My good old 1980 edition of the New World Dictionary of the American Language defines (in my own paraphrase), “classic:” 1) being a model of its kind, 2) having a balanced, formal, and objective style, 3) well-known, 4) able to last because of its simple style.
classic little black dress courtesy of http://www.elleink.wordpress.com
I choose to review class books, and a few others that have not yet stood the test of time, because I don’t want these marvelous stories to fade into oblivion. We are a culture that constantly anticipates the next hot item, another shiny, new bauble. Some of the bright and attractive novels of today will become classics; most will not.
credit to privatelibrary.typepad.com
To start 2015, I’ve chosen to review (or introduce you to) Hinds’ Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard. Like John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, Hinds’ Feet is an allegory.
“Allegory:” a story where people, things, and events have symbolic meaning; used to teach moral principles.
Do kids even read allegory anymore? Think about it. Every novel that teaches Biblical truth in an author-created fantasy setting is a subtle form of allegory.
Hurnard and Bunyan are more direct. People’s names describe their personalities. Place names inform the reader of the problem to be solved, the obstacle to be overcome, or the conflict to be resolved.
Would I have read Hinds’ Feet as a child? I’m not sure. I wasn’t brought up with a Biblical worldview, but I’ll assure you of one thing. During the rare crises in my family, I would have read Hinds’ Feet from cover to cover.
The main character is named Much Afraid. How many teens do you know who are afraid? Of peers, of the future, of their own inadequacies. Much Afraid goes on a journey with the Shepherd.
credit to pastorwcdq.blogspot.com
For nineteen chapters, the Shepherd leads her on a circuitous route to the High Places. He assigns to her two companions, Sorrow and Suffering. As they travel together, Much Afraid gains strength until she —
I don’t want to give the end away! For now, be content to know Hurnard uses wonderful parallels to portray the Christian walk and dying to self. (And for more on dying to self, check out this month’s post at www.my2ndnature.wordpress.com on taking tests over and over again.)
If you know a kid going through rough times, if you are going through a tough, terrifying season in your own life, I can’t recommend Hinds’ Feet on High Places highly enough. In fact, I believe if your walk with Christ is going smoothly right now, you can read it, enjoy it, put it down, and say “nice story.”
KEEP IT. Jesus leads all of us on a circuitous route of rugged mountains to climb, desert wastelands to cross, and raging rivers to ford. When those times come, read Hinds’ Feet again. Hannah Hurnard’s words will soothe your soul.
The Scriblerians 
I just bought A Pilgrim’s Progress at an antique shop. It’s a gorgeous copy with amazing illustrations. I had fun reading parts of it. It is regarded as the first real book meant for children and young adults, and was written in the 1600’s. I often wonder what the authors of long ago would think of our kids’ books nowadays. Back then, the element of humour and fun seemed to be missing, it was more of a lesson than something to be read for enjoyment. That’s why I love books that combine both; a message and some fun.
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I read Little Pilgrim’s Progress first and it became such a favorite that when I finally read the original, I didn’t like it at all. But for younger readers, the adaptation is much more understandable and stays true to the original very closely.
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Maybe I should blog a post with details regarding Pilgriim’s Progress? I used to teach excerpts to my fifth-graders. Great discussions!
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One of my favorites. I think I was 10 or 11 when I first read it and it became part of my annual rotation. Definitely a classic – very introspective and kind of melancholy. Have you read the sequel? It’s not as good but it’s a nice continuation and wrap-up. 🙂
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Yes, I’ve read Mountains of Spices. I would have to dig it up to remember details, but it’s not a journey like Hinds’ Feet. More of a lesson on fruit of the Spirit. I found it very helpful at a time in my life when I needed answers to some difficult questions.
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I mostly liked it because Craven Fear – the one who held the most fear over her before – is changed.
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Yeah, the romantic in me wanted more of a story between Grace and Glory and Craven Fear. But that’s not the ultimate love story!
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I remember reading Hind’s Feet and liking it. There was such little out there at the time that was really creative, so it caught my attention. Mountain of Spices was about the Fruit of the Spirit.
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I had a hard time figuring out the publication date. I think Hurnard wrote the novel in the fifties, but it didn’t get published for quite awhile. The American copyright it 1975.
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IS 1975
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