A pastor’s will and resolve are tested when his family is torn apart by the intervention of an old flame of his wife’s, severing the bonds of over forty-five years of marriage and leaving everyone reeling for stability. Intertwined with this personal journey is a retelling and examination of the fall from the Garden of Eden as told in the book of Genesis. The parallels between the two point to the various ways in which people are tempted in everyday life and how sin and weakness drive people further from God’s grace and salvation. Intensely personal and creative accounts of what it can be like in the emotional throes of having your foundation removed give readers an understanding of what dark days can do to a person’s psyche and mental stability while maintaining a road for redemption and hope.

The personal narrative of this story is rooted in real locations and events that anyone can relate to regardless of their religious beliefs. Due to his background, the author does a very artful job of incorporating scripture and spotting opportunities to weave biblical wisdom into each moment and development. That dual aspect is mostly separated into sections, but the groundwork laid in the early chapters works to really put the lessons of the more biographical story into full perspective and clarity. The story itself can be heartrending and difficult at times to read due to the personal confessions and tragic nature of the situation, but the level of insight and emotional honesty of the narrative make this an obstacle worth overcoming. Druckenmiller’s sharing and telling of this story turns a dire situation into a positive method of teaching and can inspire others to remain strong against even the most nefarious of temptations and frustrations.

Return to USR Home