The Missionary is an adult fiction novel, co-written by William Carmichael and David Lambert. (ISBN: 978-0-8024-5569-7, Moody Publishers, 2009, $13.99)American missionary David, his wife Christie, and four-year-old boy Davy are living in Caracas, Venezuela, helping to rescue homeless, sick, and starving orphans on the streets - of which there are many. The only problem is that David begins to find his work to be almost pointless - for every child they take in at Hope Village, there are dozens more still out there. He desperately wants to do more. And when an opportunity presents itself, David finds himself participating in a dangerous attempt to change the Venezuelan government - an attempt that puts his life, as well as his wife's and son's, at risk and causes him to become an international fugitive.
So, I thought the premise sounded pretty good - and it is. Plus, the cover is nice and eye-catching. There's a slow build in momentum, and the action does pick up. At times I felt like the narrative was being stalled by the characters, whom I never really came to be all that attached to. Not that they are not likable, they are... I just didn't feel there was enough character development... Something just seemed to be missing as far as their personalities go. Parts of the novel seemed repetitive at times - and I kept expecting the plot to pick up more speed.
Don't get me wrong - it was by no means a bad book! There's a lot for anyone who is into espionage, government thrillers, and missionary suspense to enjoy. I just felt that compared to other books I've read of a similar nature, that The Missionary didn't quite have the oomph to really power me through the pages. But once David was on the run, I did become more invested in his escape - I was nervous for him. The Missionary definitely offers up a scary situation - one that is not all that hard to believe either!
Some of the religious questions posed were a bit too obvious to me, personally... I like a bit more subtlety in my novels. But I recommend The Missionary to any of you bibliophiles who like Christian fiction! It had some fun surprises and twists that I didn't see coming, which is always good. ;)
I was never bored, but I admit to skimming.
Though I wouldn't actively seek out another book by William Carmichael and David Lambert, if I came across one I would certainly give it a chance.
Just like you should read The Missionary for yourself if it sounds interesting to you, and not just take my word for it!!! Never, ever do that! That's advice from me, your Bibliophile Support Group leader, to you. :)
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