Kay Marshall Strom Reviews

Added September 24, 2008

Once Blind: The Life of John Newton

Author: Kay Marshall Strom
Publisher: Authentic Books
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: January 2008
Genre: Biography/Christian
Format: Trade paper
Price: $14.99
ISBN-13: 978-1-934068-27-4
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Once Blind: The Life of John Newton will never let readers close their eyes to the present-day reality of slavery. Author Kay Marshall Strom's refreshing and revealing biography of this slaver-turned-pastor deftly dovetails into the horrors of forced bondage that currently affects over 12 million people worldwide. This stirring spiritual voyage of a man who finally found the meaning of life is a powerful reminder of the "amazing grace" of God that is still available.

Although many people may be familiar with the life story of John Newton, this narrative adds a new level of emotional appeal through insightful dialogue. The author's extensive research into Newton's personal letters, journals and church archives uncovers facts that give this story depth while sounding a clarion call of action to its contemporary audience. While remaining true to the particulars, fictionalized conversations illustrate the heart of Newton's miraculous conversion and the struggles that raged within.

Readers will shudder at the mindset and the atrocities of the slave trade in Newton's time, but this book doesn't end with the reformer's death. The epilogue quietly informs its contemporary audience that slavery didn't vanish with the laws passed 200 years ago. Although the slavers of today don't sail the high seas as Newton did, their work is every bit as vile and immoral-not to mention illegal. As the pages turn on Newton's life story, there is a stirring motivation to thoroughly eradicate the slave trade of the 21st century.

The immortal words of Newton's hymn, "Amazing Grace" proclaim: "Was blind, but now I see". This book lifts the veil on the slave trade of then and now, empowering readers with truth and the resources to become a 21st century abolitionist. There are captives waiting to be set free, and this book not only opens eyes, but ears as well-to their determined cries for deliverance.

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