 |
|
|
Title: The Crystal Hummingbird--A Redemption Story
Author: Bella Rossiter
Publisher: Salem Communications
Copyright: 2006
ISBN: 1-60034-308-2
Book Size: 248 pages.
Reviewer: Margaret Watson
Available From:
Amazon.com
The Crystal Hummingbird is a true family story telling of the impact that the life and death of a beloved, but wayward, son made on his wider family--in particular, his mother, Bella, who is the author of this book.
Threading prayer and poetry throughout, Ms. Rossiter tells the story in the form of dated episodes flowing back and forth over a period of twenty years, from 1975 in Toxteth, a depressed and troubled area of Liverpool, England, to 1995 in the United States of America.
The crystal hummingbird of the title was a gift from son to mother and became a
symbol of their relationship. When it was damaged beyond repair, the effect upon Bella was devastating.
All the characters in this book are well drawn, allowing the reader to see each one clearly in their mind. At times the story is grim, and the harsh reality does not make it an easy read. However, through it all is the golden thread of a strong faith that ultimately wins through the tragedy.
The author wrote the story as a journal during the healing process that followed the death of Jimmie, the youngest son of the family. Although it is told by one woman, the story concerns a whole extended family through three generations.
For Bella, the words of the psalm "I will look to the hills from whence cometh my help" became the theme of her recovery. Her hope is that her readers will see how God can rescue someone from the absolute depths of despair.
Though we all have our individual troubles, not many of us have had to go through such tragedy as is seen in The Crystal Hummingbird. Even so, it is a story that you will sympathise, maybe even empathise, with--so much so that, at times, it is hard to keep reading. However, this reviewer encourages you to persist to the end, where the light of God shines forth with great clarity.
|
|
|
|
|
