Book Review - The Shack

The Shack - William P. Young

Windblown Media 2007
www.theshackbook.com

The Shack is written from the viewpoint of a man named Mack. After a serial killer abducts his daughter Missy, the search party is lead to an isolated shack where evidence points to her brutal murder. Blaming God for the tragedy, his relationship with God subsequently deteriorates. Some years later, Mack returns to the shack and the story diverts from reality and follows him as he encounters the Holy Trinity in the form of Papa (God) portrayed as a black woman, Jesus as an ordinary man in jeans and t-shirt, and Sarayu (The Holy Spirit) as an Asian woman. The reader witnesses Mack's journey of healing, discovering insights into the nature of the Trinity, relationships, grace, heaven and pain and suffering.

Young describes The Shack as "a metaphor for the places you get stuck, you get hurt, you get damaged...the thing where shame or hurt is centred." This book is more than a work of fiction about a man's suffering; it presents an insight into what an authentic relationship with God might look like, and explores theological issues in a manner which encourages the reader from a 'head knowledge' perspective, to an understanding in the heart as we relate to and think about the main character's situation.

There is a wonderful balance of laughter, tearjerker moments and easy to understand theological issues. The story is divided into chapters, which themselves are subdivided into sections, to allow the reader to absorb what has taken place before moving on. Since publication, over 1 million copies have been sold and the novel is a New York Times best-seller. Young is a devotee of C.S.Lewis, and credits Lewis for his own interest in exploring tough questions which often keep people from faith in God.

Anyone with doubts about God or questions the meaning of life will benefit from The Shack, but it will be particularly encouraging to those who have experienced deep suffering. It is by no means conventional, and will most likely challenge your pre-conceived theological ideas. Despite this, God's love and desire for a relationship with humanity is clearly communicated in a positive way throughout the novel. An absorbing story which will change your perspective on life and leave you wanting more of God.

Emily Temple, 01/04/2010