Prepared And Anchored

Julie by Catherine Marshall is a Christian historical classic offering a social commentary on the years 1934-35. It is the culmination of nearly ten years research. It is based on certain true events  combined with a fictional narrative. It is a marvellous epic tale that entertains and informs.

Written in the first person from the point of view of Julie, I quickly became immersed in the novel. With comprehensive descriptions I was able to ‘see’ life in a small town with its eclectic mix of characters. Reminiscent of old man Potter in It’s A Wonderful Life, I could ‘see’ the likeness of Alderton to the fictional Bedford Falls.

The novel is grounded in God. We are called to live for Him. “Once I was ready to die for Jesus Christ, I could begin to live.” We must be prepared to be the church that goes into all the world. “He’s raised some eyebrows by inviting workingmen and Negroes to church.” The church is not to be a white middle class social club. The church is for all, to enable people to “live in a state of hopeful suspense.” We are to “offer hope to the hopeless.”

We are called to preach the Word at all times. A faithful character “bringing the Word… Not even blizzards or below-zero weather could stop” [him]. We all need rescuing by “A Carpenter who… cares enough to find you and rescue you today, wherever you are, whatever you’ve done.”

The crash of 1929 and the depression of the 1930’s produced a wide gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. “I struggled to understand the extremes of wealth and poverty.” Some of the characters have a social conscience that contrasts with the “philosophy of don’t rock the boat.”

I found Julie a marvellous read. It opened my eyes to life in a small town in the 1930’s where one family tried to rule over all. I enjoyed watching the progression and growth of characters social conscience and personal faith.

Julie is a timeless classic that just begs to be read. You are definitely missing out if you have not read Julie.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON

 

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Title: Julie

Author: Catherine Marshall
Publisher: Gilead Publishing

ReIssue Date: April 17, 2018
Genre: Historical Romance Fiction

Catherine Marshall (1914-1983), “The New York Times” best-selling author of 30 books, is best known for her novel “Christy.” Based on the life of her mother, “Christy” captured the hearts of millions and became a popular CBS television series. Around the kitchen table at Evergreen Farm, as her mother reminisced, Catherine probed for details and insights into the rugged lives of these Appalachian highlanders. Catherine shared the story of her husband, Dr. Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate, in “A Man Called Peter.” A decade after Dr. Marshall’s untimely death, Catherine married Leonard LeSourd, Executive Editor of “Guideposts,” forging a dynamic writer-editor partnership. A beloved inspirational writer and speaker, Catherine’s enduring career spanned four decades and reached over 30 million readers.