Heart Whispers
By Larrie E. Gale
A Novel of Love Across Boundaries
“Please don’t leave like this,” Marc plead as Amala sat down, reached out, grabbed the handle and closed the door. He just stood there, hands at his sides, confused, staring at her through the windows. All too soon the train whistle sounded its harsh, shrill note and moments later Amala’s car began to move out of the London station. She never looked up, didn’t look at Marc as the train removed her from his sight. He feared she had also been removed from his life.
Raised half way around the world from each other, can Amala and Marc listen to their hearts, to the promptings God sends to them? Is it wise for them to permit a romantic relationship to develop? Can their differences become strengths through their understanding of, and commitment to, the values they share in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Can they become a couple, can they enjoy the rewards and growth that come from marriage, or is it foolish for them to even consider it? It is 2010—such things seem accepted—but should the approval of others even be considered?
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2 comments:
I was truly mesmerized by the engaging and extremely touching story (have to confess, my eyes got wet and my throat chocked up many many times while reading the dialogues). The many cultural and other details, all together make the reader to feel personally present in every scene. The story unexpectedly starts with one of the key scenes where the relationship of the two main characters was hanging over a thread, which I think is very dramatic, intriguing and engaging at the same time right from the beginning. Also, from the beginning the reader is vividly introduced to the resolute description of the western culture of the controlling nature and bossiness of women, together with its destructive on manhood influence. No wonder both of the young men were shunned away from it and later were attracted to ladies from another culture for its wisdom, modesty, humility, femininity, submissiveness and obedience of women, which actually is the only way to accentuate and uphold manhood, also priesthood.
Throughout the story it is evident the juxtaposition of the two opposing cultures. Being itself a love story, the novel is very educating at the same time, like, "the husband has two consciences, one for himself, one for his wife" meaning that the husband thinks for both of them, or "Never take council from your fears," together with in-detail introduction of cultural and manner details. The dilemma of "natural attraction" versus "inspiration" is convincingly introduced. Particularly, that feelings in the heart are actually the inspiration, the promptings of the spirit. I was amazed on the author's observation that all love songs devoted to women are created and sung by men as the answer to the dilemma regarding the wide spread notion of the abusiveness of men in general and their notorious disrespect towards women.
The story itself and especially Amala's character is so beautifully described that throughout my reading I earnestly wished several times I was the main character, Mark, myself. But maybe this is because of my age or something....
It is very descriptive that when they arrive in Utah in late Fall right after leaving the lavish, exotic vegetation of India together with the air full of tree and flower scents, Marc thinks to himself "What have I done to her." Also, when Amala speaks about her view of a father, Marc backs off a little, "but it wasn't something he'd really anticipated about marriage." It is, also, extremely symbolic in the end, "under my arm and close to my heart."
I had a very enjoyable experience reading the novel. Thank you.
An interesting look at inter-racial relationships. I enjoyed learning more about the Islamic culture and liked how the author was able to show how many cultures are unique and beautiful in their own right. This book deals with culture in races and in religion.
This book also reminded me of what was once the norm in American society in regards to how a woman wanted to present herself, as FEMININE. (Did I spell this correctly?) I am on the high end of 30 and have been saddened by how sloppy my generation and those following it have become in their presentation and behavior. I will fully admit to not taking enough time myself in this area and this book was a good reminder of a sadly disappearing trait of caring enough about ourselves to want to present ourselves in the best light. I know this paragraph could be construed as potential fodder for arguments. Keep in mind that everyone can have their own opinion. ;o)
For those who hate typos and grammatical mistakes, this book was well written in this area too! (I probably had a ton more errors in this review! ) :o)
It's a good book. Try it. :o)
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