Twice Freed by Patricia St.JohnOnesimus is a slave. Eirene is a rich merchant's daughter. Different people like different types of tea.
I, for example, like iced black, chai, or fruit teas with lactose free milk. You might like green teas. Or red teas or blue teas. The point I’m trying to make, is that some cups of teas may not, as my mother would say, be yours. I mean, they may not be your cup of tea. Uh. I should also remember what she says to me about extended metaphors… To speak not in riddles, this book is what is commonly classified as Christian Fiction. Do with that information what you will. (Except start any flame wars- those will not be tolerated) Twice Freed is a little gem of a novel, written in the 70’s, sure, but still a gem. I read this for my bookclub and I enjoyed the great character development, relationships, and the accuracy of the world building which drew from historical and biblical contexts. Also, I enjoyed the little crossovers with Paul’s travels. It’s like in The Horse and His Boy by C.S Lewis when you see/hear of the Pevensies in their golden age. The story isn’t about them, but you know who they are and it’s all so exciting! There was great character development for Onesimus (the main character) throughout the novel as he struggled with what he believed, what he wanted, and how he wanted to spend his life. You know, typical teenager stuff. He’s a slave at the beginning and, by the end, (you guessed it!) he’s free. As our main character explores the true meaning of freedom, we get so see some great relationship dynamics. Primarily, this is between Archippus and Onesimus, both of whom have wronged each other in various ways. As Onesimus struggles with whether to hate or respect his childhood friend, the colours of the friendship dynamic are deepened and we readers become more invested. Speaking of relationships though, the one between Eirene and Onesimus was brilliant, but I felt it could’ve been given more time. As wonderful as their spontaneous connection was, the ending between them felt a bit strange. The only other thing I might say against this book was that if you aren’t aware of the biblical context this book was written around (Paul’s Letters, some parts of Acts, Philemon, generally the history of the early church), some of the meaning and depth may be lost. It provides more for this reality than some works of Christian Fiction, but I feel that it still could be an obstacle, or at least a detractor of enjoyment. Anyway, Twice Freed was a heart-warming novel about true freedom and Christ in the life of a runaway slave. I would recommend the audience be 13+ because there are some themes that would be lost on anyone younger. Also, there’s a bit of violence (riot at Ephesus, beating, gladiator arena-but nothing too graphic) and implications of stuff (a few times it was implied that there was *stuff* going on at a temple but it’s not elaborated on or even heavily hinted- I only picked up on it because I’m a bit older than 13 and I know about the context). Anyway, Patricia St.John has written a lot of good books and I’d recommend you check them out, even if you don’t like this one. StoryGirl Ms St.John's Books That I Can Recommend: -Treasures of the Snow -Rainbow Garden -Star of Light -I Needed A Neighbour -Where The River Begins
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About MeI'm just a girl who loves to read (and also to listen to music, watch tv, and really anything that involves a story). Archives
December 2020
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