Joshua and the Children (Paperback)

by Joseph Girzone (Author) "QUIET lay upon the meadow like a soft, green blanket..." (more)
Key Phrases: Father Donnelly, Bishop Ryan, Stonecastle Road (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Father Girzone continues to recast Jesus's mission in contemporary settings with this tale of Joshua, a gentle young man who captivates the children of a politically divided, strife-ridden village. "The applications of the message are broad," said PW . "The simple, childlike tone and the inspirational subtext will appeal to the audience that enjoyed Joshua ."
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal
In this sequel to Father Joseph Girzone's best-selling first novel, Joshua , a gentle wanderer comes to a village in (presumably) Northern Ireland and attempts to bring peace to the anxious and unhappy children of the town by spending time with them and by teaching them to be friends with one another. Joshua does not so much preach as live the Christian life, and he feels the children are the key to future peace "because adults resist change, and once adults learn to hate, it is hard for them to forgive and lay aside their hatred." A simple, moving, and inspirational parable presented in an uncomplicated fashion. Recommended.
- Linda L. Rome, Mentor, Ohio
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Touchstone (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684813459
• ISBN-13: 978-0684813455
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #299,929 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring parable, June 16, 1998

By A Customer

Joshua and the Children concerns the plight in Northern Ireland. Much has been made in recent years of the effect of the violence on the children. In this book Joseph Girzone has Joshua return and gather the children to show them how to live with each other.

The plot is transparent and the Gospel parallels a little too fetching. The healing of the assasin's daughter at the end of the story goes beyond Jesus' healing of the guard's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane.

And yet Girzone's point is wel taken. In Joshua Girzone made direct challenges to the establsihed churches. he is kinder in this book. Most of the clerics here are attempting in their own ways of assisting their parishioners to live in peace. And by and large they support Joshua's efforts with the children. Even the two bishops are portrayed as sincere men of conscious who take great risks on behalf of peace.

This story, then, is a critique of the human inability to forgive and "not take offense"as Joshua says. So while the Gospel parallels are obvious, Joshua and the Children presents a way in which peace could be achieved: through children. Their ability to find commonality and create bonds can bring hope to the world.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautiful Story, September 10, 2005

By	JMack (Chicago) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Joshua and the Children: A Parable (Paperback)

Many will suggest that Joseph Girzone is a bit too simplistic in his writing. That is probably his one flaw. In "Joshua and the Children", we find Joshua modeling Jesus's commandment that we all should model the innocence of a child. While the plot is predictable, this does not make it less heat-warming.

The main character of the book Joshua, is a modern incarnation of Jesus. In this second book in the series, Joshua arrives in a small town divided by conflict between Catholics and Protestants. Although it is not explicitly mentioned, the use of words like "tavern" and "pub" suggest the story is set in Ireland. By making the children of the town put aside their differences and unite, Joshua pacifies the conflict until the radical religious groups plot Joshua's demise. Only when Joshua is no longer around do the radicals and all other members of the community realize the specialness of Joshua's presence.

The writing of the book may be targeted at a younger audience, but I believe any Christian can appreciate this book. I look forward to reading other books in the series. I do believe that the first "Joshua" may be more enjoyable to older readers.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is by far the most relaxing book i ever read, July 24, 1999

By A Customer

This book was fabulous, everyone should have the chance to read it and experience its goodness, its really enchanting.