The Atonement Child

By: Francine Rivers

Narrated by: Ruth Ann Phimister

Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins

Publisher's summary

In one terrifying moment, Dynah Carey's perfect life is shattered by rape, her future irrevocably altered by an unwanted pregnancy, and her doting family torn apart. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is pushed to the limits as she faces the most momentous choice of her life - to embrace or to end the untimely life within her.

With over a quarter-million print copies sold, The Atonement Child explores the devastating consequences of rape and resulting pregnancy on innocent victims, their families, and their faith.

Honored with the Holt Medallion, three RITAs, and membership in the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, Christy Award-winning author Francine Rivers is acclaimed for perennial best sellers like Redeeming Love.

©1997 Francine Rivers (P)2008 Recorded Books

This book changed my mind about a lot of things.

When I started listening to this book, I thought I would hate it. I've always considered myself to be pro-choice. This book is about a girl who was raped, found out she was going to have a baby, and decided to carry the child to term even though everyone around her suggested abortion. Some of her closest friends even demanded it. I started reading the book thinking that I could understand a girl in such a situation deciding not to have the child. The story was really enjoyable, and I found myself wondering if the guilt and shame a young mother would have after aborting a child would be something hard to get over. Maybe, even in such a horrible situation, bringing a life into this world can still be a beautiful thing.

Almost perfect

I gave this audiobook 5 stars based on the novel itself. It's incredibly poignant, as well as controversial. I love how she handles everything from a strict Biblical standpoint, while still making the characters very very real. It's also a very hard look at modern day Christians (though the copyright is over 10 years ago0: hypocrisy, showing how Christians are prone to attacking their wounded, and how compromise based on pity and what's easiest is not always what's right. Incredible, heart-wrenching book.

That said... I hated the narration. Ruth Ann Phimister is an excellent narrator, don't get me wrong... but I did not feel that her voice fit this book in the slightest. I could understand her narrating And The Shofar Blew, because the main characters were older, one even elderly, so I could understand... However, with the main character of this story being 18, with a lot of other young characters, her voice was just not believable to me, and took away from what I consider to be an amazing novel. Kate Forbes would have been a better choice (narrator for Redeeming Love).

Overall though, I highly recommend this book. It pulls your heart in two directions, while gently steering you toward sound Biblical principles. A must read for any woman, or man for that matter.

another awesome read from Francine

I'm a huge fan of Francine Rivers, and this book was not disappointing at all. What I love about Mrs. Rivers' writing is her ability for the reader to really see how the characters feel. i found myself arguing with characters as I read through the novel. It was as if i was there inside the novel somewhere. I felt everyone's emotions, and to me, that is a sign of a good author. The narator is really good as well. Another must read from Francine:).

Predictable and preachy

Rivers usually thumps her readers over the head with the Bible, but this book is just over the top. The characters are cliché or flat caricatures used to condemn whole groups of people. Even the character names show no imagination (Dinah was the daughter of Jacob raped by the prince of Shechem.) Some of the characters and storylines were completely unnecessary and served no purpose except to self-righteously preach at a particular group of Christians. Skip this one.

The BEST

This book is outstanding. It is very relatable, with amazingly developed characters, lots of unexpected twists, an inspiring and engaging storyline, and an ending that is heart-warming. This book challenges the Christian Church to be better, extend grace, and love people where they are at. My favorite book of all time.

I keep thinking of the characters in this book

What made the experience of listening to The Atonement Child the most enjoyable?

The depth to the characters. The only thing wrong was that it ended.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Joe! He is steadfast and true!

Have you listened to any of Ruth Ann Phimister’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

God's Timing, Not Ours

Any additional comments?

I would LOVE for this to be a movie!

Oustanding!! I Love Francine Rivers!

Where does The Atonement Child rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have read several of Francine River's books and it is hard to say which is my favorite but this book is one that means more to me as a mother and as a daughter. I truly appreciate how Francine creates character's that are so real and relatable. Especially when they are struggling with their faith. Her ability to just sneak in truth into her stories in a way that makes the reader really contemplates the true message of hope and love is remarkable. Her books make me thirsty for living water and leave me feeling the Love of Jesus in a profound and personal way.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Atonement Child?

I always enjoy the love story even when there is a twist.

Which scene was your favorite?

The end but I don't want to give it away so that is all I will say.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I would not make a film of this book.

Thought provoking story line.

The narrator's voice made it difficult to think of Dinah and her college friends (peers) as young people. This narrator does a better job with stories encompassed around elderly and adult characters.
The beginning of the book was so frustrating as Mrs. Rivers had Dinah make such silly decisions like walking on such a late, cold night and not sharing with her boss, her senior friend where she'd worked and her parents.

Good anti abortion story.

Being pro life, it is a good and also a sad book. It pretty well describes what is happening in today's world that kills 3 million babes per year. Good job Ms. Rivers.

loved it!

I was hooked to the hard back when it came out many years ago. And, now I'm hooked again to the audio version.