This book is a part of Alcorn's novel Edge of Eternity. I listened to it on audio, and have never read Randy Alcorn, so I can't compare with other writings by this author. I can compare it to Pilgrim's Progress

Nick Seagraves reminded me of a modern Christian (main character in PP). The book begins with Nick longing to reach the other side of a chasm and enter Charis “city of light.” We learn of trials he faces, and become involved with him as he battles temptations and an extremely ugly beast. Christian in Pilgrim's Progress seeks a similar destination, while struggling with the same sort of demons. Nick meets a woodsman, who represents Jesus Christ. He sees sacrifices made by this man and seeks atonement for his sins. In the end, the story encourages us to learn to live and love others by the example of the woodsman. … And Nick does find his way to Charis, I'll leave you to read how for yourself. ( )

NCLA Review - This book is a short allegorical tale written in a science fiction genre that tells the journey of Nick Seagrave on his way to the shining city of Charis. Nick’s full story is told in the novel Edge of Eternity while this book is a short synopsis of his experience. The Woodsman accompanies Nick through untold difficulties and experiences offering him “a joy that will cost you everything you have but gain you everything that matters.” He also speaks of salvation and redemption, and tells Nick “I’ll be there to welcome you when you arrive.” The book has a Readers Guide at the end to elicit discussion. Randy Alcorn has written over thirty books with more than four million in print. Rating: 3 —RE ( )

Truth is, I really struggled with this short little book. You'd think that 109 pages is doable in no time at all. But I just could not get into it. I finally finished it this morning, and this morning is the first time I felt any real interest in this book. I am really not sure why, but this just did not do it for me. I usually like allegories, so it surprises me that this book left me so cold.

However, I did finally get into the groove, this morning, while exercising on the eliptical machine. I finally got to the point where Nick Seagraves, the main character, really gets to the point of understanding what Christ offers, and this section almost made up for the rest of the book. The messages are good, and I even learned a bit different way of looking at things, so the time spent struggling was perhaps still valuable. However, when compared to 'Hinds Feet on High Places" or "The Pilgrim's Progress" there just wasn't a lot here.

I did appreciate the opportunity to read this little book. I love most of Randy Alcorns' books, so this was an anomaly for me. I think it may be that I felt the condensed nature of this book (summarizing Edge of Eternity, which I had not yet read). At any rate, for whatever reason, this book just did not play well for me. ( )

The Chasm by Randy Alcorn is a shortened version of his book Edge of Eternity. It is an allegory of Christianity, salvation, and the spiritual battle that rages all around us-- unseen. This book would be good to give as a gift to others who are unfamiliar or who do not understand the gospel story. This is actually quite a short book, so it would be a good book for people who don't read a huge amount. There are 12 original illustrations in the book that make me think this would be great as a graphic novel. For long-time Christians, you would not be surprised at all by the plot. I liked it, and several parts made me think. However, I think I would prefer the longer book with the allegory set as part of a man's life. There are not many Christian allegories written today, so it was a good change of pace. ( )

The Chasm is an allegorical story about a man who is taking a journey to a shining city. The story takes you through part of his journey -- how he first saw the city, the different paths he chose and what happens to him along the way. The climax of the book is his arrival at the Chasm and the events that surround the crossing.

I understood the allegory to be representative of a Christian's journey through life, similar to John Bunyan's "Pilgrim Progress". I thought the story seemed a little rushed (although this is probably because I could hardly help comparing it to Pilgrim's Progress as I read). Another reason this might be the case is that later I saw that this book (short and quick reading) is actually adapted from part of one of Alcorn's novels -- "Edge of Eternity". In my opinion it also lacks some of the theological depth that Bunyan's work includes, and that left me feeling disappointed. [However, the book includes a thought-provoking study guide for each chapter that I did not use. it may have helped me realize more of the meaning of the spiritual truths being presented had I read more slowly and studied the questions after each chapter.]

That having been said, I really do think the book is a vivid picture to help us understand what happens as a sinner searches for the Savior. It reminds us that spiritual warfare is real. It shows sin as destructive and appalling. I especially appreciated the way Alcorn reveals the enemy as deceitful, masquarading as a friend. And most importantly it gives a graphic illustration of what Christ's sacrifice was all about that is sure to stir you from your comfort zone and remind you of God's grace and mercy.

The book is small and compact, hardcover, and even includes illustrations. It seems like a great gift for someone who is struggling to understand sin and the Savior. For someone who has been a Christian for some time, it is a fresh reminder of the wretchedness of mankind, and the glorious gift of salvation. ( )