Customer Reviews

The Weight of Shadows: A Novel

5 star:		(27)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

When this book was first released, Alison put a comment on her Facebook page saying she wanted others to review the book on Amazon when they were done reading. She also made it clear that we were to be honest about what we thought of the book, even if we didn't like it. With all of that in mind, I began reading with a somewhat critical eye, already not entirely enthusiastic about reading a "chick" novel, but willing just the same, since Alison and I are Facebook friends.

It is, therefore, with a great deal of relief that I won't have to feel awkward for saying what I disliked about this book...there really wasn't anything! As this story reached its climax, it literally kept me up until the late hours of the night reading. I couldn't put it down! It also helped reshape my personal point of view on domestic violence and abuse. Alison illustrates perfectly how women (and I imagine others as well) who become victims fall into it. Certainly it's not just a matter of an individual going out and looking for someone who will hurt her because it's what they're used to or they feel they deserve it. It's a slow process of intimidation and manipulation in which a person suddenly finds herself stuck in a place she never would have imagined. The rationalization comes as a result of domestic violence, but not always as the cause.

The only reservation I had about this novel comes down to a simple matter of opinion. There is a tense moment in the story between Joshua and his mother-in-law in which it seems to be implied that spanking is abuse. Within the context of the situation in the story, I agree that spanking would be abuse, but if the idea being illustrated is that spanking is abuse across the board, I would have to disagree. In any other regards, however, I thought this book was excellent and would eagerly recommend it to others.

I have now read all three of Alison's published books. I have enjoyed all three stories, but I have to say that I think "Shadows" is her best work yet. The only complaint I had after the previous two stories was that the ending seemed very fast and abrupt, and that seems to be resolved in this book. Alison has proven herself to be a very talented author of Christian fiction, and I am eagerly awaiting any future stories she may have to share. Three cheers to "The Weight of Shadows" by Alison Strobel!

What's holding you back from living your best life? From being you?

We don't forgive ourselves. We did something, in our past, that we just haven't gotten over. God has forgiven us. The person we hurt has probably forgiven us. But we haven't forgiven ourselves. And because we haven't - we're stuck. We fell that we're not worthy of something better or we feel that we're getting what we deserve. Or both. So we have stopped living in the moment, and continue to live in the past. This hurts us and it hurts our families and friends.

Off-topic: I used to volunteer when I was in high school and college. I don't know exactly how I stopped, but I've been having a hard time getting started back up. Ya know - single mom, more than full-time job, not a lot of free time, nor money for a sitter, and on, and on. But I was only a few pages into this book when I opened my computer, did a search on Google, found what I was looking for, and shot off an email. I sent it to the director of a non-profit organization offering my time for a few hours each week. I just needed a little nudge, and this book gave it to me. No excuses. Not anymore, anyway. We'll see where it goes, but I've taken the first step. By the time this post is up on my blog, a couple of months should have passed, with some progress made.

Back on-topic: This book was so real. It wasn't over-the-top. It wasn't missing any details. It was just exactly right. For me, anyway. My favorite parts were the "starting over" parts. Each of the characters had something that was holding them back from living in the moment. Something in their past they were afraid to give up. For Joshua, it was the death of his wife. For Kim, it was a tragic occurrence when she was a foster child. For Debbie, it was the last conversation she had with her sister before her sister died. But they each also have someone who is rooting for them. They just don't realize it. And the ending has an oh-my-goodness! twist that I wasn't expecting - at all!

This is a Christian fiction book. If that scares you, then this book isn't for you. If you simply don't understand Christianity, then you should take a look, since the characters will try to break-it-down for you. But it's not in-your-face. I like that.

If you're in the mood for a light, fluffy read you probably won't want to read this book but if you want a dramatic, gritty, realistic book, pick up The Weight of Shadows! This is my first encounter with author Alison Strobel's work and I'm really glad that I had the opportunity to "meet" her through blogging and reading her book.

As a person who knows someone who is currently dealing with a domestic violence I can say that Alison's portrayal of Kim's story is very authentic. I couldn't help but cry for Kim and Anne and their abusive situation. The secondary characters are very well written too. Even though they are trying to help Kim, they have problems of their own, which in my opinion, makes this story even more true to life.

The story grabbed and held my attention so much so that I could barely put it down and considering that it isn't a romance or historical book, that's a miracle! I look forward to reading what Alison pens next.

*i received my free review copy from the publisher.*

On Kindle, at about 30%, this novel picks up some and becomes interesting.

Romance novels tend to overuse descriptions of foods, clothes worn, conversations, and The Weight of Shadows is among those that do, however, only in part and peppered throughout and not to the superlative where it makes a non-romance lover, gag.

Kim is severely abused by her boyfriend physically, emotionally, and mentally. He sometimes buys her things afterward as way of apology; other times, with a "get-over-it" attitude. Though we can get angry at the woman and think she's an idiot for putting up with it, The Weight of Shadows gives us a look as to why women stay with their abusers.

This book does have the Christian salvation message in it but it's done quietly.

In The Weight of Shadows, Alison Strobel tells a powerful story that vividly illustrates the torture that comes when we fail to leave our burdens at our Savior's cross. As a result, of a terrible, unresolved event from her past, Kim, succumbs to abuse, first at her own hand and then at the hand of another, as a means of justification. Likewise, Debbie is a stranger at love because of the guilt she harbors from a tragedy she feels she could have prevented. Ms. Strobel delicately interweaves these characters lives and circumstances, eventually leading to a shocking twist that left me breathless, and ultimately proving that God's mercy and goodness will truly guide a lost soul home. The Weight of Shadows made me want to cry, scream, laugh, and dance. It will definitely minister to anyone who has ever had a tortured spirit, and it will remind us all that shadows only occur when WE STAND IN THE WAY OF THE LIGHT. Well done, Ms. Strobel! I'm sincerely looking forward to your next release!

Battered wife or not, this book is one easy to find yourself in. I couldn't stop reading until I was done. Excellent story relating to forgiveness of others and ourselves. A great read!

Alison Strobel has never shied away from tough issues. His first novel, "Worlds Collide," was laced with humor amidst the realities of temptation and unrealistic expectations. Her second, "Violette Between," was a soul-searching story about a woman overcoming her grief and doubts to embrace an unknown future. This time around, Strobel gives us her most complete, most complex, book yet.

"The Weight of Shadows" follows three main characters, all of them dealing with struggles of their own. Joshua, a young widower, is raising his young daughter and fending off the takeover attempts of his angry in-laws. The richly draw Kim, is caught in an abusive relationship, one that mirrors her treatment of herself due to a heartrending mistake from her past. Good-natured Debbie finds herself drawn into these lives, first out of need, then out of care, and finally with her own hopes of love. How do we help those caught in hurtful patterns? How do we break free from our own mistakes? Is love possible for those damaged by the past? These questions are dealt with through the course of this moving tale.

Strobel, as always, does a nice job with dialogue. Her writing relies little on setting or description, focusing instead on relational issues and inner turmoil. Despite her subjects, she uses readable prose to keep things from becoming too heavy. While being her hardest-hitting story, "The Weight of Shadows" dispenses more Christian sayings and cliches than her others (such as "a check in his spirit"), an element I found distracting, but that doesn't take away from the real struggles these characters face. Strobel allows them to wrestle through things. We rejoice with them when they rejoice, and we weep with them when they weep. Once again, Strobel's care for people and God's love for His children comes through in her storytelling.

This is a quick, non-demanding read. It gives you an insight into the ugly world of the battered wife. I'd have rated it 4 if it weren't for the Christian slant that I hadn't expected.

From the opening sentence I could not put the book down. Alison Strobel chose the very difficult subject of abuse and presented it in a way that the reader at least gains an understanding of the thought process and rationale of the perpetrator and the victim. She obviously has done her research well and it shows. She is able to present with words a very clear picture of action and interactions without being overly gory. And she always ties it all together with a gospel related resolution. In this case, the principles of repentance, forgiveness, mercy and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
I have also read her other two novels and had the same problem with them; I simply cannot stop from page one all the way to the end of the book. I have found very few writers that give me that experience.
I anxiously wait to see what she will write about next.
Sincerely, Sandra M. Black

The Weight of Shadows by Alison Strobel is a gripping novel that explores how the choices we make and the courage to forgive can touch the lives of others. This a novel that looks at life, love and faith in a very realistic way. The lives of her characters could be that of your next door neighbor or family member, they are so real.

Alison Stobel has taken three people who are dealing with very real life issues and brought them together in a way that will have you holding your breath as you turn the page. Your heart goes out to each character and their own situation. You can't help but get involved because any part of this plot could be from a part of your own life or someone you personally know.

I found myself pulling for Kim, Joshua and Debbie in each of their dilemmas. Kim was so weighted down by her guilt and making decisions based on that guilt. I just wanted to hug her and let her know she could let go and grab a hold of God instead.

Joshua was doing everything he could to be a good father and provide for his daughter, and his in-laws were making things so hard.

Then there's Debbie, how many women have I known like her? She's like that family member who just does for everyone and pours her heart out to those who other people ignore. She gives counseling and care to them, yet can't seem to get her own heart straight.

This is a wonderful story and the ending wasn't what I was expecting. I am so glad I read this book. It has encouraged me in my faith, knowing that no matter what, God is always in control and that no matter what, I can always turn to Him, in any given situation and He will make things right, His way, of course.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a great novel about real people with real problems, who find a real solution. It will make you cry, make you angry, and encourage you, causing you to stretch your faith and believe in something impossible.