout the book are photographs and old drawings of the various towns and buildings Luther frequented, as well as a few photographs of objects, such as a lute and a chest used to "collect money from the sale of indulgences".
Carr writes in a way that I think children will easily understand and also manages to simplify explanations of erroneous beliefs of the day as well as important Biblical concepts. As Examples, Carr talks about people thinking that they could earn their salvation or the salvation of others, and that many believed that Christ and God were both angry judges of sinners to be appeased by 'saints' (described as "godly people who had died") . She also conveys Luther's struggle with what "the righteousness of God" (as discussed in the book of Romans) actually means and his final realization that in this verse (Rom 1:17), "this is not a righteousness God demands, but a righteousness God gives in Jesus Christ."
At the end of the book there is a Did You Know? section and after that a selection of excerpts from Luther's small catechism. I found the "did you know" section especially interesting. I did not know (or at least I didn't remember) that Luther's last name at birth was actually Luder but he changed the spelling to Luther, "as a wordplay on the Greek eleutherius, which means "free man". I think that kids (and adults) will both enjoy that section as a potential discussion prompting conclusion to the book.
All in all, I really liked this book. I really appreciated that she does not make Luther come across as a hero to be worshiped but rather as a man, saved by God's grace and not his own merit, who was used by God to bring people to a correct knowledge of the Gospel and to point them to the Word of God as the only authority.
Many thanks to the folks at Cross Focused Reviews for sending me a free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)
There are interesting illustrations throughout, and also photographs of items and places from Durand's era. At the end of the book there is a pronunciation key to help one read and pronounce the French words, a 'Did You Know?' section giving more information about the people and lifestyle of that era, and a letter from Marie to her niece Anne. Also, I liked the Epilogue, where Carr gives an overview of what happened after Marie died. The 'Age of Reason' or Enlightenment was critiqued quite well, and I think in a way that even young children will understand. Here is a small excerpt: "During that Age of Reason, or Enlightenment, as that time became known, they started to reject or ignore most teachings human beings can't fully explain, such as that God works miracles, that Jesus is God, or that God is one in three persons." I especially liked the statement she gives of Paul Rabaut in this section where he states that, "I will not reject a mystery for the only reason that it cannot be understood." That is a statement that still fits today.
The only thing that I believe would make this book better would be for it to have a list of other books of Marie Durand and the times in which she lived, so that any children (or adults) who get a thirst for more information on, or a deeper look at, the subject would have some suggested resources already on hand. But, despite its shortness, this biographical overview is quite inspiring, it shows children (and adults) a Christian whose faith they may strive to imitate.
Many thanks to the people at Cross Focused Reviews for sending me a review copy of this book(My review did not have to be favorable.
Now, two months later (yes, I’m a very disorganized person), I’m finally writing that review that’s been sitting on my back burner all this time. I kept thinking, "oh, I'll do it tomorrow." And we all know that putting something off until tomorrow means you promptly forget all about it. Anyway, here it is now!
Oh, by the way, before I continue I’d like to announce for any and all reading this review that this book is a Christian book and I am a Christian. I don’t usually mention faith in reviews, because it is not necessary, but this is just where I’m coming from on this one.
So, a synopsis. Forget the blurb, which makes it seem like a giant love story when really there’s so much more than that going on! Here’s the real deal: The book tells the true story of Olympia Moratta, a Protestant Christian scholar in the Catholic Italian city-state of Ferrara (yes, my first thought was Ferrari. No, I’m pretty sure the words are not related). At a young age she was chosen to tutor the Duchess Renee’s children, and the book follows her entire life as a tutor, a believer, and later a wife and war victim. She died tragically young, but reading Weight of a Flame you can see her devotion to God, which made it easier for her to endure.
Anyway. It was obvious that Simonetta Carr put in a lot of research while writing this book; the details are numerous and thorough, and while I don’t know much about the real Olympia I get the feeling she captured her essence quite completely, as well as filling in gaps that history doesn’t tell us.
Occasionally, I will point out, the writing is a tad clumsy – there is one scene I remember that starts with the thoughts of one character, then a moment later we hear another’s thoughts, before gliding back into Olympia’s head. Maybe this was just Carr using omnipresent (or whatever it’s called), or maybe it was a mistake, but whatever the case it was a bit disconcerting. Besides these very occasional distractions, the story ran very smoothly and coherently, and touched on many storylines and issues, from family relationships (just with her father and, later, husband, though. Her mother and sisters just kind of wave her off when she leaves to court, and she didn’t contact them much afterwards) to politics, to a woman scholar, to the prominent issue of faith being fought over at the time.
Just one little paragraph about the faith issue and I’ll be done, I promise. I know this isn’t so much an issue with Carr’s writing as it is with Olympia’s beliefs themselves – actually, really it’s an issue with the times themselves. But (and please understand, I’m not the least bit Catholic) was it really necessary for people to risk their families, or leave their homes altogether, just to practice Protestantism over Catholocism?
Yes, yes, I know people should be able to practice their faith in peace. I know it’s much better for everyone when they can. But it’s not, say, Christianity vs. Hinduism. Or even Christianity vs. Judaism! Two warring factors of Christianity pointed fingers at each other and denounced their opponent as the antichrist. I mean, in the words of Marie Antoinette, “Paris is worth a mass!”
Wait. Sorry, that was Henry something-or-other, dead a long time before Marie Antoinette was born, and we’re not talking about Paris. I think Marie Antoinette said something about cake, right?
But the quote still kinda holds, right? Because isn’t it worth more for you and your family to be safe, than it is to get to practice every little aspect of your faith? I mean, I know the Catholics have some beliefs that are kind of different. Like about the Pope, and Mother Mary, and all that. But as long as you believe and worship, does it really matter how you’re worshipping? I for one think Jesus doesn’t care. Just as long as it’s clear to the worshipper in their heart who it is they're worshipping.
Whoops, I think that was three paragraphs about the religion. Oh, well, you forgive me, don’t you? No? Oh, well.
But getting back to the book itself, I recommend it to - well, I guess mainly Christians. It really is an inspirational story about living your beliefs, whether or not you agree with the beliefs in the book – and I know many won’t agree with me, and will say Olympia was spot on. I don’t call her spot on – but I still enjoyed the book.
This review is also available on my blog, Read Till Dawn.
Several years later, soldiers raided the Durand home where they found hidden Bibles, hymnals and their father's diaries. The government used these as evidence of Pierre's crimes. They arrested Marie and Pierre's father because he was related to a criminal. He was sent to prison where he stayed for a long time. Marie was left alone at the family estate when she was only 17. Shortly after that, she became engaged to a family friend. They only enjoyed their engagement for a few months before they were both arrested and sent to separate prisons, again for being related to Pierre. The remainder of this 64-page book focuses on the thirty-eight years Marie spent in the Prison of Constance. It was there that her numerous letters guided and encouraged the hearts of many Christians, including her family in exile and family in prison.
Opening the copy of the book I was to review, I was immediately impressed with the physical quality. It is of legacy quality construction in the way it is bound. The pages are sturdy, glossy, thick, and smooth to the touch. This book is a great addition to any child's book library. The author, Simonetta Carr, partnered with illustrator Matt Abraxas whose oils fit the time period they portray. All the illustrations he contributed to this book depict incidences of deeply emotional moments and personal relationships. It's the type of art I would want my children or grandchildren to spend time with and learn from.
While this is a children's picture book, young readers would appreciate the story line, the extra information the photographs offer, the timeline of events laid out in the final portion of the book, the pronunciation key of terms and important names mentioned on the pages. The author also provides a copy of a letter Marie wrote to her niece while she was still in prison and some fascinating historical background that influenced the story line.
Finally, Mrs. Carr's writing style makes this piece of history come alive for the parent, the reader, the listener, the visual learner, the art enthusiast, and the teacher. It is a flexible book which fits many needs. I highly recommend it for its educational value and for personal pleasure.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC) on behalf of Reformation Heritage Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Jonathan Edwards was a giant of man. He is remembered in many fields as a bright mind and a extraordinary thinker. So writing any children’s book which does justice to the real Jonathan Edwards is a tall order. Simonetta Carr proves once again that she is up to the task of balancing historical accuracy and theological acumen with an eye to the attention span of young children.
An account of Edwards’ life is provided with an emphasis on his children, and interesting historical details of the age. His work on how spiders sail through the forest, gliding on air, is sure to capture children’s imagination. The account of Edwards’ ten year old son spending a year away on a mission trip to Indians will demand attention as well. Edwards’ theological contributions are explained but not detailed, and attention is focused on his care of souls and concern for the church.
This book is a joy to page through. Full color illustrations, photographs, portraits and maps, buildings and vistas appear at the appropriate time on each page. After the biographical sketch, a time line of Edward’s life is included, as is an excerpt from a letter to one of his daughters. Also included is a “Did you know?” section for interested young readers. There we learn about how ink was made and quills trimmed for writing. We also find that Edwards had a fondness for chocolate, as a beverage for breakfast.
As a lover of chruch history, I appreciate Simonetta Carr’s attention to detail and focus on historical accuracy. I learned many facts and saw Edwards in a new light, as a result of this children’s book! I am thankful my children will have an opportunity to learn about Edwards by means of this helpful resource.
This book deserves a place of honor at the coffee table, but might end up in the kids’ bookcase, more often than not. It also should find a place in church or school libraries. If you haven’t picked up a title in the "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series, now would be a good time. You won’t be disappointed with "Jonathan Edwards."
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
John Knox’s life has action and adventure enough for any young reader. His story is told with an eye to historical accuracy and with an eye to a child’s mind. From humble beginnings, Knox finds himself as a bodyguard to Reformer George Wishart, who is captured and killed. Knox goes from hiding out in St. Andrews Castle, a Protestant stronghold, to cowering in the belly of a French galley as a slave. He finds unexpected freedom and returns to pulpit ministry in England, but soon has to flee in exile to Geneva where he comes under the tutelage of John Calvin. He returns to Scotland in time to help lead the Reformation movement there. Knox the fiery preacher, delivers a sermon that sparks an all-out revolt and ultimately wins Scotland’s religious freedom. Knox’s life is not only eventful, but it provides teachable moments for children to study the Reformation and to learn what was wrong with the Roman church. It also teaches children the sacrifice that people faced to follow Christ in years gone by.
This book is a joy to page through. Full color illustrations, photographs, portraits and maps, buildings and vistas appear at the appropriate time on each page. After the biographical sketch, a time line of Knox’s life is included, as is an excerpt from the “Scots Confession of Faith” that Knox helped author. Also included is a “Did you know?” section for interested young readers. There we learn that Queen Mary Stuart may have been the first female golfer; John Knox is buired under parking stall number 23 at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh; and preachers back then were limited to one hour (and timed by an hour glass) to protect the Sunday schedule.
As a lover of chruch history, I appreciate Simonetta Carr’s attention to detail and focus on historical accuracy. Rather than painting an impossibly perfect picture of a higher-than-thou saint, she gives us the true John Knox, doubts and weakness and all. He was like any of us, and because of that we can learn to mimic his faith and grapple through the same questions he did.
This book deserves a place of honor at the coffee table, but might end up in the kids’ bookcase, more often than not. It also should find a place in church or school libraries. If you haven’t picked up a title in the "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series, now would be a good time. You won’t be disappointed with "John Knox." Read also this earlier review of some of the previous titles in the series.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books via CrossFocusedReviews.com. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.
A more extensive review can be read here: http://awonderfulprovidence.blogspot.com/2013/02/book-review-renee-of-france-by....
"Anselm of Canterubry" is now the sixth title in the “Christian Biographies for Young Readers” series, a set of superbly illustrated and beautifully crafted hardcover books for children. Reformation Heritage Books is to be thanked for providing this coffee-table-quality set of treasures. I’ve previously reviewed Athanasius and Lady Jane Grey. This work on Anselm is even better than the two earlier works I read. Perhaps his story is more intriguing or less known, but I found the work even more captivating than the previous volumes, while the artwork was as engaging and the history as fascinating as ever.
Anselm became the unwilling archbishop of Canterbury who would rather have lived a life of solitude. Instead he served his fellow man and his church and state superiors. Known for his teaching and his care of the sick and the poor, Anselm is best remembered for his book "Cur Deus Homo" ("Why God-Man?"). In this book he develops his satisfaction theory of the atonement, providing a well reasoned argument for why Jesus had to become the God-man. In the simplified explanation of Simonetta Carr:
According to Anselm, even one “small” disobedience to God is greater than many worlds. Only one person could save people from this terrible problem–someone who was fully God, so He could live a perfect life and take the terrible punishment for all the sins of others, and fully man, because it was man who sinned, so man should repay. That’s why Jesus, who is fully God, became fully man for us. (p. 43)
As the above excerpt shows, Carr’s writing is suitable for older children and doesn’t dumb down history to be accessible. She aims to unfold the study of history for young readers but her care for accuracy prevents her from adjusting the story to be simpler and easier. She presents the real history, with its conundrums and questions, for her young readers. This title raises the question of the role of church and state, and the function of the Roman Catholic pope. She satisfactorily explains the quandary of church relations with the state, but only briefly sketches the nature of the papacy. In doing so she provides a platform for careful parents to engage their kids in the informed assessment of church history without overly simplifying complex debates and forcing premature conclusions.
Like the other titles in the series, period maps and illustrations illuminate the pages of her book. Masterful illustrations by Matt Abraxas and engaging full color photographs spark the imagination. Also included are excerpts of Anselm’s writings and interesting facts about the customs and lifestyle of his time period.
If you pick up a copy of this book, you will want to pick up the entire set. Books on Augustine of Hippo, John Calvin, and John Owen are also available. I hear she is working on John Knox as the next biography in this important series. I highly recommend this book and encourage you to pick up the entire series.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
Since parents are the likely readers of my review, I’ll risk some spoilers. Jane Grey was in England’s royal family, during the time of Henry the VIII. When Henry’s son Edward was dying, he named Jane Grey to be his heir — in hopes of spoiling his step-sister Mary’s chances at the throne. But more than mere political intrigue was involved here. It was Grey’s strong evangelical Christian testimony which moved Edward to select her. And Mary was destined to become known as “bloody Mary,” in her zeal to purge England of Protestant opposition to Roman Catholicism. Lady Jane Grey, who never asked or wanted to become queeen, ruled for less than two weeks, and after a lengthy imprisonment, was eventually put to death as Mary moved to secure her rights to the throne.
Jane Grey and her Christian testimony, shine through in this bright and colorful book for kids. Like always, Simonetta Carr has done her homework and provides a factual account of Grey’s life. She shares the touching last moments of Grey’s life–her preparations for death, and the full text of a letter written to her sister, encouraging her in the faith, just hours before Jane was to become a martyr. Carr captures the uncertainty of the story and illumines it with historical detail that bring seventeenth Century England to life, for today’s children.
Illustrator Matt Abraxas outdoes himself in providing rich and vivid drawings, detailed maps, portraits, pictures and other artwork which will make flipping through the pages of this book a joy for parent and child alike. Inquiring young minds will enjoy the timeline provided and an assortment of fascinating facts from her era. The rest of the story, when it comes to religious freedom in England, is also provided.
Once again, Carr has given us a masterpiece. This book will educate and delight young readers, and it will challenge and inspire both them and their parents to live for Christ. As a father of six children, I appreciate books like this that can inform and shape my children’s impressionable minds. This book will find a special place in our home.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
In "Weight of a Flame: The Passion of Olympia Morata" (part of the Chosen Daughters series from P & R Publishing), Carr tells the story of a Reformation-era heroine still remembered to this day. Olympia Morata was an Italian tutor and scholar, who embraced the teachings of Martin Luther and John Calvin with as much fervor as her professor father. She was fluent in Latin and Greek by the time she was 12, and at 13, she was summoned to the court of the Duke of Ferrara to tutor his eldest daughter, Anna D’Este. Morata developed into a scholar in her own right, lecturing on Cicero and studying philosophy. And she was known for her poetry, having written her own metrical adaptations of the Psalms.
This obscure historical figure is brought to life through the imagination and pen of author Simonetta Carr. Carr weaves us in and out of the tale of Morata’s short life. We share her wonderment at going to court, and learn with her of the terrible plight of French refugees fleeing religious persecution. Morata’s relationship with her father and her family is developed and a romance eventually unfolds.
But the story of Olympia Morata has its dark turns. She encounters suffering martyrs and survives a bout with the black plague. At one point her town is besieged and then sacked, and she and her family run for their lives. And at the young age of 28, she dies.
The author doesn’t leave us with the bare facts of the case. She infuses the story with Gospel hope. The characters rehearse Scriptural promises to each other and find encouragement in the Gospel. And through this fictional account we can imagine what it really would be like to be there in Olympia’s and her husband’s shoes living through these difficult times.
Stories like these can help build the faith of our children. This book, directed primarily to girls, will both educate and inspire them. And the story is written well enough to captivate both children and their parents. As the father of five daughters, I can’t wait to place "Weight of a Flame" in their hands. I can’t thank the author enough for uncovering another Christian heroine for my daughters to look up to and to emulate. May the hope-filled life of Olympia Morata inspire many chosen daughters to trust the Gospel and risk their lives for the cause of Christ.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by P & R Publishing for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
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bobhayton | 1 weitere Rezension | Jan 17, 2012 |
bobhayton | 1 weitere Rezension | Jan 17, 2012 | Simonetta Carr hopes to remedy this problem through her latest addition to the "Christian Biographies for Young Readers" series from Reformation Heritage Books. In "Athanasius", Carr gives young readers a vivid account of Athanasius’ life. Complete with beautiful illustrations from Matt Abraxas, the book also includes a timeline, maps and lots of background facts about the time period of Athanasius’ life.
Written for kids aged 7-12, this book will appeal to kids of a wide age-range. The story is set in the 300s AD in Alexandria, but Athanasius takes us from the deserts of Egypt, to Tyre, Rome, and Trier, Germany among other places. His life criss-crosses that of several emperors and he finds himself in and out of exile constantly. Athanasius is most remembered for his role in helping formulate the Nicene Creed and solidifying orthodox teaching on the Trinity, which is enshrined in the Athanasian Creed. His life also stands testament to the awful reality of persecution which so many Christians of ages past endured.
The book is arranged like a cross between a coffee-table book and a story book. The quality of the book will make it more suited for the mantle or special bookcase than a kids’ playroom. The art is beautiful and the story stays accessible for young readers. This book will serve well in Sunday Schools or homeschool classes and takes its place alongside other titles in this series, which includes John Calvin, John Owen and Augustine of Hippo. If you are looking for wholesome reading material for young readers, this volume and the entire series from Reformation Heritage deserves your consideration. I highly recommend this book.
For this book, you’ll really want to find an online preview to see how nice the artwork and overall quality of the book really is.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Reformation Heritage Books for review. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
1 bobhayton | 1 weitere Rezension | Nov 4, 2011 |
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