A Review of 'Grace'

Grace (Simon & Shuster; Copyright 2008) is a superbly written story by author Richard Paul Evans. It is the first book authored by Evans which I've read but it will not be the last. The main characters of the book are children, Grace is one of them and she is a runaway from an abusive home. She is sheltered in the clubhouse of Eric and his brother. Eric is a boy, a little younger than Grace, who is smart and kind but age appropriately naive. His developing friendship with Grace is well told against a mid-20th century American backdrop. The reader gets a good feel for the times as well as the characters.

The story ends tragically and the pain is felt by the reader in ways that skillful authors have of imparting pathos. But the tragedy is not without the merit of a good accompanying theme about sin, character and redemption. A wonderful book.