Divine: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury

Divine: a Novel by Karen Kingsbury
Series: A Standalone
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (February 22, 2011)

Review by Gwen M. Plano

Divine: A Novel (A Clean, Contemporary Christian Fiction Story of Life, Loss, Love, Faith, and the Miracle of Resurrection) by Karen Kingsbury is a gut-wrenching story of the kidnapping of a child who is then chained to a bed in a basement and raped repeatedly by unknown men. This horror persists for years, until finally, the child escapes with the help of law enforcement. As an adult, she fights ongoing abuse, prostitution, and drug addiction. Eventually, she turns her life around and helps others like herself.  

This was not an easy book to read. I purchased it believing that I’d be reading a “clean & wholesome Romance” – per Amazon. It was not that.

Jesus rescued me from everything that trapped me. My fear and deception, my pain and my addiction. My faithlessness and promiscuity.” She took a breath. “Even my desire to end my life. It’s all in the past now.”

Divine: a Novel by Karen Kingsbury

Kingsbury is a strong writer, and I respect her for her skill. That said, I strongly disagree with the subtitle:  A Clean, Contemporary Christian Fiction Story of Life, Loss, Love, Faith, and the Miracle of Resurrection. It is misleading and does not capture the heart of the book.

For anyone who has experienced trauma, be forewarned. This book will leave you with nightmares. The Christian element, which becomes real towards the end of the story, is overshadowed by torturous scenes. A child chained to a bed in a dreary basement, a destitute woman being brutalized, a teenager held captive for the pleasures of a billionaire, women turning tricks, dealers selling their ware — images that will haunt long after the final page is turned.

Redemption? Yes, but it’s quite a sordid journey to find that blessed state. And recovery from profound and lengthy trauma is not simply a matter of belief in God. It can take a lifetime, and that truth was overlooked in the story.

I give Divine: the Novel three fish.

image of three drawn fish from British Museum on unsplash

I purchased the Kindle version of Divine: the Novel from Amazon.

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Published by Gwen M. Plano

Over the expanse of many years, I taught and served as an administrator in colleges in Japan, New York, Connecticut, and California. Between travels with my husband and visits with family and friends, I write poetry and novels. I'm currently working on my fifth book. Though writing is an accomplishment of no small measure for me, my greatest treasure and most profound source of joy has been and is my four adult children. It is they who have guided me through life’s mysteries.

Uncategorized, women's fiction

41 thoughts on “Divine: A Novel by Karen Kingsbury”

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    1. So true, Jaye. I selected this book because of Amazon’s categories. Had they included ‘horror’ or ‘violence’ or a similar description, I might have judged this book differently.

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  2. Excellent points, Gwen. The mischaracterization happens when an author does not analyze genres and align their title, book cover, and sales blurb with the content. Also, they have to place the book in the right Amazon category.

    Research can help writers avoid this misstep. For example, in-depth reading of the one-to-three-star reviews will help the writer avoid enticing a purchase with one message but delivering content that goes counter to expectations.

    Bottom line, it’s the author’s duty to deliver content based on the expectations established by the title, book cover, and sales blurb.

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    1. Thank you very much, Grant. You’ve said it so well – “it’s the author’s duty” to deliver what they’ve effectively promised. It’s strange to say, but I felt betrayed as a reader. My first book is a memoir and the publisher insisted that the cover alert readers to the content. This book reminded me of why that is so important.

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      1. Absolutely! Dave Chesson offers excellent videos on how to use Publisher Rocket to do this kind of research. Once learned, it’s actual fun and creative. That app is like the perfect tool for this effort.

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  3. It’s amazing how many five-star reviews this book has gotten seeing how it has been mischaracterized in the subtitle especially but also in the categories. Your review is important, Gwen, because it warns sensitive readers that this book is not for everyone!

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    1. Thank you, Priscilla. I wish I had read the 1- and 2-starred reviews before I embarked on this journey. Oh well, I’ve learned my lesson and will be careful about my next selection.

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  6. I don’t know if the mislabeled category is the fault of the author or the publisher. In this case, I’m inclined to say publisher, which makes the error even more egregious. An indie author has to bear responsibility for every aspect and likely does not know the industry as well as a traditional publisher. While that doesn’t absolve an indie author of her responsibility to do right by her readers, it is (to me) more understandable when a category is mis-assigned. In this case, I don’t think any author could make the argument that this was “clean Christian fiction” but I DEFINITELY can’t excuse a publisher for misleading readers in that regard. It feels intentional, and that makes me angry. (Had I bought this book, I’d have returned it for a refund AND written a review stating so and why.)

    I’m so glad for this review because I now know this isn’t a book I’d enjoy. Your thoughtful analysis is crucial and appreciated.

    And I agree with earlier commenters that Publisher Rocket is an invaluable tool.

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    1. Thank you for your response, Staci. I didn’t think to return it, but now I will. You are right on all your points, and I agree with you that the publisher probably chose the categories. Unbelievable.

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  8. I am awed by those who fight child trafficking and prostitution, but I am not strong enough. I watched 3/4s of Sound of Freedom, based on a true story, produced by Angel Studios. A huge hit, I couldn’t finish it because of the horrible acts to the children. So, that’s my long way of saying I’ll probably have to skip this one.

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    2. Thank you, Jacqui. If I had known what this book was truly about, I never would have purchased it. The story leaves haunting and terrifying images.

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    3. Indeed. The wellbeing of all children — and not just what other parents’ children might/will cost us as future criminals or costly cases of government care, etcetera — needs to be of great importance to us all, regardless of whether we’re doing a great job with our own developing children.

      As a moral rule, a physically and mentally sound future should be every child’s fundamental right — along with air, water, food and shelter — especially considering the very troubled world into which they never asked to enter.

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  9. Wow, is that a misrepresentation if I ever heard one! I agree with Staci that you should return the book, Gwen. Even knowing the end result with the faith element, there is simply no way I could read this. Thank you for your review, otherwise I might have purchased this one unwittingly. Ugh!

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    1. Thank you, Mae. The misrepresentation angers me still. The category of “Clean and Wholesome Romance” has no relationship to the story, but I foolishly believed it and bought the book. Apart from the content of the book, which was horrifying, it is wrong to mislead readers.

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  10. This book sets off some trigger points for me, so I’ll pass on it. The subtitle is definitely a misrepresentation. I agree with Staci. I would have returned the book and asked for a refund. Thank you for your thoughtful review.

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  12. I think I would have a very difficult time with this book, Gwen. Child abuse is hard for me to read, and I agree with you that recovery is often a life’s work. Thanks for sharing your thoughtful review. I think readers who are considering this book will find it of immense value.

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    1. Thank you very much, Diana, for your thoughtful comment. The content was rugged, but the presumptuousness of the writer upset me almost as much. If we choose to write about difficult/emotional topics, we have a responsibility to research those topics carefully.

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    1. So true, Olga. Thank you. Reading this book brought home to me how important it is to properly categorize our books.

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