The Atonement Child [Paperback]

Francine Rivers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

A beautiful repackaged edition of Francine Rivers's classic novel that breaks through the many taboos surrounding abortion. In one terrifying moment, Dynah Carey's perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, and her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life--to embrace or to end the untimely life within her. This new edition includes discussion questions for individual or group use.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.

Francine and her husband, Rick, live in Northern California and enjoy the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren.

From AudioFile

Liz Higgs portrays Dynah Careys struggle with rape and her difficult decision to abort the resulting pregnancy, a decision that profoundly affects her relationship with her family. With her versatile vocal range, Higgs depicts Dynahs feelings of victimization, which challenge her rock-solid faith. She depicts Dynahs sense of betrayal--first, by her fianc, and then by her college dean, who tells her to leave to protect her fiancs reputation. Detailed characterization gives the sense of multiple narrators. Higgss portrayal of Dynahs rising anxiety as she waits for God to provide answers is especially believable. Higgs empathy and sensitivity animate the entire reading. G.D.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; Updated edition (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 084230052X
• ISBN-13: 978-0842300520
• Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1.1 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (338 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #417,805 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

"New York Times" best-selling author Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the CBA's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since "Redeeming Love," Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all best sellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#14 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

#18 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#63 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction

#72 in Books > Romance > Historical

#14 in Kindle eBooks > Religion & Spirituality

#18 in Books > Religion & Spirituality

#63 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction

#72 in Books > Romance > Historical

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

78 of 82 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A difficult issue handled with delicacy August 6, 2005

By Gemma

Format:Paperback

I can only imagine what a difficult book this was to write! This is such a heart-wrenching issue, and is a favorite argument of pro-choicers. Though I knew how it would have to end, I couldn't stop reading to find out just how this would be accomplished. I found myself crying over Dynah's pain. I could just feel so much sympathy for her. The issue was dealt with very well. It wasn't graphic, but it didn't back off from the message either. Praise to Francine Rivers for have the courage to write about such a difficult issue.

If you enjoyed this, you will probably also enjoy Redeeming Love by the same author. Ms Rivers is wonderful at handling difficult issues, and while her books are "grittier" than most Christian fiction, I think it was necessary, in keeping with the tone of her books. I am not even a very big fan of Christian fiction, but I will read anything written by Francine Rivers.

32 of 34 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows The Awesome power of the Lord's love and care November 10, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I love to read and have read The Atonement Child twice. It's one of the most profoundly touching yet wrenching stories,I've ever read. The character development is beautiful, and Dynah is such a real and beautiful character. I love the way it highlights God's incrdible love and care. It also brings you inside the hearts of the more undesireable characters, making them real people instead of "bad-guy" monsters. No review I could write can do justice in describing this book, but I highly reccomend it as a simply incredible, healing story. Also gripping and entertaining. One of my favorite books of all time.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Mesmerizing! October 26, 2004

By Raleigh Daniels

Format:Paperback

I recieved this book as a Christmas present because I'd seen it in a bookstore and it intrigued me, so I requested it.

My family certainly regretted it! I ignored all of them Christmas day, becaue I was completely wrapped up in this story of Dynah and her brutal rape. The characters were fantastically believable, and the situation they find themselves in is incredibly real. Readers will find themselves indignantly scolding all the characters that betray Dynah. The pace never slows, and Francine Rivers grabs you and will not let you go.

Dynah's inner conflict as she struggles with the decision of whether or not to abort her unexpected child is utterly palpable, and her face-to-face encounter with the Creator is spell-binding.

You will not come out of this book unchanged. And if you happen to support abortion, I, as a born-again Christian, challenge you to read this book and still come out supporting it.

This story is about the redemption only available through Christ, and it's a fascinating read. I recommend it to anyone who has ever sinned. (And that's everyone.)

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a moving story January 20, 2001

By "neerod"

Format:Paperback

This is the third book I've read by Francine Rivers and she is fast becoming a favorite author of mine. All three books dealt with various topics but all were well written and thought provoking. The Atonement Child deals with a controversial subject in today's world - abortion. I found myself caught up in Dynahs story and her predictament. In the beginning of the story, she had everything a girl could want....an engagement to a promising young man; a normal, loving family (or so it seems). But tragedy strikes and Dynah's world is turned upside down. The people who were strong influences in her life now disappoint her. Throughout her ordeal Dynah stays strong in her faith, focusing on God, His Love and His Word. I found myself wondering if I could stay as strong as Dynah, or would I have given in to what others in my life suggested be done. This book challenges you and makes you think about choices and about the unborn truly being REAL. What a moving story this was. This is a book I will highly recommend to others!

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I JUST COULDN'T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN !!! May 25, 2001

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I was encouraged by a co-worker to pick up a copy of Francine Rivers' book " The Last Sin Eater ". After I read that book, I searched on the net and came across this book. It had a catchy title so I thought, why not. I started this book and absolutely could not put it down until I finished it. I am not what you would call an avid reader, but this book is so well written, you just feel the pain of Dynah when she goes through all of the ordeals of being raped and finding out she is pregnant. She has so many people trying to tell her what to do. You would be surprised at who they are and what they are telling her. She only has to realize what God's plan is for her life, and who her real friends are. This book keeps you on the edge consistently throughout, from the first page to the last. It will make you think the next time you say "I don't know what God wants me to do in a certain situation". I highly recommend this book for christians and non-christians alike.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars not my favorite, but worthy of reading August 30, 2006

By S.H.K.

Format:Paperback

i love francine rivers. each of her books touch me in a special, sneaky way. after reading other reviews, i am compelled to say that i think the sensitivity of the issue kept people from giving a fair evaluation of her writing: if nothing else, ms. rivers is one of the most skillful writers i have ever read. her characters are anything but simple--the complexities are just more subtle than in less-talented writing. you have to think about them a bit more, and wonder about them. i didn't think ethan came out as a horrible human being at all--rivers has too much understanding of the human soul to portray him that way, and i sensed pain beneath his hardened (and annoying) attitude.

i will have to agree and say the issue of rape was not treated realistically enough, which is why i docked a star. it just seemed to vanish after it happened, which i know is not the way it happens in real life. it's something a victim will struggle with for years afterward.

in response to other reviews:

1. for those of you who think ms. rivers doesn't know what she's talking about, consider in your evaluation the fact that she has herself had an abortion, before she became a christian (also remember this happened in adulthood, so she has more understanding of non-christians, pro-choice, etc than you give her credit for).

2. for those who think it unusual that it seemed like all the women around dynah had an abortion, consider the idea that this was purposeful and for a point: there was a legacy of abortion in dynah's family, and her choice was how she would deal with it--break it or succumb to it. that was the point.