Barbara is a talented young woman, with a promising grand opera career ahead of her. Faced with a choice between singing and following her new husband, Harvey, to Siam (now Thailand), she chooses love and adventure. Barbara’s faith is challenged by the rigid dogmatic faith preached in the remote Mission at Nan. Whilst Harvey thrives in his work as a medical doctor, Barbara begins to resent the loss of her own dreams and passions. It is only after a time of pursuing worldly pleasures and a conversation with an old acquaintance that Barbara comes to understand that faith is not meant to be joyless and that her family are more important than selfish pursuits.

Pamela Binnings Ewen pens the gentle, yet enthralling true story of her grandparent’s life with beautiful prose. I was captivated by the tale, unable to put the book down until it was finished! At the heart of this tale is Barbara’s search for a meaningful life. I longed for her to have someone to come alongside and encourage her. My heart ached as her faith was crushed by people who cared more about their own idea of religion than the people they were supposed to be ministering to. Pamela details Barbara’s loss of faith and her search for something that will validate her life. Admirably, she does not shy away from writing of the separation between Harvey & Barbara, or that is was Barbara’s choice that led to it. The Moon and the Mango Tree reminded me that despite the circumstances in our lives and the wilderness we may find ourselves in that God calls gently for us to choose Him. It is only in a genuine, joyful and vibrant faith that we truly find meaning, even when the course of our lives may vary greatly from our initial dreams and plans.

Guest reviewer: my lovely friend Tracy from Beyond My Picket Fence . Hasn’t she done a great job?

Tracy will be reviewing books at Relz Reviewz from time to time so you get to enjoy more books sooner!

Look for her picket fence pic again soon 🙂 Thanks Tracy – fabulous review!