I am pleased to share my review of this book, I Am Ruth: A Story of Loss, Love & Redemption, written by Brenda Duff, photography by Kenneth Berg, and published by New Leaf Publishing Group.
The book begins with background information of the land itself (including a map of the lands traveled) and of the famine occurring in the land of Bethlehem, which prompted the journey of Elimelech, Naomi, and their 2 sons in search of a better life. The book then discusses parallels between Elimelech’s decision to take his family from a land of famine, and his ancestor, Joseph’s, similar decision to leave his land of Hebron for Egypt. This parallel is an important key to Elimelech’s decision, since he believed that, like Joseph, God would be with him and his family as well.
The book then goes into the tragic and amazing events that took place with this family. Through the loss of Naomi’s husband and sons, the pledge of loyalty that Ruth makes to Naomi, the difficult journey made by these women, and their eventual redemption through Boaz, this story is a beautiful reminder of the great God we serve, and his ability to take the tragedies of life, and turn them into blessings greater than we could imagine.
This book is more than just a simple retelling of the story. As the events are unfolded, this book includes absolutely gorgeous pictures taken in the actual lands in which the events took place, which does an excellent job of making the reader feel a part of this powerful story. To see the land that was traveled, to see the heartache, joy, love, and redemption depicted on the faces in these beautiful photographs brings the story to life in a whole new way. Furthermore, with the addition of historical information of the lands and times in which these events occurred, you can grasp just how difficult this time was for Ruth and Naomi, and how God’s hand certainly was upon them.
“… For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, And your God, my God….” – Ruth 1:16
Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions and review. I received no compensation.
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