In the middle of reading a rather large theological tome, I was looking take a bread with something "lighter". I selected from my "unread books" pile Ethel Barrett's Holy War (with apologies to John Bunyan). I remembered my Dad reading this to me as a child, and remembered more recently listening to Barrett's own audio rendition of it.

Barrett's treatment of the John Bunyan classic is hip and modern. She tells the story in a delightfully conversational tone, and the personalities and conversations she imagines give the tale a spice that keeps the reader riveted. The humorous dialogue between the evil Diabolous and his dastardly cohorts made me laugh out loud. (Favorite line: "Oh, you clever, clever--Here. Have a cigar. Imported brimstone. Take the whole box!")

None of this distracts from the message of the book, however. The tale of the fall and redemption of man, retold as the tale of a city that rebels against her King, and it's subsequent restoration, was never clearer. It is impossible for the believer (and must indeed be difficult for the unbeliever) not to see himself at some point or other in the history of "Mansoul".

Ethel Barrett has a reputation as a storyteller for children. While this story is definitely suited for children (I plan to read it to my son at the first possible opportunity) it is very much a "grown-up" tale.

If you have never read Bunyan's "Holy War", or have read it and are interested in a fresh take, this book is definitely worth your time. ( )

This is so good! My father read it to my brothers and I when we were young. I enjoyed reading it again as an adult. ( )