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Messages from Estillyen
SEARCHING for destiny Hollie and Goodwin Macbreeze journey to the Isle of Estillyen, a distant land inhabited by an ancient order of monks renowned for dramatic readings given in quaint structures dotted about the isle. The ancient order of message-making monks was founded in 1637. Swiftly and unexpectedly, the couple's lives become intertwined with the isle's most notorious inhabitant, the reclusive Oban Ironbout, longtime resident of The Point. A mystery from the past arises to transform them all. BlueInk Review: "In his breakout novel of spiritual revelation, William E. Jefferson invites readers on a journey of discovery where 'joy and meaning break through pain.' "The the themes are deep. Discerning readers will be drawn into the mystery surrounding Ironbout's tortured soul. And the readings interspersed throughout the story offer a unique presentation of the Gospel via the ongoing struggle between the forces of darkness and light, and the necessity for the solution in the 'Word made flesh.' "The author's writing is skilled, poetic, and reminiscent of the classical period. This is a book to savor, not to gulp; the pace is leisurely. The style is allegorical in part, reminiscent of John Bunyan and C.S. Lewis. The 'readings' hearken to Donne and Milton as well. "The novel will appeal to readers who appreciate British wit, the skill of a true wordsmith, and the challenge of metaphysical introspection. Christian readers will be especially delighted by the creative way the author brings the Bible to life. "Jefferson stays true to his motto: 'Words matter, some more than most.' The words in Messages from Estillyen matter. William E. Jefferson, author of the breakthrough novel, 'Messages from Estillyen, ' describes himself as a 'Message Maker.' "Yes, that's my preferred title," Jefferson explains. "Crafting a story, making meaning with words is such a challenging and rewarding endeavor. Jefferson writes from a small civil-war cottage in the rural Ozarks. He holds an M.Th. in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh and an M.A. in Communications from Wheaton Graduate School. He has spent his professional career advancing Scripture mission programs through diverse forms of media. Prior to authoring 'Messages from Estillyen' Jefferson helped to structure and implement global initiatives and programs for prominent organizations such as the American Bible Society, United Bible Societies, the International Bible Society (Biblica), and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. With his novel, Messages from Estillyen Jefferson shares much of the insight he has gleaned during his career, that words matter, and that "Christ alone is the perfect union of Medium and Message."
- GenresFiction
434 pages, Paperback
First published July 15, 2012
3 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
William E. Jefferson
8 books21 followersWilliam Jefferson’s first novel, Messages from Estillyen, is a highly allegorical tale set beyond the Storied Sea on the distant isle of named Estillyen. As Jefferson puts it, “Estillyen is equally far from everywhere, but mystically near.”
BlueInk Review gave Messages from Estillyen a stared review, saying:
The author’s writing is skilled, poetic, and reminiscent of the classical period. This is a book to savor, not to gulp; the pace is leisurely. The style is allegorical in part, reminiscent of John Bunyan and C.S. Lewis. The “readings” hearken to Donne and Milton as well.
Clarion Review followed suit:
The author weaves the threads of his story deftly and often poetically, shaping phrases with a lilting rhythm that evokes the cadences of storytellers of old . . .
Jefferson takes readers on rich allegorical journeys that skillfully embrace modern themes along the way. His latest novel, Presence, the Play, addresses the need of personal presence in a world awash in virtual, mediated matter.
Presence, the Play traces the journey of the main character, Script, to hell and back, as he recites Chaucer and Dante. The work is vibrantly Tolkienesque with C.S. Lewis acuity.
In many respects, Jefferson’s 2018 novel, Divine Choreography of Redemption, sets the stage for Presence, the Play. While not bound by space and time, Jefferson’s work is not divorced from human worth, want, and reality.
Bill Jefferson writes from a Civil War-era cottage in the rural Ozarks and is the owner of Storybook Barn. The original 1880s all-occasion venue welcomes guests from near and far. Bill Jefferson holds an MTh in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh and an MA in Communication from the Wheaton Graduate School
BlueInk Review gave Messages from Estillyen a stared review, saying:
The author’s writing is skilled, poetic, and reminiscent of the classical period. This is a book to savor, not to gulp; the pace is leisurely. The style is allegorical in part, reminiscent of John Bunyan and C.S. Lewis. The “readings” hearken to Donne and Milton as well.
Clarion Review followed suit:
The author weaves the threads of his story deftly and often poetically, shaping phrases with a lilting rhythm that evokes the cadences of storytellers of old . . .
Jefferson takes readers on rich allegorical journeys that skillfully embrace modern themes along the way. His latest novel, Presence, the Play, addresses the need of personal presence in a world awash in virtual, mediated matter.
Presence, the Play traces the journey of the main character, Script, to hell and back, as he recites Chaucer and Dante. The work is vibrantly Tolkienesque with C.S. Lewis acuity.
In many respects, Jefferson’s 2018 novel, Divine Choreography of Redemption, sets the stage for Presence, the Play. While not bound by space and time, Jefferson’s work is not divorced from human worth, want, and reality.
Bill Jefferson writes from a Civil War-era cottage in the rural Ozarks and is the owner of Storybook Barn. The original 1880s all-occasion venue welcomes guests from near and far. Bill Jefferson holds an MTh in Theology and Media from the University of Edinburgh and an MA in Communication from the Wheaton Graduate School
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 3, 2023
The story of Oban Ironbout, and Goodwin and Hollie Macbreeze is a wonderful little tale, but the true heart of Messages From Estillyen is in the readings from the monks. Though they do really work great together!
March 26, 2014
Words Matter on Estillyen
Messages from Estillyen brings together the two previous works by William E. Jefferson: The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout; and Redemption: Twelve Readings from the Monks of Estillyen. In Messages we have the story from The Point with the readings from Redemption interspersed with Hollie and Godwin's experience on Estillyen. I think this is a more successful book than either by itself.
In The Point, a young couple Hollie and Godwin Macbreeze journey to the beautiful island of Estillyen on a month long pilgrimage to hear the lectures on redemption. Hollie is facing a difficult diagnosis and is more interested in the lectures than Godwin. He is fulfilling a boyhood ambition to see the cottage on the point that he calls My Cottage Rare. He drew a picture of the cottage when he was a child from a photograph made by his grandfather, and it has haunted him ever since.
Hollie and Godwin both enjoy the lectures, but Godwin also finds the cottage and meets Oban Ironbout. It changes life for both of them and for Hollie.
In Redemption the readings given in summary form in the Point are produced in full. The twelve readings are done by the monks in various settings around the island. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings almost as much as the readings. Estillyen would be a place I'd like to visit.
The readings are done by the monks. One monk, the reader, presents relevant scripture passages, the other takes the role of a doubter, or Satan. The readings emphasize the relationship between the medium, the word, and the message. Words gain importance because of who says them. Christ's words are important because of the concepts they express, but most of all because he says them.
The combination of The Point and Redemption in one volume that knits the story of Oban Ironbout together with the readings on redemption has more impact than either book alone because the story is an example of what the readings are about.
I recommend this book. The story is interesting and the readings draw you in because the language is perfect for the setting. You feel as if you're present at the readings with Hollie and Godwin.
Messages from Estillyen brings together the two previous works by William E. Jefferson: The Point: The Redemption of Oban Ironbout; and Redemption: Twelve Readings from the Monks of Estillyen. In Messages we have the story from The Point with the readings from Redemption interspersed with Hollie and Godwin's experience on Estillyen. I think this is a more successful book than either by itself.
In The Point, a young couple Hollie and Godwin Macbreeze journey to the beautiful island of Estillyen on a month long pilgrimage to hear the lectures on redemption. Hollie is facing a difficult diagnosis and is more interested in the lectures than Godwin. He is fulfilling a boyhood ambition to see the cottage on the point that he calls My Cottage Rare. He drew a picture of the cottage when he was a child from a photograph made by his grandfather, and it has haunted him ever since.
Hollie and Godwin both enjoy the lectures, but Godwin also finds the cottage and meets Oban Ironbout. It changes life for both of them and for Hollie.
In Redemption the readings given in summary form in the Point are produced in full. The twelve readings are done by the monks in various settings around the island. I enjoyed the descriptions of the settings almost as much as the readings. Estillyen would be a place I'd like to visit.
The readings are done by the monks. One monk, the reader, presents relevant scripture passages, the other takes the role of a doubter, or Satan. The readings emphasize the relationship between the medium, the word, and the message. Words gain importance because of who says them. Christ's words are important because of the concepts they express, but most of all because he says them.
The combination of The Point and Redemption in one volume that knits the story of Oban Ironbout together with the readings on redemption has more impact than either book alone because the story is an example of what the readings are about.
I recommend this book. The story is interesting and the readings draw you in because the language is perfect for the setting. You feel as if you're present at the readings with Hollie and Godwin.
March 29, 2014
Jefferson weaves the fictional story of a couple who have retreated to the island of Estillyen where they meet a man who is holding in perpetual mourning and the presentations of twelve church-like readings.
After the death of Godwin's grandfather, Holly and Godwin seek Estillyen, not knowing all they were to discover. They seek out Mr. Ironbouts who has settled into grief with permanence. They are drawn to him despite many warnings. I found myself sympathizing with Ironbouts and his pain in grief.
Their time in Estillyen is dotted by several liturgies by monks. These readings dissect biblical moments of God's redemption. I found myself seeing the familiar Scriptures with a new insight. Often, I had to close the book and just think through the impact of a particular moment in Scripture or the thread woven between several texts.
Message from Estillyen was entertaining yet devotional. Jerferson's artistic use of vivid language is truly a gift. There were so many truths that I thought through for several days after reading the text. Jefferson's ability to extrapolate biblical wisdom and share it creatively is remarkable.
After the death of Godwin's grandfather, Holly and Godwin seek Estillyen, not knowing all they were to discover. They seek out Mr. Ironbouts who has settled into grief with permanence. They are drawn to him despite many warnings. I found myself sympathizing with Ironbouts and his pain in grief.
Their time in Estillyen is dotted by several liturgies by monks. These readings dissect biblical moments of God's redemption. I found myself seeing the familiar Scriptures with a new insight. Often, I had to close the book and just think through the impact of a particular moment in Scripture or the thread woven between several texts.
Message from Estillyen was entertaining yet devotional. Jerferson's artistic use of vivid language is truly a gift. There were so many truths that I thought through for several days after reading the text. Jefferson's ability to extrapolate biblical wisdom and share it creatively is remarkable.
March 2, 2014
To put it simply: it is difficult to find a modern writer as talented with words as Jefferson. This was my first time reading his work, and I have to say that it left me feeling just a little bit changed. Not only was the story engrossing, but there was almost a poetic candor to this novel. The journey the characters take leaves one pondering, and up to the very last sentence I felt a sort of optimism imbued within the words. Goodwin manages to be a very realistic person -- a person with doubts, but once he finds his purpose in his faith, his peace and joy is tangible. This book is uplifting and left me feeling a certain amount of joy. Well worth the time & effort put into reading.
March 2, 2014
To put it simply: it is difficult to find a modern writer as talented with words as Jefferson. This was my first time reading his work, and I have to say that it left me feeling just a little bit changed. Not only was the story engrossing, but there was almost a poetic candor to this novel. The journey the characters take leaves one pondering, and up to the very last sentence I felt a sort of optimism imbued within the words. Goodwin manages to be a very realistic person -- a person with doubts, but once he finds his purpose in his faith, his peace and joy is tangible. This book is uplifting and left me feeling a certain amount of joy. Well worth the time & effort put into reading.
October 10, 2024
This was a fanfic titled Where you used to lay your head. It was sooo amazing! I loved it!
January 30, 2015
Reviewed by Brecken M, writing student
"William E. Jefferson’s romance novel, Messages of Estillyen, follows newlyweds Goodwin and Hollie Macbreeze as they search for comfort and peace."
For the complete review visit:
http://eclalibraries.org/2015/01/29/b...
"William E. Jefferson’s romance novel, Messages of Estillyen, follows newlyweds Goodwin and Hollie Macbreeze as they search for comfort and peace."
For the complete review visit:
http://eclalibraries.org/2015/01/29/b...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews