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While on a tramping holiday in New
Zealand, five women—Sharon, Julie, Marion, Kathy, and Claire—get
trapped in a cave during a massive earthquake. When they manage to get
out, they witness drastic changes and devastation. Concerned about the
safety of their families, they set out to find them. On their way, they
meet more survivors and finally reach their loved ones. Cut off from
the rest of the world, they must now battle to survive the ruinous
wrath of intermittent quakes, tidal waves, and volcanic fires, which
might be the Apocalypse.
Graham delivers an incredible survival story based on the strength of
faith. Using the experiences of all the survivors, Graham highlights
how humanity attempts to win against obstacles, even natural disasters.
During the ordeal, they combine efforts and come up with various
tactics to pull through. These include a generator, an old radio which
restores some communication, helicopters that aid in rescue, fallen
pine trees for building log cabins, solar panels for power, tanning
trays for leather clothes, hoses to supply water from the spring, and
handmade sheepskin boots. While deaths of friends and loss of shelter
and supplies amplify the helplessness of mankind before nature, the
camaraderie between all characters and their individual determination
highlight their strength. It is significant that despite great losses,
almost every character gathers confidence from his or her faith in God.
This unwavering faith is divinely rewarded when a sudden bright light
engulfs them at the end of the novel, flooding everyone with peace.
This moment—definitely the most powerful in the whole story—elevates
the initial chaotic mood toward a solemn meditative calm. Dramatic
descriptions and elegant narrative style make this novel enjoyable.
Radiant and graceful, this novel tells us to heal and hope.