The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout by Wiliam E.
Jefferson
This new book by William E. Jefferson entitled The
Redemption is a novel about redemption and letting go of the past as well. The story centers around two main character,
Hollie and Goodwin who set out on a journey to the Isle of Estillyen, an island
that is said to inhabit people who have an uncanny habit of speaking wise
words. Goodwin pushes the to go The
Point, a house with an old recluse named Oban Ironbout, who has been through
the death of his twins and has not been the same since. After the initial pummeling of words and
shells on Goodwin, Goodwin is convinced that the sketch he drew from a painting
of his family is a key to unlocking the story of Oban.
While I really enjoyed discovering more and more about the
life of Oban and the history that unfolds in the story, the readings on the
island were a bit forced. I do agree
that the twisted words can wreak havoc upon relationships, but biblically
speaking its not only the words that matter but a defamation of character that
is related to the words. In one section
we see Lucifer trying to turn the name of God upside down so that the humans
will be deceived. Jefferson writes, “Now
take the name I AM. Instead of fleshies
saying, ‘I AM,’ teach’em to mutter ‘ain’t I.’
Instead of saying ‘king,’ tell ‘em to mutter ‘sling.’ We can do it!
We can do it! Oh, I know we can
do it” (68)! I see the display of
repeating the style and constancy of the biblical record, but I think the
phrases that come out of Lucifer’s mouth are hard to fathom as reasonable for
someone to hold onto. The connection
between the Screwtape Letters is inevitable here but I think Jefferson focuses
at times too much on the right rendering of specific words rather than how they
could be displayed in the story.
Overall, I found the book to be a weaving of different
storylines along some retellings of Scripture that were very interesting. I was a bit confused about the point of
having so many different intersecting plotlines and having to work to see their
connections. The real takeaway from the
story was walking through the life of Oban Ironbout and seeing Hollie and
Goodwin draw out his story. This idea of
a man hardened by the crushing blows of death and pain is a real example in our
own world. Yet, remembering the past for
what joy it brought helped bring Oban back to a sense of reality instead of
escaping into a reclusive monastery. This
part of the book was a good look into the redemptive work of God in using
means, his people to bring about a message of healing.
I think there are some very good parts in this book coupled
with a confusing plot. I hope others
will be encouraged by the story of Oban and the way both Hollie and Goodwin
deal him.
Thanks to Handlebar Publishing for the review copy of this
book in exchange for review.
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