ARA Review by Donna Sundblad of The Chest of Visions

[Donna Sundblad]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, The Chest of Visions.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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A captivating blend of science fiction, theology, and storytelling. The Chest of Visions by Tim Ferguson is conveyed through correspondence between parallel worlds via a website. It centers around a young adult on Earth named Tim, and an alien youth named Mattpaul who lives on the small world of Caperston which revolves around a different star than Earth. Caperston’s culture has no belief in God, and the interaction between these young people works as a clever narrative device to explore deep questions about faith and the existence of God.

The plot draws you in like the outgoing tide as the give and take between the two youths introduces differences and similarities between the two worlds, with a focus on Earth’s Jesus who lived 2000 years ago, and Caperston’s Chihaysu whose teaching mirrors Jesus' with parable-type stories that are similar yet different and unique to Caperston’s culture.

The narrative flows smoothly as relationships form. The Chest of Visions feels like a simple tale, yet pinpoints some of the tough questions life throws our way, like why would God allow someone young to die? Along with relatable characters and answering questions that test our faith, I found the illustrations by Jose Carlos Gutierrez engaging visually.

I appreciated the story on every level and found the end satisfying yet unexpected. But the book offers more. The First Appendix explains the science behind how the communication in the story works. As a Sci-fi enthusiast, I’m nerdy enough to get into this. I like the science aspects to make sense even though it is a work of fiction. Appendix 2 offers a study guide with approaches to lessons in life found within the story which make great discussion starters and adds an opportunity for deeper exploration.

I’m happy to give The Chest of Visions 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to people who enjoy YA adult Sci-fi, Christian literature with a science fiction theme, and those seeking philosophical insights into some of life’s tough questions. It’s a thought-provoking yet relatable read that will appeal to a diverse audience.

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