Customer Reviews

Wounded: A Love Story (Thorndike African-American)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wounded is a challenging novel. Personally challenging in what will I, an evangelical Christian who has concerns about Catholic doctrines, do with a book that is very much about saints, stigmata and Christ's wounds? For starters, I won't recommend it to anyone who is confused about Mary worship vs. Christ worship. Can I recommend it to those who are mature enough in their walk with Christ that they know His words and His heart? Yes I can, because a person who is mature is going to be able to discern the truth throughout, within and behind this novel about very broken people who are in need and receipt of scandalous grace.

I know folks who won't read C.S. Lewis because of his deep questions. Others in my circle of influence don't believe a Catholic can be saved because of the tradition and error that stands between soul and Savior. Still others label things outside of their experience and knowledge heresy. If you fall into any of these camps, don't pick up Wounded because you will be offended.

However, if you believe that Jesus works today as He did when He walked the earth, that He is not bound by our expectations, that He is lavish and almost wasteful with His grace then read the first chapter. If you are intrigued by stories of those who sacrifice everything for Jesus or powerful and unexpected healing from hideous consequences and lives, Wounded may speak to the very center of your soul. If you are broken and don't want to be broken anymore, if you feel like you are a blindman and you are looking for another blindman who can accompany you while you search for freedom you may want to stumble to the bookstore to pick up a copy of this novel.

Claudia Mair Burney writes with passion and poignancy. She also writes as if she is using "ink" from her own veins. Her characters are haunting. People who are broken, blind and needy, and people I recognize when I walk through my safe little suburbs and sometimes even when I look into a mirror.

Wounded is not for everybody, but it is for some. I think you will know who you are.

Wounded by Claudia Mair Burney is the unlikely story of a young, black single mom, Gina, who experiences the wounds of Christ on Ash Wednesday, the drug-addicted journalist, Anthony, who can't seem to stay away from her, and the story that God makes through them. As a Protestant, the stigmata is something that seems unreal to me, more than a little bit crazy, and Burney tackles the story from just that frame of reference. Gina suffers from bi-polar disorder and is a Protestant, so even she can't be sure if this eruption of bleeding from her hands and feet is real or just another twist of her fragmented mind. Anthony has been a drug addict for so long, he doesn't know any other kind of life, and more than three hours away from heroin has him writhing in pain from withdrawal, but one touch from Gina's hands, and the craving and addiction is gone. Anthony and Gina become connected to each other while he cares for her and her daughter, Zoe. Anthony tells Gina stories of saints who have suffered stigmata throughout the centuries to help her make sense of her own story that is quickly disintegrating. Anthony's mother, Veronica, has caused him no end of suffering through her hatred of his conception. When she discovers Gina and her wounds, she takes charge and determines to make this her chance to be a part of something bigger. Her religious zealotry gives the story a sense of urgency and also helps ground the story. Burney captures the wide range of reactions to Gina's story with startling clarity. The most powerful message in the book is Gina's passion for Christ, her Lover. The faith that I experience is so weak and watered down compared to the love that she (and the other stigmatics from history) bears. Gina makes me want more. I want that kind of passion in my faith, even if it means suffering. I want to love God that whole-heartedly. Burney weaves Scripture with the writings of saints into a powerful love story that leaves the reader wounded, wanting more from their own faith.

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, due to her health issues, twenty-four years old African-American Regina "Gina" Dolores Merritt is very aware of her fitness as she suffers from bipolar, fibromyalgia and migraines. Gina has tried suicide when her mental wellbeing turned so bleak even for her depressing standard, but miraculously (or in her mind despondently as even Hell rejected her) she survived. She turned to Jesus for salvation for her and her child Zoe as she feels she shares his suffering.

On Ash Wednesday at the Vineyard Church Gina attends, she is stunned and near hysterical when Christ wounds, the stigmata, begins to appear on her. As the flock is in shock with this seeming miracle occurring to the crazy person, word begins to spread around Ann Arbor. Many assume Gina the insane did it to herself as the self proclaimed pious prophets insist Jesus would never pick a certifiable suicidal single mom. However soon afterward, addict Anthony Priest offers his help to the beleaguered stunned single mom as does his estranged mom Veronica Morelli; but even Gina wonders what does either expect to gain with their self-proclaimed pious offers.

This unique inspirational tale is an entreating character study, but not your typical faith fiction. Jesus is treated both as a person with human lovers and as the Son of God; while Gina is the last person anyone would expect as the Chosen One. The story line is told mostly from a first person introspective that rotates amongst the key players; especially fascinating is Gina, the self anointed oldest twenty-four years old person in the world. Through her, the audience obtains an insightful exacting look at sharing Christ's suffering rather than the distant metaphysical metaphor that is like the Iraq War for many Americans. Although there is some intrusive padding involving saints, readers who prefer well written but different spins to their Christian literature will enjoy the crazy woman's miracle.

Harriet Klausner

Stigmata scares me. Well anything with blood pouring unnaturally out of orifices from your body will make me gag. Put that together with faith revelation that will shake your beliefs and you got one heck out of a story. That's exactly what Wounded contains and boy does it make your head spin while reading (and not in a Exorcist type of way). The characters in the book, to be honest, are not very likable. It's hard to connect with any of them because you're not quite sure really what to think. Everyone has a past that is suspect and then when faced with problems they find it hard to confide and rely on each other.

While I enjoyed the book I did have a bit of a difficult time reading it. It's not a book for everyone. There were times during the book where I felt that those who aren't of the Catholic church seem to be portraying less faith than those who do. I didn't feel offended by this but there were instances where I did feel a bit like my own faith/church wasn't good enough. I was uncomfortable with the full use of the n-word being used in the book. I understand what the author was trying to say by using the word. It is an ugly word and the way it was use in the book was with the intention to hurt and insult. However, I think the same effect could have been done without writing out the entire word. I like edgy Christian fiction but at the same time, I don't like seeing that word in a Christian fiction book. I was also a bit uncomfortable with the sexual connotations involving the analogy as Jesus as the bridegroom.

If I was in the situation witnessing what was going on to Gina, to be honest I have no idea what I would think. We live in a world where we are skeptical of everything. History has shown us that religion and mental illness seem to combine together with disastrous results. If I had met Gina for the first time with only the barest of details of her past, I probably would be very skeptical of what was happening to her. This in no way says that my faith is not strong or I question my beliefs. I'm just saying that's probably what be my first thoughts.

This book is NOT for everyone. Those who come into this book thinking it's a love story based on the subtitle are going to be in for a big surprise. Well, it is a love story but definitely not your typical one.Burney's books always make me think. They are incredible books and this one really does stand out and make you ponder after finishing it. If you're in the mood for a different read, this is a book for you. Whatever preconceptions or thoughts you had about Christian fiction before, put it aside and read this book. While it may not change your mind, it will definitely make you think.

Better editing may have permitted me to enjoy "Wounded" more. Then again, maybe not. What started as an interesting story slowly turned into a tired farce. The voices of the characters just didn't ring true nor did the handling of their circumstances. Add to it all an over-sized drug-dealing transvestite and you have a sad cast of painful misfits in need of healing. The more I read the heavier the burden of finishing the book.

So much potential that never seemed to fully bloom. I must blame the author for not giving her characters a bigger stage to perform on and language more convincing. At least the author did give herself a platform for showcasing her poetry.

A book with limitations. I question some of the raving reviews of this book. You should too!

Gina Merritt is a down and out single mother who attends Vineyard Catholic Church, and has a whole list of medical and psychological ills attached to her persona. In fact, the congregation at Vineyard has dubbed her as being insane. On Ash Wednesday during services, she experiences something so divinely spiritual and hard to explain, that everyone feels she has stepped off the deep end. The only person to believe in her is a down on his luck journalist turned junkie. Anthony Priest reaches out to touch Gina during her experience and his life is literally changed in that instance. As Gina tries to escape whatever happened to her and the church, Priest follows her and the two set off on a path of discovery, revelations and love.

WOUNDED: A Love Story is a very poignant tale of faith, holiness, love, forgiveness and sacrifice through the life of one, who through the natural eye, has very little to offer. Gina's story captures you from the moment she encounters God, and constantly has you asking what He must have felt as He was wounded for our sins on the Cross. Gina and Priest show gallantly how a wounded soul can be restored. Claudia Mair Burney takes Gina's story of being stigmatic in the Catholic church and ushers each of us through varying emotions and a multitude of believable characters, and delivers a stunning love story which begs for more.

Reviewed by Brenda Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

I don't really know where to start. This book was so out of my character, but I am so glad that I picked it up. This book is about a single poor, menatally ill mother, a drug addicted journalist and stigmata. Imagine being bi-polar and going to church and all of the sudden you are bleeding the wounds of Christ. I don't know how I feel about the stigmata part or if I actually believe but it did make me do some research, and the author definitly had to do research. This book was very inspirational but it is not for the faint at heart or a non beliver. I would only recommend to people who are curious or wonder if stigmata is fact or fiction. However it turned out to be a beatiful love story one that kept my intrest and had me flipping the pages faster than I realized. I found myself rooting for Gina and Tony and them finding there way to God. This book took me no time at all to read. When it came to the end I was looking for more o read but not in a sequel type of way.

Let me start by noting that I read this book in all of 2 days (weekend) with breaks only for the essential hygienic reasons and nourishment. I was so entranced by the book for a number of reasons that I believe makes it highly recommendable. First off, it is not your conventional "love story" despite the title. The author seems to first want to explore the possible love between God and man/woman, while also weaving in the story of earthly love between the two main characters. Other particular themes of this book include suffering, which everyone can relate to on some level, grace (despite most people's reference to it as luck), and faith. Through their complex storylines I was drawn into the characters that I'm sure could each have a book solely dedicated to their personal story. The main character, Gina is a single, poor, black female struggling to stay sane through fits of fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder; while raising her 5 year old daughter. The second main character, Anthony is a journalist turned dope fiend, with a past upbringing in the church but no hope for the future. Then there is Anthony's mother who is an overzealous what most would call "Jesus freak", but seems an oxymoron for her open hatred for her son. On top of excellent character development there is the main plot of discovering why Gina is experiencing a stigmata and Anthony finds himself divinely attached to her and this experience. Mixing their attempt to heal their wounds (physical, emotional and spiritual), with the stigmatic storyline and multiple "love stories", Wounded made for a good read. With modern day language the author beautifully combines poetry, scripture, mythology and literary passages to convey her story.

All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the qualities of a good book: complex and intriguing characters, a profound and compelling storyline and an ending that results in self evaluation. If any trepidation for reading, it will be for those unwilling to open themselves up to spiritual subject matter. Which if this is the case, should probably be the first to read it.

Wounded was a different style of Christian Fiction for me. Claudia Mair Burney opens up wounds in this book that as I read and became further engrossed, I really could not think of a more perfect title.

While I admit to knowing little of the Catholic faith, I followed this journey with an interest of learning about stigmata, something I had heard about but had never read about. Throughout the book Claudia uses the character of Priest to point out cases in history of stigmata which I found very interesting.

What you will find within these pages are a motley crew of characters that all wounded in one way or another. What is interesting from the readers stand point, is how different these wounds are - from the wound of disbelief, arrogance, past hurts, righteousness, little faith.... it made me consider what wounds I carry that are still for whatever reason not healed.

The book brought up many questions about faith - and how I would honestly feel if I either seen someone claiming to have stigmata or if I experienced it myself. This book would make a wonderful discussion for book clubs.

While some may find this book not a fit for them, or struggle through some areas of the book, I think we all have to remember that this a work of fiction. Take away from it what you will - if anything. I for one came out of this read knowing a little more about stigmata and I would recommend this read.

This book was a book club selection, and I throughly enjoyed it. One of those "I can't put the book down", and "I can't wait to pick it up again."