Alabaster Cross Book

Setting: Amazon Basin, Brazil
Time Period: 1970

The Alabaster Cross isn't just a story, it's a reality many people live and a powerful example of how you can change for the better when you face the past. Set in the 1970's, Bryan Whittaker feels like a failure in life and decides to do something about it. To face the pain of the past, he returns to the Amazon Basin (very west part of Brazil) to try and find the mission station and/or tribe his missionary father died helping, hoping to find closure.

In many ways, this is a story of emotional healing. After his father's death, Bryan's mother returned to the US and went on with life, while he never quite recovered from the loss. The book explores the consequences of children being raised in homes without fathers and how such losses can set children on the wrong track that can affect them even in adulthood. Bryan sets off to find answers in Brazil, and in turn, learns to deal with his personal issues and his struggles with faith in the jungle. In some ways, this novel is like a coming of age story for adults.

Another thing I didn't expect from the book, but came to enjoy, was how the novel also incorporated Bryan's sister, Helen. As much as his life turned out tragic after returning from the US as a child, Helen's story seemed to be just the opposite. She grew up to be a pastor's wife and from all appearances, seemed to have it all together. Yet, she faced her own share of unexpected trials in this story and I enjoyed how her life added another layer to the theme of the book.

Conclusion: Though Alabaster Cross had a lot of emotion in it, I really enjoyed this book. It had spiritual depth, adventure and a unique plot. Some may consider it a heavier read because the hero was fatherless, but in the end, it had a great message. If you're looking for a "missionary story," or, story about a missionary's children, I'd recommend "The Alabaster Cross." Though I read this novel for a reading challenge, I have a feeling this book will stay with me for a long time.