Shining In The Dark

Vision Of Light by Gillian Poucher is a simply marvellous Christian contemporary suspense that captured my attention from the start.

The novel explores the theme of life being a battle between the powers of good and evil. We witness the presence of evil as we ‘hear’ the voice of the murderer. The reader tries to work out who this is as we periodically drop in on their thoughts. In a twisted way, the murderer believes they are performing a service, providing mercy killings.

We follow a character who can smell and sense goodness and evil. A character is called to battle and to overcome the darkness, even before they know Jesus for themselves. The light of Jesus is far greater than the darkness around.

A character is consumed by guilt from his childhood, believing “there can be no healing from the scars of the past.” Jesus is the great physician. He can take our guilt, pain and hurt, and redeem us, setting us free from the prison of the past.

There is power in prayer. It does not need to be elaborate, just heartfelt. “He isn’t at all sure that God will answer the simple prayer of an ordinary man.”

Often, we are the hardest critic to the face in the mirror. We berate ourselves but “God sees us differently to how we see ourselves.” God loves us. He sees us not as we are, but as the person we can become. God loves us too much to leave us unchanged.

All the characters are well drawn and realistic. They are an eclectic mix, eliciting a variety of responses. I loved the character of Sonia who saw kind hearts and did not judge. The backlash from a grieving mother was understandable, even though a character was wrongfully accused.

The tale is about choices. We all need to choose well. It is also about second chances and new beginnings.

I thoroughly enjoyed Vision Of Light. It was a powerful tale that I can highly recommend.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON