A disturbingly graphic story of a prostitute’s journey to Christ.
Plot
Born illegitimate, the daughter of a prostitute, it does not take long for Angel to get sucked into the same spiraling world. Angry with her lot, unable to get out, Angel hides behind a mask of hatred: hatred of life, of the men who use her, of everything. It seems there is nothing worth living for, not even anything to die for, until she meets the remarkable young man Michael Hosea, a man devoted to his God and his redeeming love.
Morality
Morality in this is fairly high, holding to Christian standards. However, there are plenty of unrighteous individuals throughout, especially considering Angel’s vocation.
Spiritual Content
This is a book pertaining to the redemptive power of God through Christ Jesus and is, therefore, very spiritual. However, the author believes in and uses direct revelation from God, which is a very touchy subject among believers.
Violence
There are times of brawls among men, both verbal and physical. Occasionally prostitutes get hurt in their work.
Drug and Alcohol Content
There is drinking and drunkenness, though not on the part of the main characters.
Sexual Content
Since this is a book about a prostitute, sexual activity is rampant. Rivers can be very graphic, disturbingly so. Angel was raped as a child and continued in prostitution even after her marriage to Michael. Michael himself desires Angel. A man takes advantage of his sister-in-law.
Crude or Profane Language or Content
Men and women swear and are lewd in their behaviour.
Conclusion
Though it is true that God redeems even those lost in sexual sin, such as Mary, I think this book takes things too far. Christ said to the woman in adultery ‘go and sin no more,’ so that the sins were forgiven and forgotten. Rivers paints a morbid picture of these sins, often disturbingly graphic, and I would not recommend this book to anyone, even though it is one of her most popular stories. While it has a happy ending, as followers of Christ all do, it is a little like reading pornography in the name of Christ.
This review is brought to you by Jenny.
