Positives Many readers found this book to be a deeply touching, heartwarming, and emotionally profound experience, often describing it as an inspiring and beautiful true story. The narrative, which some felt read like a novel, was praised for its ability to draw readers in, particularly through the compelling early life story of Denver, one of the main characters. Reviewers highlighted themes of trust, relationships, faith, and serving others, along with a message of Christian social responsibility and the transformative power of divine grace. The book was also seen as providing a deeper understanding of homelessness, societal issues like sharecropping and civil rights, and the idea that all people, despite their differences, share fundamental human needs. For many, it served as a powerful faith-builder and a catalyst for thought-provoking discussions, making it a popular choice for book clubs.
Negatives Conversely, a significant number of readers expressed discomfort with the book's perceived preachiness and overt evangelical messaging, feeling it sometimes veered into propaganda. The writing style was criticized by some as atrocious, poorly structured, and dragging in places. The character of Ron, the international art dealer, often came across as self-congratulatory, egomaniacal, and insincere in his faith, with some reviewers disliking his personal anecdotes and perceived lack of humility. Concerns were raised about the subtitle's accuracy, particularly regarding the term "modern-day slave" in a 1960s context and the portrayal of the central relationship as "unlikely." Some felt that Denver's fascinating story was not explored in enough depth, with the narrative shifting unexpectedly halfway through to focus heavily on a cancer storyline, which some found jarring or unwelcome, especially those with personal experiences with the illness. Additionally, some critics felt the book presented a "white savior" narrative, simplified complex social issues, and portrayed Ron's wife, Deborah, as an overly idealized, two-dimensional saint.
Conclusion Overall, reviews for this book are highly polarized, with readers often having strong, opposing reactions. It is generally considered a powerful and emotionally resonant read for those open to its strong spiritual and faith-based themes, particularly within a Christian context. Readers seeking an inspiring true story about unlikely friendships, personal transformation, and the importance of compassion and service to others are likely to find it rewarding. However, individuals who are averse to overt religious proselytizing, prefer a more nuanced exploration of social issues, or are sensitive to perceived self-congratulatory tones may find the book less appealing. Despite the divided opinions, many reviewers noted its effectiveness as a book club selection, sparking extensive and meaningful discussions among diverse groups of readers.
