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The Return: Grace and the Prodigal
Everyone knows the story of the prodigal son - or do they? In this fascinating book, skilled communicators J.John and Chris Walley give a new twist to an old story. THE RETURN is a three-part exploration of this most loved parable, combining fiction, Bible study and real-life testimony to open up this timeless story and its themes of grace and reconciliation.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2010
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About the author
J. John
132 books16 followersJ.John, a Greek-Cypriot by birth. He is married to Killy and they have 3 sons, Michael, Simeon and Benjamin. He became a Christian in 1975 and has been described as refreshing, humorous, passionate, earthy, accessible and dynamic.
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May 24, 2016
This is a review I did for Christianity magazine.
retuyrnThe story of the prodigal son has received fresh attention with this volume. Divided into three parts, the first is a retelling of the parable set in medieval southern Europe, the second is an examination of the parable itself, the context, and some issues in interpretation and the third section deals with the personal application.
The retelling is creative and imaginative, the second part is careful, helpful and insightful while the third is relevant and sensible and it is all well written and told with typical humour and humility. All in all there is much to commend this book but somehow it left me feeling it added up to less than sum of its parts and after clearly drawing out the forceful and shocking ending to the parable, the book itself ended with more of a whimper than a bang.
The positives more than outweigh the negatives however and if Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God is too erudite for some then The Return is likely to hit the mark.
High Point: The second sections’ explanation of the parable itself. Clear biblical teaching at its best.
Low point: The ending failed to draw it all together in a manner that fitted the subject.
retuyrnThe story of the prodigal son has received fresh attention with this volume. Divided into three parts, the first is a retelling of the parable set in medieval southern Europe, the second is an examination of the parable itself, the context, and some issues in interpretation and the third section deals with the personal application.
The retelling is creative and imaginative, the second part is careful, helpful and insightful while the third is relevant and sensible and it is all well written and told with typical humour and humility. All in all there is much to commend this book but somehow it left me feeling it added up to less than sum of its parts and after clearly drawing out the forceful and shocking ending to the parable, the book itself ended with more of a whimper than a bang.
The positives more than outweigh the negatives however and if Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God is too erudite for some then The Return is likely to hit the mark.
High Point: The second sections’ explanation of the parable itself. Clear biblical teaching at its best.
Low point: The ending failed to draw it all together in a manner that fitted the subject.
Displaying 1 of 1 review