Customer Reviews

THE OTHER SHEEP

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For centuries artists, authors, and composers have been inspired by holy writings, and "The Other Sheep" continues that long tradition. Delma Luben's novel retells the events recorded in the first and second books of Nephi from the Book of Mormon. The gripping story describes the travels and travails of two families commanded by God to leave Jerusalem and venture into the wilderness. Eventually they reach an azure sea and there these landlubbers are astounded when the Lord decrees that they build a ship to continue their journey to the Land of Promise.

The characters involved in this grand adventure are complex and believable. Lehi, the patriarch, is filled with the Spirit as he guides his followers, and the lack of faith of his older sons Laman and Lemuel is an ongoing source of puzzlement for him. Meanwhile, his down-to-earth wife Sariah is often troubled by practical questions: "What kind of life could she expect for her sons? Isolated from civilization how could they reach fulfillment, raise a family, reach their destiny?" Ruth, wife to Lehi's youngest son Nephi, is for the most part a dutiful and loving companion, but news of the planned ocean voyage transforms her into a bundle of irrational fears.

Delma Luben has many years of writing experience, and in particular is the author of a collection of advice for inexperienced writers called "The Writing World." In her deft hands, this story of a quest undertaken faithfully but fraught with family conflict becomes a captivating read.

"The Other Sheep" is a clean, fast-moving novel which you won't want to put down after you start reading. It gave me a good understanding of who the Nephites and Lamanites were and what happened to them without reading the scripture which can be boring. I recommend this interesting book which contains no offensive language and is suitable for all ages. Hopefully, I shall look forward to a movie epic or miniseries based on the characters in this novel.

Delma Luben's book, The Other Sheep, captures the essence of life in Jerusalem as it might have been 800 years ago. The family conflicts, much like we see in some families today are very believable. Lehi, the patriarch is a devout and god-fearing man whose entire life style is guided by the hand of God. Politics, intrigue, love, hate, and just plain striving to keep food on the table motivate the members of the two involved families as they travel through the wilderness to the sea. Lehi's youngest son, Nephi, supports his father's beliefs, and ultimately, his visions encourage him to provide leadership to overcome obstacles and successfully complete their journey to a beautiful land across the "great waters." This historical adventure may not have the storybook ending you anticipate; because free will granted to humankind may sometimes interfere with God's commandments.

I understand the recorded story of this journey provided a foundation for a new religion several centuries later. The author's inner spirituality is reflected throughout this novelization of scripture.

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and an avid reader of both novels and scripture, I was truly amazed at the historical and scriptural integrity in this fictional account of the Nephites and Lamanites. It made me want to re-acquaint myself with The Book of Mormon people and their arduous spiritual journey.