Official Review: Encounters with the Master

[debo9967]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Encounters with the Master" by Tesiri Moweta.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Encounters with the Master by Tesiri Moweta is a book which is more in the line of spiritual books that have fictional content.

The book is a collection of short stories situated in the time period ranging from the founding of Judaism to the present day. There are sixteen short stories in all, among which one seems to be drawn from the author’s own life experience. How did Iram the leper become Iram the cleansed? What transformed the desert into an oasis? Why was Sir Halberd’s marriage proposal rejected by the love of his life, even though she loved him? Whose voice did Adriana hear when everything seemed to go wrong for her? How is Jacob going to save himself and his family from the total destruction brought upon them by his own sons’ wrong actions? Why did Sergeant Roberts look for Sarah for close to eighteen years? The stories explore the existence and power of God, whose presence has been questioned time and again.

It is a bit difficult for me to compartmentalize this book into any specific genre. All the chapters are followed by a set of questions framed by the author with respect to the moral of that chapter. The author has left some blank space for readers to answer these questions and write down their reflections. This is a good idea to involve readers and engage their attention in this book. The aim of this book will be defeated if readers do not actually participate in the exercise.

Coming to the content of the book, the book contains straightforward and enlightening stories for readers, where the characters have experienced God, felt his presence and bathed in his kindness. The stories contain quotes from the Bible and other similar texts, which are used effectively by the author to make a point. The stories cover themes like seeking out God in the midst of all chaos, the virtue of forgiveness, turning a bleak situation into a promising one, seeking an encounter with God, believing that God has provided everything for one’s need, overcoming rejection by loved ones, anger management, believing in miracles, etc.

While I have no issue with the content of the book, being an agnostic person, I couldn’t really relate to the book. Much of the book reminded me of the compulsory value education classes we had in class. There isn’t anything spectacular about this book and it resembles moral science textbooks or spiritual guides to a great degree. I would recommend this book for people who have either felt the presence of God or who desire to find their way back to God. I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

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Encounters with the Master
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Like debo9967's review? Post a comment saying so!

[ananya92]

The book doesn't seem my type. Nice review though.

[debo9967]

Thanks

[Jesska6029]

I enjoyed this review! The book isn't something I would normally pick up, but I will keep it in mind!

[debo9967]

Thanks

[Rachaelamb1]

The stories sound cute. I don't particularly like when books ask questions or want you to write down your thoughts at the end. I know some people enjoy that though.

[Levi]

A beautiful review considering it is not littered with bias from your dissenting viewpoint. These days we all need more honest journalism and open mindedness. I find your review refreshing.

[debo9967]

Thanks