Customer Reviews

One Shenandoah Winter

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T. Davis Bunn's writing is extraordinarily touching in his book "One Shenandoah Winter." I especially enjoyed the fact that it took place during a time period that has been neglected in Christian fiction -- the 1960's. Bunn lets his readers get to know his characters on a very personal level. I'm impressed with the way he accurately portrays female emotions -- a talent that very few male authors possess. Thank you, T. Davis Bunn, for a soul-warming experience.

One Shenandoah Winter brought me to a place in the Appalachians where I got to know its heart and soul--through its people. Bunn's characters are fascinating and he explores their struggles in depth. It's hard to find contemporary books that don't include vulgar language so what struck me particularly was that Bunn uses not one swear word! He portrays the gamut of emotions and conflicts without resorting to crudity. I marveled at his descriptions which were succinct yet touched all my senses. I literally felt the place he set his story in. This is one book I'm buying for our at-home library and as gifts.

"One Shenandoah Winter" transports us 1960s Hillsboro, a small town in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Don't expect blazing action, because the conflict is primarily internal and emotional, centring around the human relationships between three key players in the town. First there's the ambitious assistant mayor, Connie Wilkes. Then there's her enigmatic 83 year-old uncle Poppa Joe, a grand old hilly-billy type who contracts cancer. And finally there's the town's new doctor, Nathan Reynolds, a brilliant and dedicated doctor described as "the most irascible, difficult, stubborn, domineering, extraordinarily infuriating individual you have ever met." (p.133). The bulk of the novel describes the interplay of feelings and emotions as Poppa Joe is faced with the eternal life that follows death, and Nathan Reynolds is faced with the new life of a Christian.

I cannot wholeheartedly endorse Bunn's theology, such as his commitment to Arminianism (p.221-2), and his surprising use of veiled blasphemy (p.8, 160). The idea of "carrying something good" into heaven to set before God's throne (p.175) had me especially puzzled - it certainly gives the impression that our works somehow earn merit before God, although it may not be Bunn's intention to convey this. But especially weak is the portrayal of conversion. Bunn glamorizes the beginning of faith, which forms the novel's climax (e.g. Nathan's baptism p.264-5), resulting in an overly optimistic conclusion that downplays the struggles and sorrows experienced in a life of faith. Nor was I fully satisfied with the source and nature of the change experienced in Nathan's life. The "enemy" is not portrayed as sin and Satan, but the bad experiences of the past and sorrowful sicknesses of the present. Consequently, the "solution" is simply a calming "presence" (pp. 217-222), and being a Christian is presented as experiencing a warm fuzzy feeling. But this misses the heart of the gospel - where the real problem is sin, and the real solution is the justifying and sanctifying work of Christ in overcoming sin. Sadly, it seemed to me the work of Jesus Christ was short-changed with a superficial gospel of warm feelings.

But don't let these weaknesses prevent you from reading this book. The novel has much to recommend it, not least the beautiful hardcover presentation, attractive dust-cover, quality paper, and lovely pencil illustrations. Bunn beautifully conveys the magnificent way in which God reveals himself in creation (pp. 91-2), a theme strongly reminiscent of Psalm 19. But what I particularly enjoyed about this novel is that it has none of the sappy sentimentalism that normally characterizes Christmas novels. It deals with the hard facts of life, and is often a very moving story. Nathan Reynolds' initial antagonism is somewhat unrealistic, but aside from that Bunn relates very real feelings and emotions. The significance of life and death is an important theme, as is evidenced by the quotation of Psalm 90:12 that prefaces the book - "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Here the character of Poppa Joe is presented as a shining example - a mountain man with simple faith. Bunn beautifully depicts the simple faith of a solid believer who is faced with serious struggles - yet without resorting to an unrealistic and superficial one-dimensional experience of joy that some Christian novelists are guilty of depicting.

Despite its flaws, this book is thus still a very worthwhile read, far superior to the shallowness of most contemporary evangelical fiction offerings. Especially for someone struggling with a difficult illness or trial it would make a wonderful gift. Our days are often difficult, but with the "heart of wisdom" of Psalm 90, we can carry on in faith and hope.

This is another of Davis Bunn's great novels. I enjoyed it so much and it takes me back to my growing up years in the small town of Mt. Pleasant, IA. No mountains, etc., but wonderful people and small town love.

Wow! I got my hands around this gem of a book just shortly after having to drive through a terrible ice storm, rare in Virginia (though not in 2008/9!!!), and really- only because of a man like the early Nathan Reynolds; truth imitating fiction?

Anyway, after 'Nathan Reynolds' forced me to risk life and limb (a gust of wind slid my car right off the road) it turns out he simply wanted to fire me. Confusing though similar to One Shenandoah's oft Ant/Protagonist Nathan Reynolds, he did not employ me!

Readers of the novel, perhaps Bunn's best will understand the revelation and probably find a nay good doer like the early and miss understood Reynolds; as depicted. And REALLY if you take the word prior to that last period, switch around the ted for a k, and completely devoid 'ep'; one sees the character of Bunn's subject in One Shenandoah.

Alas, as the hero's character has timelessly recounted, people really should watch where they choose to poke and prod lest they find - even though a Doctor - circumstances grave and dire. Even though Nathan Reynolds is a Doctor and his Clearpath being a guise of noble intentions; the observer counts numerous infractions; including the spirits of those he professes to Love. Nathan had the chance to hold dear the objects he so studiously seeks and one therefore must assume he before living and learning in Shenandoah either did not visit the mother country of his so beloved Virginia or simply did not regale in the data every bartender offers; mind your own pints and quarts - P's and Q's. Storage of this type, that is mental capacity, eludes young Nathan and is replaced with something more sinister after he realizes his Beth does not quench his thirst. Unfortunate a man, a clearpath, data storage that doesn't add up. One Shenandoah is sure to elicit a Nathan Reynolds in your own life. Buy this book and beware lest you are caught without such valuable foresight when being called to your own, Shenandoah.

One Shenandoah Winter truly touched my heart. It truthfully tells the story of the redemptive love of God in our lives. It also accurately portrays the part of the world that my husband and I recently moved to. Even though it takes place in the 60's, the ways of the people of the Shenandoah Valley have not really changed. Near the end of the story, the character, Nathan, states the very reason we call this place home. "I worked inhuman hours, never had enough time, measured my life by the millisecond. It was a constant race, a never-ending battle...Everything had its slot. And there was never enough time. Never." "You people hold onto what I've lost. What I've never had, if you want to know the truth. If someone were to come to me and say, where would I find the true American spirit, I would send them here. To a town that clings to what has defined them and their forefathers for two hundred years. To a people who are stubborn and hardheaded and fiercely protective of their own. To a place where people matter, where time is to be used, not a master that uses them." I think that so many of us in this time, are searching for the kind of life where people matter, where we know and love our neighbors, for a life where faith in God is more important than the almighty dollar. This book can help you see that it is possible to slow down and enjoy your God-given life, even if you don't live in the Shenandoah Valley.

I loved this book and have also read Tidings of Comfort and Joy. I will definitely be reading other books by T. Davis Bunn.

This is a story of finding the spirit-filled meaning of life in a small community. For Connie as well as the new doctor to let go of pasts of hurt and disappointment, they needed the help of the town, the pastor, and the old and dying uncle of the hills.

This story by T. Davis Bunn wonderfully lays out the beautiful nature of community and how that can bring to light the truth of Christ and His freedom from hurt. As a reader, I could feel the emotion that Bunn conveyed through his characters and enjoyed the book to the end.