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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner: a review

The Shape of Mercy: A Novel The Shape of Mercy: A Novel by Susan Meissner


My review


rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is one of the most deeply moving novels that I have ever read, and without a doubt it is going on my favorites' shelf in my permanent library. The Shape of Mercy is a story that crosses generations and is both historical and contemporary. I can easily find myself relating to Mercy from early American history as well as Lauren from contemporary life. Life and love is an incredibly deep concept and is amazing how they affect our day to day lives and decisions.



As human beings, no matter what century we live in, we care about what other people think (no matter how much we argue it) and live our lives in a small manner to fit into a specific place. The sociology of our day to day environment shapes us and often times it is to something that we do not like, but it is what it is and what we need to live with.



Susan Meissner is an incredible organizer of words that fits together some beautiful poetry and prose to give the shape of the ideal of mercy. Through this book, I was taken into three different worlds and captivated. Life went on for me outside of this book, but the book never left my thoughts. Lauren dreamed of Mercy, and I dreamed of them all. Susan created a masterpiece that stays with you and makes you think. This is the first I have read from her, and I cannot wait to pick up something else equally as inspirational and convicting. I do not know how to go pick up another book after such an experience.


View all my reviews.



10 comments and creative thoughts:

Ruth King said...

I can't wait to read this one! It looks so good!

Amy said...

I also thought this book was outstanding.

Kimberly said...

WOW!!! You really piqued my interest with this book. If this book left such a huge "mark" on you, so much so that you couldn't stop thinking about it even after you read it (plus you said it's a keeper) then this is a MUST read in my book!

Thank you for the review and the wonderful giveaway and for letting us all know about this book.

HunnyV "at" Optonline "dot" net

Carole said...

Thank you for your review of The Shape of Mercy, Margaret. I've wanted to read Susan's books for a long time, but just haven't made it yet. There's just too many excellent authors out there I guess. My favorite type of Christian fiction is drama, family relationships - so I know I would love Susan's writing.

I recently read The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang, which also combined historical and contemporary settings. Excellent!

So thank you for this giveaway. It's great to discover your blog.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Jo said...

This sounds so good. Please enter me in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

windycindy said...

I like the historical and contemporary interchanges. I enjoy reading books that are moving. Please add my name to your drawing. I appreciate it. Thanks.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Lindsey said...

I just started this - it is excellent so far! Thanks for the great review! My favorite line here: "Lauren dreamed of Mercy, and I dreamed of them all."

I can't believe how involved I already am in the whole story and I'm only about five chapters in!

CherryBlossomMJ said...

I do not know what chapter I was in, when I really became enthralled. But these characters and this story are really some of those that stick with you.

Sheila Deeth said...

Lovely review. You make this sound like a really well-written book, one I'd love to read.

Rebecca N. said...

I really want to read this book now! From your review and the other comments....yeah it's goin' on my list!

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