The Rescue

King James issued a Declaration three years ago. It said all his subjects everywhere had the freedom to worship as they wished. By law, I am safe now. And still, the hate goes on.

Book: The Rescue by Nancy Rue, Focus On The Family Publishing, 1995

 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Target Audience: Boys and Girls 11-15

Subjects: Love for one another, accepting differences in people, family relationships

Summary: Josiah just can't understand it. Why do people have to hate one another? Why must one man hate another just because he is different? When Josiah nearly drowns, an Indian boy takes him to the Widow Hooker who herself has plenty of experience with hate. Just like Josiah's father however, she has made the choice to hate no one. But she is different, so in Oneko, his new friend. When an emergency occurs in the family, Josiah knows the Widow could help, but will she be accepted when she is so different or will she too feel the hate of the community?

Notes: Nancy Rue writes a powerful story. Set in the time of the Puritans, Josiah's family is not accepted as members of the Church as it is run by some corrupt men filled with hate. Yet when Josiah's family attempts to attend a different Church, they run into even more trouble. Josiah is struggling with how to become a dependable young man and wrestling with all these questions, but all everyone sees is a foolish boy who never thinks. Only the Widow Hooker sees the real Josiah and trusts him. There are alot of lessons in these stories of a young boy's growing up years, everything from religious differences to racial differences. This is the first book in the Christian Heritage Series, the Salem Years.

Recommendation Scale: 5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Matthew 5:43 - You have heard that it was said "love you neighbor and hate your enemy". But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.