Official Review: Amora by Grant Hallstrom

Dakshta Bhambi · Post by **Dakshta Bhambi** » 30 Jul 2023, 08:08

What a revolutionary book! In just a few words, the person who wrote this review has made me a fan of the author and this book already. Story set in Rome of a couple who lose their child and everything comes crumbling down since. Amora seems to be such a powerful and strong character alongside Leo, her husband. Never been more intrigued to read a book. Excellent review and an even better story! Congratulations

King Nyebuchi · Post by **King Nyebuchi** » 30 Jul 2023, 08:15

Amora's journey to find forgiveness for the murders of their daughters will be a deeply personal and challenging one, regardless of their religious beliefs. It is a difficult decision that any parent faced with such a tragic loss might encounter - choosing between forgiveness and revenge.

Amanda bliffin · Post by **Amanda bliffin** » 30 Jul 2023, 08:54

Standor5865 wrote: ↑28 Feb 2021, 09:04 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Amora" by Grant Hallstrom.]

4 out of 4 stars
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In Amora, Grant J. Hallstrom channels true-life events surrounding a woman whose actions influenced Justin Martyr’s petition to the Roman Senate to create a fiction story. This woman is Amora. During that period in Rome, Christians were persecuted for their beliefs. Amora was married to a respectable Roman nobleman, Leo. What started as a blissful marriage, blessed with a successful business and two children, quickly turned sour, as Amora's and Leo's daughter, Natalie, was found murdered after her birthday outing. Who could have been responsible for this? The pain and need for vengeance drove a wedge between them, as Leo became distant, avoided his feelings, and even became violent towards Amora. However, through Justin, Amora was introduced to Christianity, forgiveness, and the belief that her daughter lives on. Can Amora forgive the killer of her beloved daughter?

Grant J. Hallstrom expertly paints brilliant pictures of events that happened in that era, perfectly capturing the way Christians were perceived at that time. He also captures the moment Justin was drawn to Christianity when a group of Christians was executed and prayed for the forgiveness of their executors while showing no fear. It got even more intriguing when Amora became a Christian, as she was a high-born individual, and I wondered how society would treat her. She was abandoned and rejected by her friends, especially when she tried to create a home for abandoned foundlings, including children of slaves, but she showed strength to complete that project in honor of her late daughter and continued to grow in Jesus Christ. Watching her growth through the story was my favorite aspect of the book.

There is quite a lot to learn from this story, as it captures a few thought-provoking themes. I am a Christian, but the thought of having to choose between vengeance and forgiveness for someone that kills and abuses my child is one of the most difficult choices I can think of. It was intriguing to watch Amora struggle with this choice. On the other hand, Leo was hell-bent on getting revenge, and the story adequately shows readers how the road towards vengeance is paved. The story also explores the reasons that bad things happen to good people and the greater purpose of difficult times, which I believe a lot of readers can apply in life today.

With respect to editing, Grant J. Hallstrom did an excellent job in Amora. I did not encounter any errors in the book. There is also a love story between Leo's and Amora's slaves, Antonio and Maria, that is seamlessly introduced in the story and relevant to the central theme of choosing between forgiveness and revenge.

All things considered, Amora is a thought-provoking read, and I am looking forward to giving it another read. Considering that there is nothing I disliked about the book, it deserves a maximum rating of four out of four stars. There is also a twist towards the end revolving around the death of Amora's daughter to look forward to. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction.

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Amora
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This sounds super interesting and good.

Umesh Bhatt · Post by **Umesh Bhatt** » 30 Jul 2023, 08:57

I went through a few pages of the book and found the flow of writing as unique and evoking the reader's interest to read further. Would go through the full book later. The review is well made. Thanks.

Ams Strong · Post by **Ams Strong** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:05

Good review. I like that the book featured the theme of vengeance versus forgiveness. It is never easy to forgive, even when people say they do. Amora and her husband's reactions toward their daughter's murder represent the light and dark sides of human beings.

Emjopin · Post by **Emjopin** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:10

Thanks for the BOTD and this great review. It takes us back to the first 3 centuries A.D. when Christianity was a crime in Rome. Persecutions were bloody and public. The realistic historical events painted ancient Rome as domineering and ruthless. A pause for a moment of reflection.

Emma Jane Grey · Post by **Emma Jane Grey** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:27

The foreword and preface of this book, as well as the review, have made it clear that this book is definitely not for me and would be better suited to people of Christian faith. I thought it might be accessible to those outside Christian faith as well at first, but found my mind starting to wander before the book had even started properly due to the high frequency of Christian religious terminology.

One piece · Post by **One piece** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:28

I am currently engrossed in this captivating story, which undoubtedly stands as a masterpiece. The author's profound understanding of ancient Rome is strikingly evident, and the skillful incorporation of Christianity adds a wonderful touch to the narrative. Great review

Post by **Zippy Kerubo** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:33

Amazing and captivating review that keeps a readeron track about the entire book

Post by **Sanju Lali** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:39

An amazing historical fiction "Amora" by Grant Hallstrom, which focuses on Amora, who was married to a respectable Roman nobleman. However, when things turn sour in her life, she turns to Christianity. The book appears interesting to me.

Kebun Bunga · Post by **Kebun Bunga** » 30 Jul 2023, 09:56

The review provides a compelling glimpse into the captivating world of "Amora" by Grant J. Hallstrom. The story revolves around Amora, a woman facing the devastating loss of her daughter and her journey towards forgiveness and Christianity. The review praises the author's skill in portraying the historical era and the challenges faced by Christians during that time. It highlights the intriguing themes of vengeance, forgiveness, and the greater purpose of difficult times. The reviewer appreciates the well-crafted characters and the seamless introduction of a love story between two slaves, adding depth to the central theme. Overall, the review reflects a positive impression of the book, making it an appealing read for fans of historical fiction.

payal thakker · Post by **payal thakker** » 30 Jul 2023, 10:08

Thank you for such a descriptive review. As I am not much into Christianity I would skip this book. But, people loving history and fiction, can definitely give it a try. Congrats on BOTD!

Erick Muyesu · Post by **Erick Muyesu** » 30 Jul 2023, 10:43

This review predicts an intriguing tale that's worth your time. I love the fact that the plot is set in ancient Rome which jogs the readers in our current setting mind into a different world. The themes brought out are lessons to take home. Congratulations to the author on BOTD selection.

Post by **Rupali Mishra** » 30 Jul 2023, 11:01

Congrats on BOTD!
'Amora' by Grant J. Hallstrom is a deftly crafted story of love, sorrow, and forgiveness. In a graphic account of early Christian persecution in Rome, the story emphasizes the agonizing conflicts between revenge and forgiveness. The strength and spiritual development of Amora are truly inspirational. An excellent review.

Post by **Alida Spies** » 30 Jul 2023, 11:08

For a parent to lose a child must be one of the most difficult things to deal with. To forgive the murderer of one's child definitely requires supernatural strength.
Thank you for the review.