Customer Reviews

The Dark Sun Rises (Roots of Faith)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author has done a wonderful job depicting a terrible time in our nation's history from the perspective of those who had to live through it.

The slaves had to endure and put their hope in the afterlife, the Christian slave owners had to consider that their slaves might be better off being under their protection that to be free in the South. Their dilemna also included the fact that their plantations depended on slave labor. The white slave driver had to decide whether it was better for him to remain there and keep the slaves from enduring an abusive driver, or to seek out cheap land for himself and his family in the west.

Hate still abounded among nonChristians and those who called themselves Christians. The main character Joseph endures so much pain (physical and emotional) that you cry for him throughout his struggle. Some parts of the book were a bit wordy, but many other parts were painted vividly with such gripping descriptions that you feel you were there.

I finished the book with a new understanding of the struggles everyone in those times faced in the disgrace of slavery.

Ę This is a wonderful book that explores the complexities of how to live an honorable, Christian life in a society that approves of discrimination. In a world where laws and social prejudice dictate that some humans are less worthy than others, how is a Christian to act if he or she is a member of the oppressing group, or a member of the oppressed group? What can or should one do? The parallels for today are powerful for those who look.

My only criticism of this gripping tale is that the evil characters donŐt even pretend to be Christians, and the Christian characters always are good, even if they are weak. In my experience, sometimes Christians deliberately do evil things, and many non-Christians are wonderfully moral and loving people.

Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading and discussing with your friends. It is told in a manner that involves the reader on all levels. Marvellously written, with a powerful message.

As an avid reader, it is an extreme compliment that I give this book my A#1 best book ever vote! It was hard to turn the pages without my tears falling on the words! Wonderful story, beautifully written!

Author goes against formulas of historical fiction in that main character is a slave. Excellent historical research; African Americans are treated with great dignity and respect. Discusses Christian conscience at darkest time in nations history.

Two highlights of the book are scene when Rosa meets Joseph on the "street" (blows you away!) and when Joseph realizes what freedom in Christ really means! As African Americans, we begin to appreciate why our ancestors clung to religion. Lastly, read the book with a friend/friends. You will want to talk about it. It's rich with detail and very well written. Enjoy!

The story is centered around a beloved house slave named Joseph on Delora Plantation. He has a Christian Master who is strong in his faith. Trouble is first caused when Brant, the master's eldest son is left in charge while his father is away on a trip. Brant learns of Joseph's ability to read and is enraged, for that is against the law. However, another slave named Rosa is drawn to Joseph because of that, since she can also read, and they fall in love. Yet Joseph throughout the story goes through many beatings and trials, because of his literacy and passion to go on learning, sometimes even left next to death. When Master Abram returns and finds out his slave's ability, he questions the rightness of witholding slaves from freedom and begins to face a battle in himself what he should do to right his wrongs.

_The Dark Sun Rises_ is masterfully written. Ms. Williamson creates characters who step off the page as living, breathing people. At the end of this book, you'll know many of them better than you know your family. I found not a single stereotypical character in these pages--those who first appear to be types, grow and change and become more complex as the story unwinds.

A character-rich book often has trouble with pacing--not so here. This book never sags. The plot is compelling and powerful. More than a few times the edge-of-the-seat scenes made me want to jump ahead to be certain the characters would survive. Don't look for predictable endings, either.

The history rings true, the setting is rich with detail, and yet we are never pulled out of the story by the author's need to offer us tidbits from her research. Rare restraint for a historical author--she weaves the details so subtly that it gives texture, never intrudes.

This author not only paints a vivid picture but she lets the reader hear the whip, taste the cool water, touch the worn leather of a treasured Bible, and smell the dung heap.

I am a voracious reader, but this is the first time I've given five stars to a book. Don't miss this one.

This is a wonderful book that explores the complexities of how to live an honorable, Christian life in a society that approves of discrimination. In a world where laws and social prejudice dictate that some humans are less worthy than others, how is a Christian to act if he or she is a member of the oppressing class, or a member of the oppressed class? What can or should one do? The parallels for today are powerful for those who look.

My only criticism of this gripping tale is that the evil characters donŐt even pretend to be Christians, and the Christian characters always are good, even if they are weak. In my experience, sometimes Christians deliberately do evil things, and many non-Christians are wonderfully moral and loving people.

Nevertheless, this is a book well worth reading and discussing with your friends. It is told in a manner that involves the reader on all levels. Marvellously written - powerful message.

I only wish that I had the talent to articulate the profound impression that this book has made upon my life. The author utilized every literary avenue to assure that the reader was drawn into the environment of all of the characters. The only other stories that could compare to this (in my opinion) is the biblical account of Joseph and Jesus Christ themselves. To exemplify Christ in the midst of that kind of bondage is awesome. I only pray that in the freedom (although still a slave to sin) that I now enjoy, I can do the same as the character Joseph. You can be sure that the next book by this author will be on my shelf next to "The Dark Sun Rises." This book will be a "must read" for my children.

In reading Dark Sun Rises, by Denise Williamson, I find that the author has succeeded in portraying a story that holds your interest to the very end of the book. It covers crucial, actual events that happened in the deep south many years ago. Her characters are natural and put you at the scene reliving their agonies. This novel has re- sulted in a beautifully written, historical as well as informative novel. This is a very compelling book and is a "must" read for everyone.

Mary Lou Reilly, Palmra, Virginia

This book was not what I expected it to be. I borrowed this book from the library believing it to be an inspirational book, but I found it to be more depressing than inspirational. It seems that the author decided to allow almost every possible thing that could happen to a slave happen to Joseph.
The book was a little too wordy and at times gave out unneeded information. Even though the book was supposed to be about slaves overcoming the struggles of slavery while keeping faith in God, it was more about seeing just how evil, mean, cruel, and unchristian white slave owners as well as none slave owners could be. The Christians (slaves)constantly go from belief to unbelief in God depending on the problem at the time.
The Christian characters in this book are weak even though they are suppose to have such great faith. "Faith without works is dead". The unchristian ones are evil and almost always have the upper hand and are the stronger.
It even touches on how blacks go against blacks (or shall I say brown) because of the color of their skin.
A lot of the story may be based on true facts, but I thought it was told in a very depressing manner. I have read many books on slavery, but this book was by far the least inspired of all in my opinion.
I most certainly did not finish reading the book with the feeling that I was inspired!! By the time I reached the end I was tired of the cruelty, the word nigger, and the fact of Joseph getting abused in almost every chapter.
I was quite disappointed and would not read from this author again.