Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of The Atonement Child

The Atonement Child
The Atonement Child
Author: Francine Rivers
ISBN-13: 9780786248506
ISBN-10: 0786248505
Publication Date: 3/2003
Pages: 565
Edition: Largeprint
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 5

4 stars, based on 5 ratings
Publisher: Thorndike Press
Book Type: Hardcover
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

54 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

sarah5775 avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 386 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 9
This is a moving story about a college student who is raped and becomes pregnant. She has to decide what to do- whether to have the baby or abort. While this novel isn't action packed, it good. It is a character study of one family and how they deal with the horrible crime of rape and the subsequent pregnancy. At times this book made me sad, other times angry, and sometimes moved. It's the only book I've read by Rivers but I hope to find and read more.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
An unwed pregnant college student is able to find redemption but not without a lot of ups and downs and twist and turns. In her fantastic story telling way Francine Rivers weaves another tale of God's love and redemption like no other author has ever done. This is my forth River's novel and I want to read every thing her pen has touched. Every time Francine's subjects turn a corner you want to cheer or scream no don't do that but God's divine will always comes thru in the end. Loved the book. If you or anyone you know has ever had an abortion this is a must read for them. It will help them deal with the grief that dwells within their heart and know that God does forgive.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Another great Francine Rivers' story. Deals with some pretty major topics (rape & abortion), but with tenderness. Teaches God's mercy & love through 2nd chances.
keeperathome avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Mrs. Rivers has a wonderful way of discussing very current and relavant topics in a fiction story which brings the issue to your heart. The Atonement Child is very exemplary of this. She portrays the issue of Abortion in a very real and complete picture. She boldly approaches every aspect and people's opinions about abortion. In the end she encourages and even dares the reader to see through the issue to God on the other side.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Amazing. A heartbreaking story about a young Christian woman's struggle with the choice of adoption after becoming pregnant from a rape.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Moving and thoughtful story of redemption. Difficult to read at times due to subject matter (abortion) but very well crafted by Francine Rivers.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Such a great book! The author deals with such a sensitive and often controversial issue with grace and compassion.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was an awesome book that dealt with the painful subjects of rape and abortion. I had a hard time putting it down each night. The characters felt real and honest. The difficulty and far-reaching consequences of what happened to the main character were not softened.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Amazing book, should be read by all teens; girls and boys alike. Shows strength of caracter when faced with such difficult desisions as well as how following your own heart can lead to a generational family healing. Please read this book, it will make you think; What would I do if I was in this situation?
reviewed The Atonement Child on
Helpful Score: 2
This is a wonderful book with such a good message. Francine Rivers writes about difficult trials that people live through every day and she describes perfectly how God is our refuge and the strength that gets us where we need to be with Him. I couldn't put this book down.
kathyk avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on
Helpful Score: 2
A bit preachy. The story was good, but it was not really my cup of tea.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I just finished this book and was not able to put it down once I began. This book reveals God's never ending faithfulness and love throughout. Francine Rivers is a wonderful author and this book is one of her best that I have read. You see God throughout the entire book and you never know His outcome until the very end.

For anyone that has gone through a tragedy of rape, unwed motherhood, or an abortion I would highly recommend this book. God will speak to you throughout the pages.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wow, what an amazing story. Francine is a fabulous writer.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 71 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Rivers' writing can be a little corny/dragged out at times, but the message is incredible. Definitely a story which I'm sure hits home for a lot of women with a message of forgiveness and hope. A keeper for sure.
reviewed The Atonement Child on
Helpful Score: 1
I am not really a fan of fiction but this such a great book by Francine Rivers! It really hit close to home for me because my daughter was conceived in rape... and it was hard reading what people thought and said about her child knowing that could have been my daughter. Each child is a blessing - no matter the circumstances surrounding their conception. I felt like the book showed a wide variety of opinions and views on abortion - especially how in our world that many "good" people still believe abortion is okay in the circumstance of rape and incest. The lead character wrestles with this - knowing that people would not fault her for having an abortion under these circumstances - and yet sees the value of her child despite it all.
swimtchr avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful book that makes you really think about the gift of life! I would recommend this and any of Francine Rivers books!
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 353 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a book that deals with an isssue that is very delicate. Abortion. It deals with it from all aspects there is. I love the way it uses scripture, hearing God speak, and the need for obedience to God. Any one that has had abortion, or had a loved one should read this book.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 163 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A very emotional book, right from the beginning... a very good read...dg
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 24 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great story about forgiveness - God is so good. very difficult topics addressed - very well written by Rivers - one of the favorite authors.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 14 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Francine Rivers does it again in this book about a college girl who becomes pregnant as a result of a rape. The girl deals with the pressure of those around her wanting to abort her baby. A page turner!
reviewed The Atonement Child on
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great book by Francine Rivers. It tells a beautiful story as Dynah struggles with tough decisions in a tough situation.
Stacelito avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 78 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What a fabulous story of real issues and putting God in the center of it. It really makes you think.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 21 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a very introspective book on just how strong are your views on abortion. The Bible says all life is precious. Some Christians feel this way until it impacts their family. "Wouldn't it be better to abort than go through the shame." No matter what your view, this will certainly get you to examine your own conscience. It will also bring to light the number of women that are still suffering the guilt of the abortion they had many years ago. May God help them seek the healing they need.
reviewed The Atonement Child on
Helpful Score: 1
enjoyed this book very much, it was very emotional and may be hard for some to read, but i found it just like the rest of francine's book and couldnt put it down.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 25 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent book you won't be able to put down. The story centers around abortion and the aftermath it creates, but even for having such a gritty topic it is still fantastic. It definitely makes you think!
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 67 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book really spoke volumns to me, you could actually feel the struggle this girl went thru.
teacheng1 avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The Atonement Child examines the painful issue of abortion with beauty and sensitivity. Both the concern for unborn life and for the woman carrying that life are addressed as is the concern for women who have gone through the heartbreaking after effects of having had an abortion. Rivers uses her narrative to boldly but lovingly show us that the life of a baby under any circumstance is still God's precious creation.
heidivasek avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Though it has been awhile since I've read this book, it is one of those stories that stays with you. Francine Rivers lovingly and thought-provokingly broaches the subject of abortion. Many people feel that abortion is warranted when a pregnancy is due to rape, but this book will make you think twice. The Atonement Child takes into account how bringing a new life into the world can bring healing, rather than adding another hurt to the already searing wounds of the rape victim. In light of Jaycee Dugard's story, and her proclamation of the love she has for her two daughters who were fathered by her captor, I feel this is a timely read about love and the value of human life.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I was truly blessed by reading this book. It deals with the topic of abortion in such a way that you are really able to see the sanctity of all life. I highly recommend it!
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Francine Rivers does a beautiful job of writing about a very difficult and controversial subject. It is a very poignant look at the impact of abortion on the mother. While we do a good job of pointing out the horrors of killing babies, very little is said about the psychological and physical affects to the mother. This book is full of hope and encouragement regarding the subject.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I really thought this was very thought provoking and had some new thoughts on abortion. i recommend it highly
ruthviola avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 3 more book reviews
This was my first experience reading Francine Rivers. I was captivated by her writing style. I could not put it down. Even though the story was predictible, I still had to keep reading to see how it all happened.

However, much of the book made me angry. *potential spoilers* The reactions of her fiance, roommate, and family members were so negative. I know there are people like that out there, but as a Christian, there should have been someone among her family, friends, church, or school that could have been supportive. Even Joe, the one character that cared for her, had an opinion about what she should do.

What really bothered me was her mother. The author made it very clear that Hannah still dealt with the after-affects of abortion more than 20 years later, yet she all but forced her daughter to have an abortion. What mother would do that?

Besides all that, most of the book was unrealistic: so many people who conveniently have experience with abortion. Joe's attention was unrealistic, also her sudden recovery from rape.

I am against abortion, yet I was almost offended at the preachy feel of the book.

Conclusion? Not a bad story; not a good book.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 5 more book reviews
I absolutely LOVE Francine Rivers's books. She knows how to keep my attention and that's saying a lot! This was a great story, but, not one of her best. I still would recommend reading it for, as do all the books of hers, it has a great lesson.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 24 more book reviews
Good but not her best work
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 57 more book reviews
A tremendous story dealing with the power of God's forgiveness and love in the midst of great pain reminding us that God never leaves us - It is a book that you will not want to put down until you finish it.
sweetiepetey avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on
Heartbreakingly intense but very worth the sorrow you endure to get to the truth.
triciakay avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on
Wow! This was a really good book. One of those that made me feel like I was there. Thought-provoking..I couldn't put it down.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 19 more book reviews
Wonderful and thought provoking.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 153 more book reviews
Good book about abortion and the struggles of choice.
reviewed The Atonement Child on
One of the best books I have ever read!
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 4 more book reviews
I just discovered Francine Rivers and I love her books. this book kept my attention right to the last page. It is a about the consequences of abortion.
reviewed The Atonement Child on
Very sobering book if abortion bothers one's conscience.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 20 more book reviews
Dynah's life was good. Good parents, good grades and a great fiance. But then the unthinkable happened, rape and from that, a baby. Her seemingly rock-solid faith is shaken as she makes the most difficult choice of her life.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 8 more book reviews
This book gives you such insight into different people's circumstances and what has been their reprucussions. I couldn't put the book down.
shelbypresley avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 3 more book reviews
Fracine Rivers is an artist the way is is able to include the effects of abortion across the generations. Addressing myths and ointing out the truths that are not popular with the world today. Awesome story.
virginiajeanne avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 207 more book reviews
Dynah is happily engaged and in college when she is raped and finds out she's pregnant. Now she has to decide what to do with the baby. Plenty of people offer advice, some for abortion and some for having the baby.

I thought the book was good. There were quite a few characters to keep straight and the point of view in the story sometimes changed quite a bit during a chapter.
teachmiddleschool avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 8 more book reviews
Loved this book!!!
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 11 more book reviews
Good message... but I was not as impressed with this book as with Francine Rivers others. Just didn't grab me the way her other books do.
reviewed The Atonement Child on
Awesome story! I couldn't set it down!!
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 92 more book reviews
A very informative book on how women are affected by abortions.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 4 more book reviews
great book very thouight provoking
KansasSunflower avatar reviewed The Atonement Child on + 329 more book reviews
I'm not sure why I ordered this book except that I really like this author. I am older, never had an abortion, my generation didn't consider it, don't really know anyone who has. That doesn't mean they haven't, I just don't know about it. Having said all that, I absolutely loved this book. I read it in a day. That's all I did, I could not put it down. It was moving, it was real life, I cried for Dyane, I cried for her mother and father, I even cried for the doctor performing the abortions. Every woman in this country should read it. The Supreme Court is WRONG, abortion is wrong, our country is suffering for it. I'm happy to know there are others who agree with me and this author certainly was able to present factual information as well as a very moving story.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 471 more book reviews
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.
reviewed The Atonement Child on + 209 more book reviews
Another wonderful story by Francine Rivers