Review by Laila_Hashem -- The Chest of Visions

[Laila Hashem]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Chest of Visions" by Tim Ferguson.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Chest of Visions by Tim Ferguson describes the story of a young man named Mattpaul, who lives in a country called Caperston, where Christianity is not known. This country exists on a separate planet in another universe, but Mattpaul comes across a report about Christianity from Earth made by Tim Ferguson. He writes to Tim, inquiring about the Bible and describing events in Caperston, the people of which are split into the Valley People, who live more comfortably, and the Mountain People, who are poorer. One day, Mattpaul and his friend, Huchfee, encounter one of the Mountain People, who tells them about a man named Chihaysu and his claims about the existence of a God. Mattpaul attends a meeting hosted by Chihaysu and is moved by his speech and his call for equality between the Valley People and the Mountain People.

Mattpaul writes to Tim throughout these events, describing Chihaysu’s teachings and God’s kindness, but is answered by Alex, who reads Mattpaul’s messages but is doubtful of God’s kindness as a result of his friend’s death. However, as he continues to attend Chihaysu’s meetings, Mattpaul inspires Alex with his heartfelt messages about his faith in God and prayer. Though he is devoted, Mattpaul still struggles with his faith as the Valley People attempt to refute Chihaysu’s teachings with science and age-old traditions. Tension rises as Mattpaul struggles to choose between everything he once knew and this new ideology that he wants to embrace. The book provides many parallels between the messages of Jesus and Chihaysu, emphasizing the importance of love, hope, and faith.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars due to its well-structured nature, interesting plot, and important theme. Moreover, the illustrations that Ferguson provides not only spark the interest of younger readers but also give visual learners a method of better understanding the book and highlight its important messages. The lessons that the author presents at the end of the book, I believe, are very unique as they emphasize the many similarities between the teachings of Jesus and those of Chihaysu and provide a practical way to better understand the book and its messages through helping readers empathize with the characters and their motives. Lastly, the fact that the author demonstrates the perspective of a doubter, Alex, helps readers who may have similar questions discover their answers.

Of course, there are a few unnecessary or confusing texts that, if changed, would make the book clearer and help the readers better understand the storyline. For example, the first appendix, which describes the scientific process by which two individuals in different universes were able to communicate, in my opinion, is unnecessary and too complicated, especially if readers are young. Perhaps a better way of introducing this topic is embedding it within the story itself. Another minor but important inconvenience is the blurred text on all the illustrations. Lastly, the quote from the Bible on page 20, although relevant, implies that God favored those who believed in him over those who did not, but Chihaysu told his listeners on page 14 that “In God’s eyes you [Valley People and Mountain People] are all equal.” Although the author, on many occasions, makes parallels between the teachings of Christianity and those of Chihaysu, these two quotes are contradictory since most of the Valley People did not believe in God, while some of the Mountain People followed Chihaysu.

I believe the perfect audience for this book is the youth, particularly, those between the ages of 11 and 18 since they can understand its meaning, as its lessons affect their view of Christianity and moral obligations. Overall, The Chest of Visions is very well-edited, informative, interesting, and contains a lot of meaningful and important messages, not just for the Christian community, but for all people, because it does not only discuss spirituality but humanity as well.

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The Chest of Visions
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[Erin Painter Baker]

Funnily enough, my first question, on reading your review, was "How do different people in different universes write letters to each other?". So I am amused that you found the appendix which explains that unnecessary. However, I agree with you in general that that type of information is better inserted into the story instead of put in a dry, and hard to follow, appendix at the end of the book.

[Prisallen]

This sounds like a very interesting book dealing with spirituality, and it does a good job of answering some questions about faith. Thank you for a great review!

[Fu Zaila]

A great review of what sounds like a book aimed toward Christian readers. I do think that contradictory views, especially considering religion, might be confusing.

[Laila Hashem]

Funnily enough, my first question, on reading your review, was "How do different people in different universes write letters to each other?". So I am amused that you found the appendix which explains that unnecessary. However, I agree with you in general that that type of information is better inserted into the story instead of put in a dry, and hard to follow, appendix at the end of the book.

Well, I was curious to the answer as well, but the explanation's complexion rendered it unnecessary, especially since this book may be read by younger children as well. Had it been inserted into the story, it would've been simpler and easier to follow as you suggested as well.

[Laila Hashem]

This sounds like a very interesting book dealing with spirituality, and it does a good job of answering some questions about faith. Thank you for a great review!

Thank you. I am very glad you enjoyed it.

[Laila Hashem]

A great review of what sounds like a book aimed toward Christian readers. I do think that contradictory views, especially considering religion, might be confusing.

Do you mean contradictory in the book itself? or more in the bible and other religious texts that is explained within the book?