Book Review: Divine

Divine

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Author: Karen Kingsbury
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
Title: Divine
Genre: Fiction (Contemporary)

Jesus had rescued her, saved her from horrors that otherwise would’ve killed her. That wasn’t something a normal man could’ve done. Her rescue hadn’t come at the hands of a mere mortal – no way. It had come through the working of a mighty God.

Mary felt her anxiety ease. She would tell Emma every piece of her story so the woman might understand the real Jesus, the one people often didn’t know about. Her story alone was proof that Jesus was who he claimed to be. Not just a good teacher or a kind leader, but God in the flesh. Because it would’ve taken God to redeem someone like Mary. Some like Emma Johnson. God Almighty, Lord and Savior. Wholly man, yes. But more than that.

Wholly divine.

The story of Mary Magdalene has intrigued people for hundreds of years. Divine takes the story of Mary Magdalene and shows that it is as true and current as it ever was. People are still struggling with demons just as they did in Jesus’ time on earth. We now call them by other names, but Mary Madison’s struggle with fear, faithlessness, addiction and promiscuity will resonate with today’s Christians and remind us that there is no new thing under the sun. The answer for Mary Magdalene then is the same answer as it is for us today. Karen Kingsbury reminds us of that message in an exciting and inspirational story.

Mary Madison has had some problems that anyone can relate to – abandonment, loneliness, unrequited love – and some problems that we shudder to think about, including kidnapping and sexual abuse. All of these topics are handled realistically and sensitively, and Kingsbury brings the reader back to the same solution for these and every other problem we may have: Jesus. What problems can’t the love of Jesus overcome? The journey isn’t easy, but it’s simple, and Mary, in spite of all her problems, is easy to root for.

Emma Johnson is a young woman with a troubled past, and problems much like Mary’s. As Mary tells her own story and counsels Emma, Kingsbury reveals the core truths about Christianity and Jesus Christ, and reminds us that witnessing is just as simple as telling our own story about what Jesus has done for us. Divine is a slow, thoughtful read. It has a few moments of humor but is basically a serious book, and although it is fiction, does a better job of presenting Christianity than many non-fiction teaching books in your local Christian bookstore. It will remind saved people of the joy of their salvation, and presents a compelling case to lost people to learn more about Jesus Christ.

This book rates a 4.5 out of 5, because it is such a thoughtful, compelling read.