Knowing The Way Home

My Father’s House by Rose Chandler Johnson is a gripping Christian romance. It tackles some hard hitting topics but over it all there is love – the love of a Father for His children.

God’s presence permeates the novel. He is what keeps Lily Rose going. Through all circumstances she looks to God. She talks to God and she thanks God. “Thank you God. Thank you so much.” Lily Rose recognises God’s hand on her life. “An angel was watching over me… Thank you Lord.” Another character says “I never go nowhere without Him.” Whatever we face in life, facing it with God makes the way bearable.

The novel shows the importance of being equally yoked in a marriage. “Does he know Jesus?” is the most important question to ask before embarking on a life together. God longs for His children to know Him and to include Him in their marriage.

There is the theme of money and power in the novel. The love of money is the root of all evil. “He worshipped the markets.” When money and power is the number one goal in life, then one is pursuing the wrong goal.

There is the difficult topic of domestic abuse. It comes in the form of both physical and verbal assaults. Rose Chandler Johnson is sensitive in her portrayal of it. She shows that it is more complex than it appears to outsiders. “You never really tell by what things look like on the outside.” The abuser is a mixture of love and hate. A real Jekyll and Hyde character. His victim is equally complex – trying to please him, trying to change him, wondering if the abuse is her fault. It isn’t. The reader feels empathy and understands the turmoil.

A major theme in the novel is knowing where home is. “Do you know the way home?” Home may be a literal place or it may simply be with people who love us or it may be knowing who we are in God. Being home is more complex than just a building. ‘Home’ is where we belong, are comfortable and feel loved and secure. “I’d found a place of healing and hope.” ‘Home’ is where we return to to feel safe. Life can throw all sorts at us but underneath “I’m just the same person I always was.”

Within the novel there is the unconditional love given by God, Annie Ruth and a small dog called Peppy. “His [Peppy] unconditional love and acceptance melted my heart.” Loving us for who we are and not what we can do or be, is a beautiful character trait.

There are some wonderful descriptions in the novel. I could really ‘see’ where Lily Rose lived as there was minute attention to detail given.

The novel is written in the first person from the point of view of Lily Rose. She was a likable character and easy to empathise with. I ‘experienced’ her highs and lows.

I really enjoyed My Father’s House and got completely consumed by the story. It wasn’t always pleasant reading but the world is not always a pleasant place. It did offer hope and was a beautiful work of fiction. I shall be seeking out more by Rose chandler Johnson.

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review.  No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

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