Customer Reviews

Twice Freed (Freestyle Fiction 12 +)

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TWICE FREED, by Patricia St John has made a real impact on our family. We read it aloud and found it both CAPTIVATING and INSTRUCTIVE. The author basically tells a story about Onesimus and his slave-master Philemon--two lesser known characters from the New Testament. The story line, depth of character development, and ease of reading will appeal to CHILDREN; The remarkable true-to-the-first-century AD grasp of early Christianity, history, social structure, geography and Bible characters will fascinate more MATURE READERS who have an interest the Bible.

Patricia St. John manages to follow Onesimus from Colosse to Ephesus, Laodicia, etc. and eventually to Athens and Rome. Along the way Onesimus keeps running into those who have been saved and caught up in this strange upstart religion: Christianity. Short of telling the whole plot, Philemon (the master) becomes a Christian as well as many in his household. Onesimus (the slave) resents/ hates his master and through the book is running not only from his master, but from the Christ whose people keep popping up in his life and demonstrating their Savior's love.

WE WERE ENCOURAGED by reading this book to be more like those Christian people who keep popping up in the lives of those running from the One we so love. We've read several of this author's books and have come to appreciate her ability portray real characters with an eye to what is going on at the level of the conscience.

I had a friend of mine who has a PhD in NEW TESTAMENT STUDIES and has visited these archeological sites numerous times read the book and tell me what he thought of the book in terms of historical details. He felt that they are very accurate in most cases.

I'M RECOMMENDING the book to Christians both young and old, but probably the intended audience is 10-20 range. PARENTS, especially--read it aloud to the family; talk about it. I pray that you'll be blessed by this book as we have been.

This book is about one of Philemon's slaves named Onesimus. He hates being a slave and he hates Christianity and tries to run away from it, but finds out that it is impossible to run away from Jesus. This book takes place in the time of the Apostle Paul and the growth of the Christian church. You might be wondering if Onesimus ever gives his life to Jesus? Well, you'll just have to read the book and find out yourself!
I thought this was a wonderful book and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes a nice mix of action and a couple of slower parts. It also has a bit of a love story in it but nothing very mushy. I think it would be a good book for kids ages 10 and up.
And if you would like to read the letter that Paul writes to Philemon about Onesimus read the book of Philemon in the Bible(Don't worry, it's only one chapter). Just don't read the book of Philemon until you have finished Twice Freed!

-Eliza

Twice Freed should be read by everyone. A story this touching and inspiring should be in the schools. I felt different when I put this book down and walked out of my room, thinking about the story. You are not making a mistake if you buy this book.