The novel's exploration of themes such as faith, identity, and the search for meaning is both timely and timeless. Shepard's portrayal of Crosby and Lutfi as multidimensional, flawed, and ultimately relatable human beings serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of human imagination and resilience.
5/5 stars
The story centers around two interconnected plot threads. The first follows Fanny H. Crosby, a pioneering American hymn writer who loses her sight at a young age and goes on to become one of the most prolific and beloved gospel songwriters of her time. The second narrative thread revolves around a young woman named Lutfi, who lives in 19th-century Ottoman Palestine and grapples with the tensions between her Muslim faith and her own desires for autonomy.