FROM THE VALLEY WE RISE is the third novel I have read by ELIZABETH MUSSER, and I definitely will not miss any of her books in the future! She has a beautiful way of writing, strongly based on her Christian faith and her love and understanding of God’s chosen people, the Jews. Reading of the young Jewish gitl Delphine’s trust in God as she encourages her friend Rene by singing the Jewish Songs of Ascent, really touched my heart.
The story takes place in 1944 at the time of Operation Dragoon in Provence against the backdrop of the German occupation, antisemitic horror, and betrayal…..
The characters are unforgettable, from Monsieur Martin who runs the Martin network saving Jewish children from the Gestapo, his army chaplain son Peter who prays for his men, seeing to their physical as well as spiritual needs, to the beautiful and caring Isabelle and the other brave members of the French Resistance, to name but a few……
There are strong themes of rebuilding what is broken, as we see the destruction of Sisteron by friendly fire, and the rebuilding of the Camp Between the Hills, according to Isaiah 61:4 “And they shall rebuild the old ruins, They shall raise up the former desolations, And they shall repair the ruined cities, The desolations of many generations.” There is also the rebuilding of broken people and relationships, with God as well as with one another, with forgiveness and God’s grace providing the key. Another very apt scripture used by Peter with the fearful soldiers is “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. As Isabelle’s father used to say “courage is not the lack of fear, courage is fear that has said its prayers.”…….
There is so much I could say about this exceptional and inspirational book but I will not tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are compleely my own.
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