Title: The Cost of the Crown
Author: Claudia Esh
Major Themes: Anabaptists, Holland, Persecution
Synopsis: When two young girls become Christians and join the Anabaptists, can their faith hold out through persecution?
In our journey through world history, we have reached the Reformation. Sonlight Curriculum doesn’t include any books from an Anabaptist perspective, but because we identify with that movement, I’m adding in several historical novels about the Anabaptists. The Cost of the Crown is one that we had on hand, so I chose it as a recent read-aloud.
Two young women, Margriete and Grietje, were both convicted of their sins and surrendered their lives to Jesus, becoming part of the Anabaptist movement. When they were captured during an illegal meeting and put in prison, what would become of the girls? Would their faith stand the pressure to recant?
The main characters of this story are fictitious, but all the incidents related are based on stories from The Martyr’s Mirror. The faith of the early Anabaptists in the face of trials comes through clearly, and there is just enough suspense in the story to keep you going through the book. While I don’t think this will be remembered as one of our favorite stories, it was definitely a worthwhile one to read together, and a faith-strengthener
WARNING: Torture and executions are mentioned a few times. The worst was in Chapter 22, when two people were burned at the stake for their faith.
Age levels:
Listening Level—Ages 10 – 12
Reading Independently—Ages 12 – 15, 15 and Above, Adults
Links to buy this book:
Amazon: Paperback
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