Riven, by Jerry B. Jenkins: Book Review

Title: Riven
Author: Jerry B. Jenkins
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 526
ISBN: 978-1-4143-0904-0
Genre: Christian fiction

A high school student with an absent dad, a negligent mother, and a bad-boy attitude fails at everything he does-until he discovers acting. But his grades threaten his spot in the school musical. Brady Darby can't seem to pull his act together.

Meanwhile, Thomas Carey also seems to fail at everything he does. At age 46, he's pastored eight churches. Strapped for cash and pushed out of his previous position, he's told, "'None of your references called you a gifted preacher, despite assuring us you're a wonderful man of God. If you cannot abide your current station, perhaps the secular marketplace is an option'" (7).

So the story of two pathetic characters begins.

However, Jenkins's development of these characters is anything but pathetic. The honesty of Riven is its most compelling feature. Here is a story where everything does not go right for the Christian, where Christianity does not always make sense, where faithful believers struggle with discouragement and disillusionment. These are the realities of life. A novel that acknowledges these realities, yet balances them with a reason for hope, is Christian fiction at its finest.

A subplot concerning Thomas's grown daughter, Rav, augments the trouble Thomas must face. Her denial of her childhood faith both pains Thomas and gives his enemies ammunition.

Readers who've encountered major disappointments in ministry will probably find affinity with Thomas, as will readers who have trained their children in the way they should go and yet watched their children depart from it. Those who've failed to kick addictions and habits will feel at home with Brady. Those who have loved Christ but questioned the integrity of the Christian institution will understand Rav. But more important than the struggles of the characters is the grace that transcends their disappointment, failures, and doubts.

Jenkins says of Riven, "This is the novel I have always wanted to write." Perhaps more than any other reason, Jenkins's statement is a clue to take notice of this novel. Jenkins has worked as an editor and author for decades. He's written dozens of books and is a New York Times bestselling author. "If a novelist has a life's work, this is mine," Jenkins writes (x). If you're familiar with others of his works, and you read Riven, I think you'll understand.

If you want more detail about the plot, check out the Riven review by Tamara Waters.