Review of Standing Against The Wind (A Dying Truth Exposed, Book Two)

[That Reviewer]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Standing Against The Wind (A Dying Truth Exposed, Book Two)" by Marcus Abston.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

In Marcus Abston's Standing Against The Wind, Albert Brook continues the story of his ancestor, Annabelle 'Sasha' from Bloodlines. She finds herself in Indian territory after being rescued by John Lightning and Samuel. Annabelle is taken to the Cherokee tribe in Tahlequah, where a new set of challenges awaits her. Meanwhile, John is still grieving the loss of his wife, Camille, but trying to be a better man for his son, David. John's sister, Grace, is a determined woman who never subscribed to their people's new ways of keeping slaves. She is determined to make a difference, starting with the beautiful Negro woman her brother brought to their doorsteps.

Abston's book continued its foray into the horrors of racism. Annabelle had to imbibe the Cherokee ways and learn their language to be accepted amongst them. As well-meaning as the intention of the desired assimilation of the Indian culture was, it still sadly pointed to how deeply the color of a person's skin could affect them. This story showed that racism was never blotted out from the lives of 'colored' people completely.

It is seen from this book that the disdain for inter-racial relationships is one that started ages ago. Children of mixed relationships are seen to have tainted the bloodline of the supposed superior race. However, Abston shows, with his book, a fighting spirit that is born from love — the kind that conquers limitations like race. This fighting spirit has paved the way for a kinder outlook on inter-racial relationships in modern times. The author introduces romance into the narration, which is an exciting distraction from the general sad mood of the story.

The narrative language employed by the author is smooth but straightforward. With his words, Abston developed each character's personality uniquely so that readers could quickly identify when a particular character had spoken. Readers would fall in love with the Lightning-Strongman family, specifically Grace. Grace had the boldness of daring to be different and stand for the truth she believed irrespective of the consequences. On the other hand, Elder Joyce became a symbol representing the pure old ways of the Cherokee people.

Abston also hinted at the concept of 'white supremacy,' using the dilemma of the Cherokee people. In an attempt to please the white man, they imbibed the slavery culture. It all boiled down to the idea that 'anything white is superior.' The white man imposed their superiority in many ways, especially their language, as indigenous people struggled to learn English. The terrible consequence was eradicating indigenous ways of living, leaving a monotonous culture that would ultimately be that of the white man.

This book is about faith and the subtle yet palpable power of Jesus' saving grace and mercy. There a hints to practices that will be ideal for devout Christians. However, non-Christian readers aren't alienated from the deep cultural discussions.

Apart from a few minor errors, everything about this book is perfect. I recommend it to readers intrigued by Native American history and Christians who may use the story as a faith builder. I rate Standing Against The Wind four out of four stars.

******
Standing Against The Wind (A Dying Truth Exposed, Book Two)
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Nonso Ok]

I think you just raised my curiosity as a Christian. Thank you for your amazing review.

[collinsogw555]

This would be a nice book to read when relaxed as the storyline sounds interesting and entertaining, as I am willing to give this a try. Thanks for the review

[BusY1]

It is an insightful literary work leading to a more moral way of life. Wisdom to survive from the hand of tyrants.