Ishmael by E.D.E.N
Ishmael is a wonderfully captivating story that will make you want more. It is filled with amazing conviction, love, passion, selflessness, and determination. The story written by E.D.E.N Southworth tells of Ishmael Worth's humble, yet unfortunate beginnings. He entered life motherless and poor, and despite the wishes of everyone around him, survived and flourished in his environment. His commitment to character and integrity, and his singular focus on preserving his mother’s name, gave his life focus and purpose. His perseverance and determination to educate himself in the end gives him the opportunity to influence the highest levels of government. Ishmael's pure and noble spirit, in spite of deprivation and condemnation, it is uplifting and inspiring.
Ishmael is set in the late 1800s, and it beautifully depicts the life and society of the time, capturing the rich panorama of sights and sounds in Maryland, decades prior to the Civil War. The start of the story is a bit slow, but the plot is forms perfectly together with intriguing events that will have you enthralled to the end.
Ishmael lives a life of turmoil, but never allows his circumstances to determine who he is, and what he will become. Ishmael’s incredible faith in the Lord, and how it helps sustain him through his various trials and tribulations, are the essence and heartbeat of this story. He allows the grit of this life to mold him, instead of wearing him down. Reminding us in hard times to look to Christ.
This is an excellent book for teens and adults. A must-read that will make you cry, laugh, smile and cause you to root for the underdog and wrongfully accused. From past experience, you will want to make sure you have the sequel, "Self Raised" on hand after you have finished Ishmael. You won’t want to stop. Thankfully, my Mother had and quickly loaned me "Self Raised".
