Embers from the Hearth (Book Review)

Embers from the Hearth, Fr Ian Doulton sdb, Chennai: Anglo-Ink, 2014, ISBN 978-81-928188-7-0, pp. 268, Price not mentioned.

The book is an anthology of original stories penned by the author himself for a magazine that he has been editing for over the last decade: Madonna. The stories are generally based on a gospel value. The author has done well to present the gospel message in a creative manner by making good use of the short story. Stories are appealing mediums of instruction for people of all ages. They have the power to shape minds and thought patterns, give freedom to imagination and creativity and perhaps even influence behaviour. They are also efficient vehicles of ideas and concepts. Jesus himself was a master storyteller. He had the knack of pulling illustrations from mundane life and using them to teach and instruct the people.


The stories found in this book represent real life situations. There is a certain pattern that is common to all the stories which is a problem that is faced by the protagonist/s and their way of dealing with it which is either positive or negative, both of which have their roots in scripture. Some stories are more appealing than others but that is only a matter of taste and preference. Nevertheless, every reader will surely find this book worthwhile and interesting and is sure to find the material relatable. The moral which is biblically based puts the story into perspective and helps the reader easily grasp the message. I sincerely hope many people pick up this book and refresh their souls with its stories.    

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