In the challenges confronted by a very ordinary family in far from ordinary circumstances, the author writes of the divides encountered and crossed in a country torn apart politically as well as geologically.
Gill Williamson Smith arrived in Marxist Chile with her Anglican minister husband and their three children, all under four years, to an earthquake, endless queues for food, political intrigues and assassinations. Within three years fragile democracy was replaced by a harsh military dictatorship. The call of God took them from working among Cockneys in the East End of London to well-heeled, middle-class Chileans and Diplomats, a call tested in the crucible of adversity. Humour and frustration, laughter and tears, hopes and fears give the reader some idea of living out the Christian faith in both Allende’s and Pinochet’s Chile.
Pre-conceived ideas of those on ‘the other side’, both in politics and in faith, are re-defined for the author as God is encountered in surprising ways. Tracing the lives of some of those leads the reader to a discovery of far-reaching consequences, both within and beyond Chile today.
5 out of 5
I have a special interest in the subject matter of this book because I lived in Chile for a year when I was 21. I could therefore picture lots of the places mentioned and understand the cultural references. I really enjoyed the historical detail and reading about the adventures, the friendships made and of course how God worked in the lives of the Smith family. I am sure many more people will enjoy the book. Thank you for an excellent read!
Review by: Jeremy Hutchinson on 1st July 2008
5 out of 5
I can imagine Gill’s parents looking forward to the unfailingly regular letters from their daughter in Chile. I see them sitting down and poring over them. “Their rabbit’s been killed!” “What, soldiers?” “No, a dog! They ate it for supper!” “What, the dog?” “No, the rabbit.” “They couldn’t! The kids loved that rabbit!” “Well you know how short food is for them. Gill says Naomi says Patsy tasted really nice.”
“They’ve had an earthquake!” “They haven’t! Are they all right?” “Yes. People round them killed and any number of houses knocked down, but they’re all right!”
“The Bishop’s asked Ray to apply for the job of Minister to the English speaking church.” “Well that’ll be a bit easier than all that Spanish. But I thought they wanted to help the poor people in Chile...”
These thrilling letters were kept by the parents, and with her diary have enabled Gill to write the most enthralling and detailed account of her and her family’s life. It keeps the feel of a letter home. You get to know the family and their friends; you see all that happened in Chile through the eyes of someone living through it.
Reading it is a very exciting experience.
Review by: Alan Harris on 11th June 2008
4 out of 5
What an intriguing book! Almost hard to classify. Is it a history book? (Yes, and very factual). Is it a travel book? (Yes, with fascinating accounts of travel to places most people only dream of). Is it a missionary book? (Yes, and a fantastic example of what God can do with someone who says they're "willing to be made willing" - p.20). Gill writes with candid honesty and the reader cannot help but laugh and cry with her. Perhaps the greatest lesson the book taught me is that, although the pathway to fulfilling God's mission for us in life may twist and turn, yet we can trust God and find Him in the unexpected. Highly recommended.
Review by: J K MacCallum on 19th May 2008
5 out of 5
A compelling account of a family's journey in faith into the unknown. Told with insight and humour it involves the reader not only in the everyday life and mission of the Smith family but also in the political events of Chile under the Dictators.
Review by: K Angier on 20th April 2008
4 out of 5
An enjoyable, colourful personal insight into this period of Chile's history told with much humour and compassion. An enjoyable read that left the reader wanting to know more.
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