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Book Review Archives
Title: The Sound of Chimes
Author: Edward Arrington
Publisher: Oak Tara
Copyright: 2009
ISBN-13: 978-1602901018
Genre: Fiction
Book Size: 360 pages
Reviewer: Deborah Porter
Available Through:
Amazon
Harry Campbell, has a problem. Apart from being a cynical, grouchy, semi-agnostic small town newspaper editor, Harry is ill -- and no one can work out what's wrong with him. Of course, this makes him even more cynical and crankier, testing the seemingly unending patience of his loving, faith-filled wife.
When a co-worker recognizes Harry's symptoms, he refers him to a doctor he believes can help. Reluctantly, Harry gives this one last doctor a shot, and sure enough, the neurologist, a Christian, gets to the bottom of the problem straight away -- and the news is not good. Harry has multiple sclerosis, and there is no cure. After giving the diagnosis, the doctor recommends Harry seek spiritual counsel to help him cope with the long-term effects of his illness.
Harry takes the doctor's advice, receives Jesus as his Lord and Savior later that afternoon, and goes home to tell his wife the news-both the good (his salvation) and the bad (his incurable disease).
From that moment, Harry Campbell's life is forever changed. Taken physically that night to heaven, he is introduced to Jesus, who heals him and explains that Harry has been set apart for a special mission.
After being taken back in time to Christ's trial and crucifixion, Harry is returned home, radically changed and left to await direction as to the special mission-whatever that may be.
The story then jumps forward two years to the deepest African jungle, where an impetuous missionary has been captured by a tribe of violent cannibals. At this point, the story shifts from Harry's first person account to a third person narrative (although switching back to Harry now and then as the story progresses). This is also where the story becomes quite exciting and more interesting, with a cast of characters that catch the reader's emotions far more than the main character had done up to that point.
From small town Michigan, to the White House, and on to the darkest jungles, God's special mission for Harry Campbell unfolds-an exciting rescue attempt in one of the most dangerous places in the world.
This story is not for the fainthearted reader. Apart from the very clear depiction of the crucifixion, it is the graphic descriptions of violence by the African tribes that some Christians may find disturbing. The author warns of this at the start of the book, and so reader discretion is advised. However, the author has not included the violence for the sake of being sensational. These disturbing acts are all necessary to the development of the plot, painting a very clear picture of evil left unchecked.
As the story progresses, it is somewhat surprising to discover that the main character, Harry Campbell, and his wife are perhaps the least interesting and appealing characters in the story. However, the relatively fast action of the story makes up for any lack in character development, and several of the supporting characters shine through, such as the brave young African girl, Metla, and the Russian arms supplier, Victor Orlov.
Author, Edward Arrington, builds on the inspirational value of his novel by including a quite comprehensive and lengthy study and discussion guide at the end of the book. This guide comprises about one-quarter of the book, and reflects back on attitudes and events experienced by characters in many of the chapters. Thoughtfully written, this section invites the reader to reflect on their own beliefs, attitudes and service to God. Unquestionably, this concluding study guide is very well presented and a valuable addition to the novel.
Overall, The Sound of Chimes is a page-turner, particularly once the story shifts to Africa. However, some more analytical readers may find they need to turn off their critical thinking in order to be able to fully enjoy the story and receive its maximum inspirational value. If the reader can avoid over-analyzing the plot, and just enjoy the page turning action, The Sound of Chimes should be a thrilling adventure that comes to a quite satisfying and inspiring conclusion.
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