Beautiful – Life Lessons For Us All
The Unextraordinary Life Of Sophie Simpleton by P.G James is the most beautiful Christian childrens novel that I adored. It is suitable for ages eight years and over but whatever your age, this is a book that you will enjoy.
As I read the book it reminded me of Milly Molly Mandy (first published in 1925) which I read as a child, I read to my children and I read to my granddaughters. The Unextraordinary Life Of Sophie Simpleton is a book with a timeless appeal. It is a book to read to each generation. It is a book that will last forever in a memory. “Stories are for telling.”
Sophie Simpleton is nearly nine years old. She is small in stature with a huge heart. Her heart connects with the hearts of others. She is pure in spirit, always speaking kind words that bring life, even when others do not deserve her kindness.
Life has had to be overcome for Sophie Simpleton. Her older brother is often ill, meaning she is passed over and ignored. She also has a lazy eye so her good eye is patched (my daughter had the same so I knew what Sophie Simpleton was going through). And she is the victim of many bullies at school. “Sophie’s teacher seemed oblivious to the suffering… Her classroom felt more like a jail than a place of education.”
Sophie Simpleton seems to be invisible but there are those who ‘see’ her. Mrs Templestowe is kindness personified. She teaches Sophie Simpleton many life lessons. The Captain, though he is partially sighted also sees Sophie Simpleton. And Jesus sees her as she has an encounter with the living God. We are reminded that Jesus wants us to be like little children and come to Him.
Mrs Templestowe is a grandmother figure who shows Sophie Simpleton that she is loved. “Her friendship with Mrs Templstowe would open many doors to her imagination, and expand her capacity to be loved like she had never before experienced.” She taught Sophie Simpleton many lessons of the heart. “A beautiful person who speaks ugly words is, in fact, ugly.” We are to look at the heart, as Jesus does.
I loved the words: “We must be those who spread goodness.” A wise lesson for us all.
The relationship between Sophie Simpleton and Mrs Templestowe reminded me of the relationship I had from the age of nearly five years old with a much-loved teacher, Mrs Hackeson. She also encouraged me and made a lasting impression on my life. We were in touch for fifty years until she died in her nineties. I could really empathise with Sophie Simpleton.
Sophie Simpleton lives out the life of Jesus. She is kind. She loves. She extends forgiveness to those who are unkind to her.
The Unextraordinary Life Of Sophie Simpleton is simply beautiful from beginning to end. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Every child and every early years classroom should have a copy of this book. It is timeless. It has the power to change lives and to remain in hearts forever.
If you are an adult, this book will also bless you. Let the words sink into your heart and soul as a little bit of Sophie Simpleton resides within.
I simply adored this book.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
