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City of Tranquil Light: A Novel
City of Tranquil Light A Novel
Author: Bo Caldwell
"What ardent, dazzling souls emerge from these American missionaries in China . . . A beautiful, searing book that leaves an indelible presence in the mind." ?Patricia Hampl, author of The Florist's Daughter Will Kiehn is seemingly destined for life as a humble farmer in the Midwest when, having felt a call from God, he travels to ...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780805092288
ISBN-10: 0805092285
Publication Date: 9/28/2010
Pages: 304
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 12

3.9 stars, based on 12 ratings
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed City of Tranquil Light: A Novel on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Lovely, lovely book. Calm and spiritual (not religious), I enjoy the way it was told in the form of diary entries from both the husband and wife. A story of truth love, faith and grace.
kdurham2813 avatar reviewed City of Tranquil Light: A Novel on + 753 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
What a great read. I had to sit for a day and start another book to completely digest what I had just consumed. Just knowing that it was based on a real couple made me read this book with even more depth.

A book based on a couple who are missionaries in China - a world very different from America. After many many years in China they return to the US and feel as though they are aliens in their homeland because both them and their "home" has changed drastically.

I had this book hit so close to home because my maternal grandparents were missionaries in Pakistan. In fact, my mom was born over there while they were in the field. While I read this book, I kept imagining what hardships they endured and what different traditions they adopted while doing the work they loved. This job completely affects the whole family, including extended, who may not get to see their loved ones due to the cost of visits and inability to return with ease.

I am passing this book specifically onto my mom because she will definitely enjoy reading a story of missionaries and maybe see a glimpse of what her parents did. As far as others, I think this is a great story for those who like to read a bit of history with some heartfelt stories intertwined.
BoysMom avatar reviewed City of Tranquil Light: A Novel on + 735 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I purchased this Audio CD because of the reader: Bronson Pinchot. My husband and I had listened to another book he'd done the reading for (My Korean Deli) and had really appreciated his performance. He does not disappoint in this reading either. 5 stars plus just for the performance.

As for City of Tranquil Light - a great story, well told. Although the story of missionaries, their path, their faith, it does not present itself to the listener as an attempt to convert or preach you. It is told in 2 voices or diary passages: from the husband, Will Kiehn, and the wife, Katherine.

It tells of their work in early 20th century China - on the north China plains - up through the communist movement. It tells of setting up a new missionary station, a health clinic, and an orphanage by this Mennonite couple. During their 20 year stay, it tells of the village they settle in, their relationship with their village neighbors, the local bandit chief, the region's struggles with flood, drought, famine, and illness.

An all over good story.
Read All 3 Book Reviews of "City of Tranquil Light A Novel"


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