The Girl Behind the Red Rope by Ted Dekker and Rachelle Dekker

About the Book:

Ten years ago, Grace saw something that would forever change the course of history. When evil in its purest form is unleashed on the world, she and others from their religious community are already hidden deep in the hills of Tennessee, abiding by every rule that will keep them safe, pure--and alive. As long as they stay there, behind the red perimeter.

Her older brother's questions and the arrival of the first outsiders she's seen in a decade set in motion events that will question everything Grace has built her life on. Enemies rise on all sides--but who is the real enemy? And what will it cost her to uncover the truth?

My Review:

I am a huge fan of Ted Dekker—it started with Three and the Circle Trilogy. The last couple of books I have read: The 49th Mystic and now, The Girl Behind the Red Rope, leave me feeling very torn. Ted Dekker is still an outstanding writer and story-teller; his daughter is following in his footsteps as the writing between the two of them in this book is excellent.

However, these later stories I have read share more about truths from the Bible through what is an allegorical-type story. I realize that an allegory has its limits, but to be honest there are parts of this story that leave me more than disconcerted. I feel that the message has been watered down so greatly that all that is left is a general concept first about fear and then about love instead of fear. The Lord Jesus Christ has been left out of so much of the story. Even evil and sin seem to be watered down greatly. While I love the Dekkers' writing and liked some parts that discussed fear and how we perceive fear, it troubled me greatly concerning how it handled the truth of the Bible (as in watering it down). For me content triumphs...no matter how excellent the writing is, and thus the reasoning for the 1-star rating.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy from Revell. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars