Ordinary Grace

 

This book came recommended by a friend.  

Sadly, I DID NOT LIKE IT AT ALL.  So, now, how do I tell the person?  

It's a murder mystery, coming of age story - all taking place in the mid west - somewhere in Missouri, I think.  Nathan Drum is a pastor of three small town congregations and is an exceptionally kind, thoughtful and good man.  His wife did not sign up for being a pastor's wife, as he had intended to be a lawyer.  So, in the course of the novel and its happenings, she struggles with her relationship to God and her husband.  The family has a very talented daughter and two sons.  

During one summer, there are 4 deaths; a young boy on the railroad tracks, an unknown itinerant, Arial (the minister's daughter), and her boyfriend, who may or may not have committed suicide when the town finds out he is gay and could not have possibly been the father of Arial's baby.  

SO many things are left unanswered, and the murderer of Arial is never brought to justice.  Also, Arial was in love with a very much older man who got her pregnant.  It's just all so unsettling and disturbing.

Justice and mercy are interesting components, but I was horrified by the older man succumbing to Arial's wishes to get together.  It sort of turned my stomach that he would have done that.  

Anyway, I was relieved when it was done and I won't be telling anyone I read it.  It's a big secret!


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