Synopsis:~
Raised in an Old Order Mennonite community, Rachel Stoltzfus is a strong-willed single woman, content living apart from mainstream society until whispers stir the moment her belly swells with new life. Refusing to repent and name the partner in her sin, Rachel feels the wrath of the religious sect as she is shunned by those she loves most. She is eventually coerced into leaving by her brother-in-law, the bishop.
But secrets run deep in this cloistered community, and the bishop is hiding some of his own, threatening his conscience and his very soul. When the life of Rachel’s baby is at stake, however, choices must be made that will bring the darkness to light, forever changing the lives of those who call Copper Creek home.
My take:~
Although I’m not one to read Amish or Mennonite fiction, I couldn’t wait to read this contemporary retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, a book that impacted me greatly in my teen years. I was not disappointed. Jolina Petersheim is a talented storyteller as she takes the bones of the original story and modernises the setting and some of the tale, creating moving and sympathetic characters, and generating a myriad of emotions as Rachel refuses to bear witness to her baby’s paternity and bears the brunt of her sin in a community that barely tolerates her. Adding to the complexity of this story is the unique relationship she has with her twin sister, and her childhood friendship with Judah King, the brother of the bishop who forces who to depart their community. Just as the soul deep damage of rejection, bitterness, and sin is revealed within the tight knit community, the healing powers of acceptance, love, and forgiveness shine through multi-layered characters like Ida May and Norman Troyer. For those who aren’t usually readers of this genre, I recommend you ignore the bonnet on the cover and pick up The Outcast to discover a powerful and poignant story that transcends genre stereotypes and is not easily forgotten. The calibre of Jolina’s prose defies her debut author status and I’m eager to read more when The Midwife hits shelves in 2014.
With thanks to Tyndale for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Jolina’s website and blog
Buy The Outcast from Amazon or Koorong
August 20, 2013 at 11:48 pm
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Rel; you always write so beautifully. It is an honor to see The Outcast here.
August 22, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Jolina Petersheim » Thanks for your very kind words, Jolina ~ you have written a beautiful story! I appreciate you stopping by.
August 21, 2013 at 4:38 am
Great review, Rel! I’ve been curious about this one, and I’m glad to hear it didn’t disappoint you. 🙂
*Waving to Jolina!* My Twitter book-release buddy! 🙂 Congratulations once again!
~Amber
August 21, 2013 at 12:56 pm
Hi, Amber! Nice to see you here! 🙂
August 21, 2013 at 6:46 am
“The calibre of Jolina’s prose defies her debut author status…”
Very well said, Rel. Jolina’s writing has a beautiful flow…it reminds me a bit of Beverly Lewis’ writing in the bonnet genre. I find some of the less-seasoned authors of Amish/Mennonite books have almost a “choppy” quality to their writing. Absolutely not so with this one. I was VERY impressed with her writing and the story as well.
The Midwife is already on my wish list. 😉
August 22, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Jenny » Yes, this one is out of the box when it comes to Amish/Mennonite fiction. Glad you enjoyed it, too, Jenny xo
August 21, 2013 at 1:10 pm
I’ve only read a few Amish stories, but you’ve really piqued my interest. I look forward to this!
August 22, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Lori Benton » There are definitley similarities in the depth of emotional portrayed in The Outcast to your gorgeous book, Lori. Would love to hear your thoughts once you have read this one.
August 21, 2013 at 5:49 pm
WOW, I wish I had this book now to start reading. Sounds so good, and I love my Amish books. I started with Beverly Lewis’ first book. Her grandmother was raised Amish, but fell in love with an outsider, which is not allowed. A number of these Amish authors have someone in their family that connects them to the Amish. Maxie
August 22, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Maxie Anderson » Jolina does, too, Maxie!
August 22, 2013 at 7:18 am
Thanks for the review. Now I want to read this! I didn’t realize it was a retelling of The Scarlet Letter. Great idea.
August 22, 2013 at 1:08 pm
Susan F. » I doubt you will be disappointed, Susan.
August 22, 2013 at 12:20 pm
You’ve piqued my interest. I’ll have to pick up a copy!
August 22, 2013 at 1:09 pm
Patricia Bradley » It’s a keeper, for sure, Patricia. Getting excited about reading your book, too!