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A review by breedawnwriter
Once I Knew by Victoria Lynn
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’m always hesitant about reading Christian fiction. It’s easy for me to fall into the belief that it’s all preachy, cookie-cutter, and formulaic with no real substance. But, I’m happy to report that this book isn’t any of those things.
If I wasn’t in this particular season of life where I needed to read this book, I don’t know if I would’ve rated it so highly. There are some things I didn’t love about this book (explained below), but for me, this book was everything I needed right now. I needed someone to tell me that I am worthy. That I am whole in Him. That I can be brave and do the hard things even when I’m scared. That my past does not define me.
Yes, the writing style was difficult for me to get into and there were some moments that leaned too heavily into telling instead of showing. But . . . God still used this story to heal a part of me that I didn’t know how to heal. God still used this book, despite its flaws, to touch my heart with what He knew I needed to hear.
Violet’s struggle to stand firm in her faith resonated with me. When I watched her try to carry every burden on her own, I saw myself. Obed’s struggle to let go of who he was and step into who God has called him to be felt so much like my own rebellious heart. His guilt over his past felt like it could’ve been penned by my own heart.
Their journey reflected so much of my own, which made it impossible for me to rate it anything less than four stars.
That being said, I won’t say this is a perfect book. It has some flaws that made it difficult for me to keep reading. But, I also know that God used this book to do extraordinary things in my heart and for my soul. So, for me, it was a much needed and healing read.
Full review coming June 12th.
If I wasn’t in this particular season of life where I needed to read this book, I don’t know if I would’ve rated it so highly. There are some things I didn’t love about this book (explained below), but for me, this book was everything I needed right now. I needed someone to tell me that I am worthy. That I am whole in Him. That I can be brave and do the hard things even when I’m scared. That my past does not define me.
Yes, the writing style was difficult for me to get into and there were some moments that leaned too heavily into telling instead of showing. But . . . God still used this story to heal a part of me that I didn’t know how to heal. God still used this book, despite its flaws, to touch my heart with what He knew I needed to hear.
Their journey reflected so much of my own, which made it impossible for me to rate it anything less than four stars.
That being said, I won’t say this is a perfect book. It has some flaws that made it difficult for me to keep reading. But, I also know that God used this book to do extraordinary things in my heart and for my soul. So, for me, it was a much needed and healing read.
Full review coming June 12th.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment