The Game Review
THE GAME
Amanda Deed
Ark House Press
I sprinted through The Game by Amanda Deed in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down!
Viscount Fordham banishes his son Jonathon from the family estate after being involved in an unfortunate affair. Jack is more sinned against than sinner but his father refuses to listen and Jack begins his new life in Australia.
Once here he decides that if he has the name he may as well have the game. A wealthy landowner and business man, Jack is also a good looking and debonair bachelor. There is no shortage of would be suitors. But his heart belongs to no one. Life is a game and he knows how to play it - or he thinks he does. That is, until he meets Meg Wingrove.
I’m not telling any more. Go buy the book and read it. I have no hesitation in recommending The Game as light hearted reading but be prepared for surprises. There is a strong Christian theme.
DS
THE GAME
Amanda Deed
Ark House Press
This story is set in New South Wales, mid 1800s. It is written at a pace which matches the relaxed, slower lifestyle of the day, with enough suspense to keep you reading on. The characterisation is excellent, and there is a depth to the conflicts and difficulties they face. Amanda Deed deals thoroughly with the issue of forgiveness and the consequences of sin, both ours and other people’s. I think that like one of the main characters, the author has a touch of mischief, as the plot twisting continues right up to the last page.
There is a fairly direct explanation of the Gospel, and the sinners’ prayer as part of the story, which is woven into it quite well. The link between character and faith is a subtle undertow, as is the reality of the deeper layers of people that lie hidden beneath the surface. In some ways the ‘good guys’ and the villains can both be identified from the beginning by their characters, if you look beyond the labels at their behaviour. With a couple of exceptions, the inner thoughts of the female characters are more thoroughly expostulated than the men, but this in part is what contributes to some of the surprises in the book.
This could be a good gift for someone who is on a journey towards God, and is reasonably open to knowing more about Christianity. It also holds many good reminders for those of us already on the path, and of course there are all the interesting people you will meet as you read. This is excellent, low-stress holiday reading that will leave you feeling satisfied. AC
The Game is available online from one of our sponsors. Or at your local Christian bookstore.