The Martyr's Song

By: Ted Dekker

Narrated by: James K. Flynn

Length: 2 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

"Make me beautiful." That's what Marci wants from the old woman, not "inner beauty", but real, physical attractiveness to save her from being a teenage outcast. The woman offers a gift in the form of a story, a strange tale from 1940s Bosnia about a group of soldiers who terrorize a town of women and children, brutalize their priest, and murder a child. Somehow, in the midst of the horror, a window opens to another reality, a world of impossible beauty, infectious music, irresistible laughter, and a vision that somehow changes everything.

By the time the story ends, Marci hears the heavenly music herself. So will you. Once you hear this unforgettable story, you'll never be the same.

©2005 Ted Dekker (P)2005 West Bow Press. A Division of Thomas Nelson Publishers.

A Definite Read/Listen

This book will put you through all emotions and open your eyes to the reality beyond the world we see.

Story great, narration not so much

This is a tragic and gruesome story that is beautifully written and ultimately inspirational. It is about love of Christ and the discovery of beauty in the world. The author does a great job of showing the brutality of war and and the complexity of personal sacrifice. My only complaint is that the narrator mispronounces almost all of the Bosnian and Serbian names and also does not have a very good accent when narrating the voices. It would be much better to have a narrator who knows how to say the names of these characters and places, as they are actually pronounced, not through an American approximation.

it's an okay short story

I picked this because of the reviews and I expected a bit more. not as impressed as I thought but still a good read and valuable lesson

Feel the Feels!

This author presents insights with all his books. Provides great food for thought. Stays with you, as one mulls what was shared. Highly Recommend this author.

ooof!

Tears, tears, snot, snort, tears, blow nose. tears...repeat. Cried so ugly for something so incredibly beautiful. thank you for helping me grow closer to our Lord Jesus. my name is Marcie. I am very average looking and was bullied my entire life. this precious story, although tough to listen to, spoke to my little girl inside and told her how beautiful she has always been and to not fear death and destruction because it will all be made right when we get home. Also, to never ever ever renounce my faith in our Father. I'm praying for strength for us all. thank you Ted Dekker! I would love to know the process in which these stories were created because it seems like you have been touched by God with more than a glimpse of Heaven.

Wow...

If you could sum up The Martyr's Song in three words, what would they be?

Love, sacrifice, amazing.

Which character – as performed by James K. Flynn – was your favorite?

Father Michael - no
Nadia - no
Janjic Jovic - no

all of the above.

the emotions and actions of all of the above characters are essential to this amazing story and James K. Flynn executed the narration of the story and these characters perfectly.

Any additional comments?

If you have never listened to or read a Ted Dekker novel... You should check this one out. It is short and to the point and a very emotional book. It is one of my all time favorites and I listen to it at least once per year.

We live in 2 realms but, too often, only see one

In recent years I have become more and more aware that I am alive in two realms. This terrestrial realm that appears to be the “real world” And at the same time, that I am a spirit being whose reality is actually in another realm of which I am largely blind and deaf… less so as I become more aware of this dual reality.

Ted Dekker is exceptionally gifted in making the spirit realm more real in this realm, to make my awareness of this brighter stronger more alive realm closer, to hear the songs and laughter more easily from this temporary physical realm. His writing and vision transport that realm into my “clay pot” physical experience and I see the real spirit realm more and more as I read scripture, because of the glimpses he draws and possibilities he creates.

There was a time, not too long ago, when I would have viewed his “stories” as just that - stories, figments of a fertile imagination. But YeshuaJesus has been opening my spirit eyes more and more and now I see Ted Dekker is painting that world for me… and I wonder how much he has “lived” some parts of his stories.

Regardless, Martyr’s Song is a beautiful song of vision: seeing with YeshuaJesus eyes where He makes all things beautiful in His Time.

Loved the narration; very soothing and engaging, held my attention and captured my imagination

Make you think

Great book loved every minute of it! Makes you wonder how strong your faith and love is for Christ and how you would act in that situation.

a proper perspective

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It puts our lives here on this earth in proper perspective. If you know Jesus and you need encouragement this is a book that will show you the human capability to rise to the highest love through Christ's help.

I normally don't sit down and listen to full books at one sitting but I just couldn't stop. This book is captivating from beginning to end. I believe it will bless you greatly.

Stunning

Makes you look a bit deeper at yourself and your priorities. Narrator was excellent in his delivery. God bless you