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Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, Unlikely Friends on the Passage to Freedom
Thomas Johnson and Charles Spurgeon lived worlds apart.
Johnson, an American slave, born into captivity and longing for freedom--- Spurgeon, an Englishman born into relative ease and comfort, but, longing too for a freedom of his own. Their respective journeys led to an unlikely meeting and an even more unlikely friendship, forged by fate and mutual love for the mission of Christ.
Steal Away Home is a new kind of book based on historical research, which tells a previously untold story set in the 1800s of the relationship between an African-American missionary and one of the greatest preachers to ever live.
Johnson, an American slave, born into captivity and longing for freedom--- Spurgeon, an Englishman born into relative ease and comfort, but, longing too for a freedom of his own. Their respective journeys led to an unlikely meeting and an even more unlikely friendship, forged by fate and mutual love for the mission of Christ.
Steal Away Home is a new kind of book based on historical research, which tells a previously untold story set in the 1800s of the relationship between an African-American missionary and one of the greatest preachers to ever live.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2017
159 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
About the author
Matt Carter
13 books8 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching and Vision at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which has grown from a core team of fifteen to more than eight-thousand attending each Sunday since he planted it in 2002. Matt has co-authored multiple books including a commentary on the Gospel of John in The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series and two group studies, Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored, which traced the gospel message through the book of Genesis. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Jennifer have been married for more than twenty years, and they have three children, John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel.
Matt Carter serves as the Pastor of Preaching and Vision at the Austin Stone Community Church in Austin, Texas, which has grown from a core team of fifteen to more than eight-thousand attending each Sunday since he planted it in 2002. Matt has co-authored multiple books including a commentary on the Gospel of John in The Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series and two group studies, Creation Unraveled and Creation Restored, which traced the gospel message through the book of Genesis. He holds an M.Div. from Southwestern Seminary and a Doctorate in Expositional Preaching from Southeastern Seminary. He and his wife Jennifer have been married for more than twenty years, and they have three children, John Daniel, Annie, and Samuel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 258 reviews
September 5, 2017
Steal Away Home opens in 1841 when Spurgeon is a lad of 7 and concludes with his death in 1892. Authors Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey hit many highlights of Spurgeon’s life and ministry without glossing over the physical ailments and bouts of depression which often plagued him. Having recently read a biography about the “Prince of Preachers,” I believe how this book differs is by stressing the humility of Spurgeon as well as the beauty of his marriage. Both Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson appear to have been married to their perfect helpmates, and as a woman, I enjoyed these two portraits of Christian marriage.
Through this book, I was introduced to Thomas Johnson. It was interesting to learn how Johnson’s first heard Charles Spurgeon’s name mentioned at a public burning of the preacher’s books and tracts. His later pursuit of missions and attendance at the Preachers’ College boasted of God’s goodness and provision. As the title of the book states, their friendship was “unlikely” given their geographical, economic, and educational backgrounds, yet they overcame all of these obstacles by finding unity in Christ. Furthermore, they could commiserate with one another over suffering while praising God with their very next breath. What joy and comfort can be found in Christian friendships!
Overall, this story was insightful and inspiring. It didn’t possess as much dialogue as other historical fiction novels I’ve read, but I did feel a connection with these people. Looking back over the quotations I earmarked, I did notice a number of my favorites happen to be the words of Susannah Spurgeon. I’m curious to know if they can actually be contributed to her or if Carter and Ivey birthed them out of their own imaginations. Regardless, Steal Away Home is a fascinating read that will appeal to a broad Christian audience.
**I received this book free as a member of the B&H Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Through this book, I was introduced to Thomas Johnson. It was interesting to learn how Johnson’s first heard Charles Spurgeon’s name mentioned at a public burning of the preacher’s books and tracts. His later pursuit of missions and attendance at the Preachers’ College boasted of God’s goodness and provision. As the title of the book states, their friendship was “unlikely” given their geographical, economic, and educational backgrounds, yet they overcame all of these obstacles by finding unity in Christ. Furthermore, they could commiserate with one another over suffering while praising God with their very next breath. What joy and comfort can be found in Christian friendships!
Overall, this story was insightful and inspiring. It didn’t possess as much dialogue as other historical fiction novels I’ve read, but I did feel a connection with these people. Looking back over the quotations I earmarked, I did notice a number of my favorites happen to be the words of Susannah Spurgeon. I’m curious to know if they can actually be contributed to her or if Carter and Ivey birthed them out of their own imaginations. Regardless, Steal Away Home is a fascinating read that will appeal to a broad Christian audience.
**I received this book free as a member of the B&H Blogger program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
July 31, 2017
Before reading this book I'd only heard quotes from, and the legend of Charles Spurgeon. This book gives the reader an intimate look at the inner struggles and turmoil that Charles Spurgeon faced. The beauty of this book is that it makes Charles out to a mere man - plagued with depression, self-doubt, and much physical suffering...
This book rightly portrays Charles Spurgeon as an incredible leader, preacher, husband, and man, but most of all it portrays him as someone who was in constant need of the Gospel to get him through each day.
I laughed, I cried (several times), and I was challenged in my own relationship with Jesus. I highly recommend this book!
This book rightly portrays Charles Spurgeon as an incredible leader, preacher, husband, and man, but most of all it portrays him as someone who was in constant need of the Gospel to get him through each day.
I laughed, I cried (several times), and I was challenged in my own relationship with Jesus. I highly recommend this book!
June 29, 2021
Another "reads like a fiction" non-fiction :)
Probably more accurate to put it this way --like a historical movie -- "based on true events"
Probably more accurate to put it this way --like a historical movie -- "based on true events"
August 7, 2017
Growing up Catholic, I hadn't heard of Charles Spurgeon before, but really enjoyed learning about him and his friend Thomas, a man who found Jesus in the depths of slavery and went on to preach about the profound freedom found in Christ. I enjoyed the writing style of this book, and the clear love and research that went into its creation. I love the way this book addressed depression, faith, slavery, family, calling and love. I'd highly recommend it!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2018
This book tells the life stories of Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson and how their lives intersected. I enjoyed reading Johnson’s story, but found myself wanting to skim the chapters on Spurgeon. I felt like Spurgeon was inaccurately depicted based on what I have read of him. The book was too wordy. Every sentence was filled with adjectives upon adjectives. You can tell a lot of work went into it, but it fell short in my opinion.
August 23, 2017
"Steal Away Home" is a Christian historical novel set in 1841 to 1892 in England and America. It's a novel, not a biography or history book. According to the authors, they often used quotations from Spurgeon's or Johnson's own writing and most of the persons, places, and dates were based on real events.
I think I'd have preferred a nonfiction account so I'd know what Spurgeon actually thought versus what parts were the authors' take on the situation. This story just left me with questions. For example, Spurgeon's grandfather was portrayed as good preacher whom Spurgeon frequently heard preach. Yet their young Spurgeon thought of God as angry, condemning, and disgusted with him until a guest preach explained how much Jesus loved him. They have Spurgeon preaching that you find peace or love in Jesus, yet we're repeatedly told that throughout his life he felt lost, more dead than alive, was crippled with depression and sorrow, and wished he was dead. I can understand why he struggled with depression, but it just came across like he preached a hope that he didn't feel in his own life. (He did eventually break free of the depression.)
Anyway, the story followed Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson from their youth until Spurgeon's death, showing the defining incidents in their lives. The story took a few chapters before it started moving smoothly forward (as the beginning was description-heavy and jumped around in time). At that point, it was interesting and moved along pretty quickly, but it was still narration-heavy. This book made me want to read a real biography of these two men.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I think I'd have preferred a nonfiction account so I'd know what Spurgeon actually thought versus what parts were the authors' take on the situation. This story just left me with questions. For example, Spurgeon's grandfather was portrayed as good preacher whom Spurgeon frequently heard preach. Yet their young Spurgeon thought of God as angry, condemning, and disgusted with him until a guest preach explained how much Jesus loved him. They have Spurgeon preaching that you find peace or love in Jesus, yet we're repeatedly told that throughout his life he felt lost, more dead than alive, was crippled with depression and sorrow, and wished he was dead. I can understand why he struggled with depression, but it just came across like he preached a hope that he didn't feel in his own life. (He did eventually break free of the depression.)
Anyway, the story followed Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson from their youth until Spurgeon's death, showing the defining incidents in their lives. The story took a few chapters before it started moving smoothly forward (as the beginning was description-heavy and jumped around in time). At that point, it was interesting and moved along pretty quickly, but it was still narration-heavy. This book made me want to read a real biography of these two men.
I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 7, 2020
This book has the accessibility of a novel but the richness of a biography. Thomas Johnson's road to freedom from slavery to missionary service in Africa serves as an outward picture of Spurgeon's lifelong struggle to be free from slavery to depression and pain. Any Christian, but particularly those struggling with depression or chronic illness, would be blessed by this book.
January 2, 2019
Great way to start the year off. This is a wonderful insight about two heroes of Faith. Great Read. A must read to those who trust in Christ.
January 14, 2023
This is an excellent book! I don’t think I’ve ever read a biography about Charles Spurgeon before, but I’ve heard his name a lot, and have read a few of his writings. This book tells his story, and it also tells the story of a former slave, Thomas Johnson. Before I read this book, I’d never heard of Johnson. I also didn’t know that Spurgeon struggled with depression most of his life, or that he and his wife had so many health issues. It was an encouraging read because even though there weren’t any quick fixes in his path (and he suffered from depression right up until the end of his life), Spurgeon remained faithful to the Lord throughout and tried to surround himself with people who spoke the truth to him. After reading this book, I’m looking forward to learning more about him and reading more of his writings. This was well-written and engaging—one I’d like to have on the shelf one day!
January 3, 2023
A very personally meaningful read. I learned of the significance and longevity of the physical suffering Spurgeon experience over decades of his life. I had only known the power of his sermons, but not the suffering that colored every word. Charles’ vulnerable relationship with Thomas, and Thomas’ commitment to speak the words of life over Charles were powerful. A true testament of the power of the Holy Spirit to comfort through His people.
May 9, 2019
I found the idea of this book intriguing, but although it feels unkind to say it, the execution just fell short. Perhaps a straight biography, written by a talented biographer, would have done this story justice. As a historical novel, it too often dragged and just seemed somehow inauthentic.
Reading this book did confirm to me — this is going to sound cruel, but I don’t mean it to — that it must be exceedingly difficult to write a good novel. I sure as heck couldn’t do it!
Reading this book did confirm to me — this is going to sound cruel, but I don’t mean it to — that it must be exceedingly difficult to write a good novel. I sure as heck couldn’t do it!
June 5, 2020
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Very inspirational and so well written.
June 21, 2020
This is a truly wonderful and inspiring story, so let me make that clear at the outset. I really wanted to like this book. But it is let down by the poor quality of its prose. Where were the editors?!?
It’s impossible to tell where fiction departs from history, of course. But i couldn’t help feeling that this was romanticised to some degree, as well as psychologically superficial. After all, Thomas Johnson’s conversion and subsequent experiences as a freed African American slave seem glossed over far too easily. And what of the uk? Did he never experience racism here? In the church? Never? Hard to believe.
Still, I’m glad for having read this, glad to have had my respect for Spurgeon rekindled, and above all this has spurred me to discover more about Thomas Johnson’s remarkable life.
It’s impossible to tell where fiction departs from history, of course. But i couldn’t help feeling that this was romanticised to some degree, as well as psychologically superficial. After all, Thomas Johnson’s conversion and subsequent experiences as a freed African American slave seem glossed over far too easily. And what of the uk? Did he never experience racism here? In the church? Never? Hard to believe.
Still, I’m glad for having read this, glad to have had my respect for Spurgeon rekindled, and above all this has spurred me to discover more about Thomas Johnson’s remarkable life.
December 5, 2022
I really enjoyed this quick walk through some episodes from Spurgeon’s life. As a pastor’s wife , it was refreshing to read the very relatable conversations between Susannah and Charles, and it was encouraging to read about how they persevered in ministry despite their many trials (especially their significant health trials). It was beautiful to read about their friendships with fellow laborers for the Kingdom. The focus of the book is on his friendship with Thomas Johnson, but it includes many others who served with him at the Met Tab as well, and it makes me thankful for those partners in gospel ministry God has put in our lives as well.
The reading level is very accessible. I would say an eighth grader could handle it, so it’s a quick and enjoyable read for an adult.
The reading level is very accessible. I would say an eighth grader could handle it, so it’s a quick and enjoyable read for an adult.
September 1, 2017
Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon & Thomas Johnson - Unlikely Friends on the Passage to Freedom by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey, is a novel that tells of a friendship between those two men. One was a pastor who became quite famous, and yet had a lot of troubles in his life, and the other a former slave who became a preacher and then a Missionary to Africa. This book is an attempt to imagine their lives leading up to their ultimate meeting and friendship. Various chapters deal with either the perspective of Spurgeon or that of Thomas in a particular year. The time advances through the chapters, showing the growing perspective of the men individually.
I really wanted to like this book, but sadly I didn't. First, , as I was reading this book I kept running across parts where the thought kept nagging me that something about the depiction wasn't right. I went and looked at some other books I have on Spurgeon and realized the thought was generally correct. The authors don't seem very concerned about getting the history right.
I'll give a couple of examples: First, when Spurgeon's wife, Susannah, heard Spurgeon preach and laid eyes on Spurgeon for the first time, the book describes Susannah as struggling with conviction, focused upon a spiritual question provoked by Charles' sermon. But in real life Susannah herself says, "Alas, for my vain and foolish heart! I was not spiritually minded enough to understand his earnest presentation of the Gospel and his powerful pleading with sinners", rather she remembers that his odd attire attracted most of her attention and caused her some amusement. The portrayal afterward when they met at dinner seemed odd as well, Spurgeon and Susannah are depicted as flirting with each other, even though they were only just meeting each other! I never understood that to be the case. Another inaccuracy in the book is that Susannah is present in the building at the time of the Surrey Gardens Music Hall disaster and Spurgeon runs to her immediately after attempting to conclude the message. In reality Susannah was not there, she was at home having not yet recovered from childbirth. I understand that this is a work of fiction, but I understood that it was going to be building around the historical facts, not changing them. This just seemed like an attempt to make the events romantic, when they were not.
Second, I didn't like that Charles and Susannah are portrayed together in bed. Nothing really indecent is described there but I feel really uncomfortable with that type of thing. The conversations that this book depicts them having in bed could have been had in the living room during the day. There was also at least one description of Spurgeon touching his wife that make me feel uncomfortable, it seemed slightly sensual. Maybe I'm just too picky, but I don't need to picture them caressing each other in order to realize that they loved each other. I don't understand why this needs to be depicted?
And then, ironically, some of Spurgeon's struggle with depression is depicted in a depressing way. Spurgeon is shown to struggle with various fears, fear about his wife dying, about himself dying with no one to mourn him, fearing that too many people need him, feeling that no one needs him, and he has struggles with the "why" of his and his wife's sufferings. Things like that. He finally finds peace late in the book when Johnson talks to him, but that doesn't make much sense. I don't understand that what Johnson told him was different from what he had already been contemplating himself, in real life and in the book. And I really didn't think that Spurgeon's almost despairing "why?" was in keeping with his character.
I never thought that Spurgeon lived through a good portion of his life doubting the sanctifying purpose of God in suffering. From what I've read, he seemed to understand it most of his life as a Christian! And I always thought that good deal of his sadness and depression stemmed from his grief for others. That he mourning for the souls of people and their not caring for God rather than fearing that they did not care about him. That he mourned for the state of the church and the indifference of so called Christians to getting the Gospel right and Biblical doctrine right. I also remember his grieving that he didn't preach adequately. In a way, a lot of Spurgeon's sorrows seemed to me to be godly sorrow, rather than worldly sorrow. But perhaps I misunderstood Spurgeon's depression in my readings of biographies about him, or perhaps I just don't remember correctly.
But the way they have him deal with his depression (or not deal with it) also bothered me. One spot talks about him using nature: "Whether it was a starry night on the patio, a morning in the garden, an afternoon with bees, or a week in the countryside with a friend, Charles did his best to surround himself with things that felt natural, real, and truthful. Because when a person wars against depression, and tries with all their might to push away the haunting darkness……that person pays very close attention to the things that illuminate truth. Like sunshine after a weeklong shower, truth is wonderfully bright to a depressed heart." That didn't make biblical sense to me. That the things which are seen illuminate truth and, by implication, provoke faith? Doesn't that contradict what Hebrews 11:1 says about faith? And other Biblical passages as well? Truth is found by hearing the Word of God, and faith comes by that Word, not by staring at nature or finding things to stir up one's emotions or feelings.
The portrayal of the two wives, Spurgeon's wife and Johnson's wife, gave me an impression that the wives were the spiritual leaders of the families. I know in Spurgeon's family that wasn't the case in real life. Spurgeon was his "wifey's" spiritual leader. That change grated at me, but maybe I just read it the wrong way. And then Spurgeon seemed too, how shall I describe it? Too flighty? Too mystical? He didn't seem as grounded in the truth of God's Word as the real Spurgeon was.
The book didn't talk about the DownGrade controversy, or Susannah's book fund for pastors who were struggling financially. Facts like those would have been interesting to have delved into and contemplated. Showing Spurgeon's fight to keep to the truths of the Bible rather than give in and promote the doctrines of men. Instead the book just seemed to desperately be trying to interweave Johnson and Spurgeon's lives more than they probably actually were. Even at the very end, they portray Susannah softly singing "Steal Away" to Spurgeon as he is dying. Maybe she did, though I don't remember it. I remember having read in a biography that the song that was sung close to the time Spurgeon died was "Emmanuel's Land", which, as nice as Steal Away is, has a lot more biblical concepts than the latter.
I have focused on the book's portrayal of Spurgeon and his wife because I don't know much about Thomas Johnson. But, knowing how they portrayed the Spurgeons, I'm not sure I'd completely trust the portrayal of Johnson or his wife either. I am very disappointed. The book was well written, I just didn't find this Spurgeon to be the Spurgeon I read about in the biographies. Historical Fact is more fascinating than historical fiction, and the individual facts of history were all ordained of God, so we can't make them any better! The facts God ordained, events, people, times, how much people met, how little they met…etc, are all perfect! Work with those! I really wish that the authors of this novel had grounded their fiction more solidly in the facts God ordained rather than amending them to fit some other storyline they wanted to run with.
Thanks to the folks at B&H Publishing for the free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)!
I really wanted to like this book, but sadly I didn't. First, , as I was reading this book I kept running across parts where the thought kept nagging me that something about the depiction wasn't right. I went and looked at some other books I have on Spurgeon and realized the thought was generally correct. The authors don't seem very concerned about getting the history right.
I'll give a couple of examples: First, when Spurgeon's wife, Susannah, heard Spurgeon preach and laid eyes on Spurgeon for the first time, the book describes Susannah as struggling with conviction, focused upon a spiritual question provoked by Charles' sermon. But in real life Susannah herself says, "Alas, for my vain and foolish heart! I was not spiritually minded enough to understand his earnest presentation of the Gospel and his powerful pleading with sinners", rather she remembers that his odd attire attracted most of her attention and caused her some amusement. The portrayal afterward when they met at dinner seemed odd as well, Spurgeon and Susannah are depicted as flirting with each other, even though they were only just meeting each other! I never understood that to be the case. Another inaccuracy in the book is that Susannah is present in the building at the time of the Surrey Gardens Music Hall disaster and Spurgeon runs to her immediately after attempting to conclude the message. In reality Susannah was not there, she was at home having not yet recovered from childbirth. I understand that this is a work of fiction, but I understood that it was going to be building around the historical facts, not changing them. This just seemed like an attempt to make the events romantic, when they were not.
Second, I didn't like that Charles and Susannah are portrayed together in bed. Nothing really indecent is described there but I feel really uncomfortable with that type of thing. The conversations that this book depicts them having in bed could have been had in the living room during the day. There was also at least one description of Spurgeon touching his wife that make me feel uncomfortable, it seemed slightly sensual. Maybe I'm just too picky, but I don't need to picture them caressing each other in order to realize that they loved each other. I don't understand why this needs to be depicted?
And then, ironically, some of Spurgeon's struggle with depression is depicted in a depressing way. Spurgeon is shown to struggle with various fears, fear about his wife dying, about himself dying with no one to mourn him, fearing that too many people need him, feeling that no one needs him, and he has struggles with the "why" of his and his wife's sufferings. Things like that. He finally finds peace late in the book when Johnson talks to him, but that doesn't make much sense. I don't understand that what Johnson told him was different from what he had already been contemplating himself, in real life and in the book. And I really didn't think that Spurgeon's almost despairing "why?" was in keeping with his character.
I never thought that Spurgeon lived through a good portion of his life doubting the sanctifying purpose of God in suffering. From what I've read, he seemed to understand it most of his life as a Christian! And I always thought that good deal of his sadness and depression stemmed from his grief for others. That he mourning for the souls of people and their not caring for God rather than fearing that they did not care about him. That he mourned for the state of the church and the indifference of so called Christians to getting the Gospel right and Biblical doctrine right. I also remember his grieving that he didn't preach adequately. In a way, a lot of Spurgeon's sorrows seemed to me to be godly sorrow, rather than worldly sorrow. But perhaps I misunderstood Spurgeon's depression in my readings of biographies about him, or perhaps I just don't remember correctly.
But the way they have him deal with his depression (or not deal with it) also bothered me. One spot talks about him using nature: "Whether it was a starry night on the patio, a morning in the garden, an afternoon with bees, or a week in the countryside with a friend, Charles did his best to surround himself with things that felt natural, real, and truthful. Because when a person wars against depression, and tries with all their might to push away the haunting darkness……that person pays very close attention to the things that illuminate truth. Like sunshine after a weeklong shower, truth is wonderfully bright to a depressed heart." That didn't make biblical sense to me. That the things which are seen illuminate truth and, by implication, provoke faith? Doesn't that contradict what Hebrews 11:1 says about faith? And other Biblical passages as well? Truth is found by hearing the Word of God, and faith comes by that Word, not by staring at nature or finding things to stir up one's emotions or feelings.
The portrayal of the two wives, Spurgeon's wife and Johnson's wife, gave me an impression that the wives were the spiritual leaders of the families. I know in Spurgeon's family that wasn't the case in real life. Spurgeon was his "wifey's" spiritual leader. That change grated at me, but maybe I just read it the wrong way. And then Spurgeon seemed too, how shall I describe it? Too flighty? Too mystical? He didn't seem as grounded in the truth of God's Word as the real Spurgeon was.
The book didn't talk about the DownGrade controversy, or Susannah's book fund for pastors who were struggling financially. Facts like those would have been interesting to have delved into and contemplated. Showing Spurgeon's fight to keep to the truths of the Bible rather than give in and promote the doctrines of men. Instead the book just seemed to desperately be trying to interweave Johnson and Spurgeon's lives more than they probably actually were. Even at the very end, they portray Susannah softly singing "Steal Away" to Spurgeon as he is dying. Maybe she did, though I don't remember it. I remember having read in a biography that the song that was sung close to the time Spurgeon died was "Emmanuel's Land", which, as nice as Steal Away is, has a lot more biblical concepts than the latter.
I have focused on the book's portrayal of Spurgeon and his wife because I don't know much about Thomas Johnson. But, knowing how they portrayed the Spurgeons, I'm not sure I'd completely trust the portrayal of Johnson or his wife either. I am very disappointed. The book was well written, I just didn't find this Spurgeon to be the Spurgeon I read about in the biographies. Historical Fact is more fascinating than historical fiction, and the individual facts of history were all ordained of God, so we can't make them any better! The facts God ordained, events, people, times, how much people met, how little they met…etc, are all perfect! Work with those! I really wish that the authors of this novel had grounded their fiction more solidly in the facts God ordained rather than amending them to fit some other storyline they wanted to run with.
Thanks to the folks at B&H Publishing for the free review copy of this book (My review did not have to be favorable)!
August 30, 2020
I didn’t expect to like this book THiS much. It was so quality and the friendship is so special.
January 15, 2022
Such an amazing and convicting recounting of Spurgeon and Johnson’s lives. The final chapter brought me to tears.
January 1, 2018
Steal Away Home: Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, Unlikely Friends on the Passage to Freedom—wow, that is a mouthful! For the purpose of this review, I'm going to refer to it simply as Steal Away Home. This book is an account of the friendship between Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson.
It seems a fitting book to read as of late. Civil unrest is running high and people are afraid. Past hurts can be hard to heal and our society still has a long way to go to be where we need to be.
My heart absolutely breaks to think about how humans can treat one another in such a degrading and terrible manner. I cried as I read this book. Though not overly graphic—it still hurt my heart. I cannot imagine how a human being can justify owning another human as a slave.
Charles Spurgeon was a preacher that was vehemently against slavery. His sermons were once burned in the southern states because he spoke out on slavery.
Thomas Johnson was a slave that came to know Jesus in secret. When Thomas had nowhere to steal away to, he learned to steal away to Jesus.
Charles and Thomas formed an unlikely friendship that I would love to know more about. In this book we see Thomas helping Charles as he battles the depression that had plagued him since his youth.
Speaking of Charles' depression; I have seen other readers muse about how Charles could teach about hope in Christ when he couldn't find it for his own life. I think it's a common misunderstanding that depression is something one can control. While God is the great physician, it is likely that Charles struggled so because of physical maladies that exasperated his depression. However, by his own account, Charles felt that his physical and mental struggles allowed him to better minister to others. He could understand their pain.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I would have liked to have had more time to fully explore the friendship between Thomas and Charles. I also felt that this book largely overlooked Charles' children. I was unsure whether they even survived infancy because they were birthed and not mentioned again.
I think this book would be a good starting place to pique one's interest in the lives of Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson. But, I had many unanswered questions. Did Thomas have children? What became of his own ministry and so on? These questions led me to another book that is titled TWENTY-EIGHT YEARS A SLAVE OR THE STORY OF MY LIFE IN THREE CONTINENTS BY THOMAS L. JOHNSON. I hope that perhaps it will answer some of the questions that I have.
In that, this book did what all good books should. It made me want to learn more about the real-life characters.
As I wrap up this review, I'd like to share the old spiritual that inspired this title. Listen and should you feel led, steal your own heart away to Jesus.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by B&H Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
This review was originally posted on A Simply Enchanted Life
December 31, 2019
Like Killer Angels, by Michael Shaara, this historical novel tells the tale of Thomas Johnson, a Virginia-born slave in the 19th Century, and Charles Spurgeon, the world-renowned Baptist preacher in London, England. This book recounts the history of these two men and what brought them together--namely, their shared committed Christ.
More specifically, this book recounts the events surrounding Johnson's slavery, salvation, service in the Civil War, emancipation, and ministry in Chicago. It also recounts the intense difficulties of Spurgeon's life, plus his own hatred for slavery. Eventually, God directs Johnson's path to London, where the younger minister studies at Spurgeon's college. Afterward, Johnson goes to Africa as a missionary-pastor.
Overall, the book tells the incredible providence of God in directing the lives of these two men. This book will educate the reader about the suffering that slaves faced in the Antebellum South. It will disclose the ways that Spurgeon preached against slavery and the way Southerners responded to his anti-slavery message. It will also show how ministers of the gospel are often called to suffer for Christ and yet how God graciously meets the needs of his servants.
Well worth the read.
More specifically, this book recounts the events surrounding Johnson's slavery, salvation, service in the Civil War, emancipation, and ministry in Chicago. It also recounts the intense difficulties of Spurgeon's life, plus his own hatred for slavery. Eventually, God directs Johnson's path to London, where the younger minister studies at Spurgeon's college. Afterward, Johnson goes to Africa as a missionary-pastor.
Overall, the book tells the incredible providence of God in directing the lives of these two men. This book will educate the reader about the suffering that slaves faced in the Antebellum South. It will disclose the ways that Spurgeon preached against slavery and the way Southerners responded to his anti-slavery message. It will also show how ministers of the gospel are often called to suffer for Christ and yet how God graciously meets the needs of his servants.
Well worth the read.
April 25, 2020
This book is a beautiful book. I love the story of Charles and Susannah and also of Thomas and Henrietta. Both marriages were reflected the love of Christ. You see this in the way that they spoke to and cared for one another. The friendship between Thomas and Charles was also precious, Not only were they friends but they did not neglect to speak the truth to each other. It gives you a good picture of who Charles was as a person, and how God used Thomas to encourage and be a conduit of the Holy Spirit to Charles. You also see into Charles depression that he struggled with his entire life. This book makes me love Spurgeon more and I would like to find Johnson’s writings and find out more about him. I now want to read the journals and accounts that this book was written from. the hymn this book is named after is beautiful as well
February 9, 2018
Absolutely riveting. The Church would benefit greatly if more narrative based historical writing that is so vivid and compelling as this book start to be written. Carter and Ivey’s writing bring to life an amazing story of two incredible heroes of the faith, and edified my soul with beautiful, nourishing truth.
June 25, 2022
Very well written. Made me love and appreciate the Prince of Preachers, and his faithful God, even more; and introduced me to Thomas Johnson, pastor and missionary.
October 19, 2017
What a relevant book for our modern times. This story of Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson reminds us that we are all in need of freedom. It was true then and it's true now. We all have chains that enslave us and we need Someone to set us free.
The story begins when both men were around ten years of age. They were both curious boys wanting to do ten-year-old boy things. But they are from two completely different worlds. Charles is living mostly with his grandparents in England. He's loved and nurtured and valued. Thomas on the other hand was born into slavery on a plantation in Virginia and is beaten and abused into submission.
While it may seem that Thomas is the only one needing his freedom, Charles is plagued by chains of debilitating depression and physical ailments. As the story unfolds you are taken deeper into each man's world and get to see the freedom that only Christ can bring.
While this book is a fictionalized retelling of their lives it is based on the two men's extensive writings. I was moved deeply by both of their stories. When the two finally meet and become good friends later I was delighted to see how each drew strength from the other. There were many facts that I didn't realize about Charles Spurgeon and that makes his writings even more valuable. When he speaks about trusting God in the darkest of hours he's speaking from experience. I knew nothing about Thomas Johnson before this book but I am so glad to have met him this way.
This is a beautiful story of friendship and love between two men, their families, and their God. I recommend it to anyone that needs to experience freedom from what chains them down. You will be encouraged by the story of these two giants of the faith.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
The story begins when both men were around ten years of age. They were both curious boys wanting to do ten-year-old boy things. But they are from two completely different worlds. Charles is living mostly with his grandparents in England. He's loved and nurtured and valued. Thomas on the other hand was born into slavery on a plantation in Virginia and is beaten and abused into submission.
While it may seem that Thomas is the only one needing his freedom, Charles is plagued by chains of debilitating depression and physical ailments. As the story unfolds you are taken deeper into each man's world and get to see the freedom that only Christ can bring.
While this book is a fictionalized retelling of their lives it is based on the two men's extensive writings. I was moved deeply by both of their stories. When the two finally meet and become good friends later I was delighted to see how each drew strength from the other. There were many facts that I didn't realize about Charles Spurgeon and that makes his writings even more valuable. When he speaks about trusting God in the darkest of hours he's speaking from experience. I knew nothing about Thomas Johnson before this book but I am so glad to have met him this way.
This is a beautiful story of friendship and love between two men, their families, and their God. I recommend it to anyone that needs to experience freedom from what chains them down. You will be encouraged by the story of these two giants of the faith.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
September 22, 2017
To say I loved this book feels like an understatement. It was such an encouragement in the Lord and there are many quotes that I'll carry with me. I had no idea that it was actually historical fiction based on the writings of the two great men when I started it, but quickly appreciated the brilliant angle that it's written from. There are also parts about racism and slavery in contrast with Christianity which I thought were relevant and timely, even now. As I read about the fire that both Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson had for Christ, even in the midst of their own darkness and suffering, it fanned a flame in me as well. I enjoyed the intimate portrait of Spurgeon and Johnson, learned a lot from them, and will be recommending this work to others.
*This review is based on free electronic copies provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
*This review is based on free electronic copies provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 15, 2018
Worth your time reading! (I may have teared up at the end, reading about about Spurgeon on his death bed :). A different “biography” on Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, as it was more a retelling of their life’s experiences and Providential intersecting moments. I have a greater appreciation for Susannah Spurgeon, a better understanding of Spurgeon’s personal struggles that shaped his preaching & writing, and a fascinating introduction to an American slave - turned preacher in Thomas Johnson. It is enticingly written and personally encouraging. Thanks to the authors for their effort, time and writing!
January 25, 2019
A slight let down due to the fact that it seemed it wasn’t quite written at an adult reading level. I do not mean that as an insult. There were also a few broad brush stroke comments made about the civil war and the American South during the time, that didn’t accurately reflect the nuances and complexities of the reality of the situation. Being that that was not the purpose of the book, it probably would’ve been best to leave those things unsaid. Nevertheless the story of Thomas Johnson is a fantastic story that needs to be told! I did love the idea of this book; just personally fell a bit short for me in execution.
April 29, 2019
The historical content of this book was fascinating. Loved learning about Charles Spurgeon and Thomas Johnson, the history & culture of the time, and the deep theological content.
The downsides — the writing can feel a bit sentimentalized and simplistic, although it is clear that the authors tried to avoid this.
I was very moved by the story, but can’t give it higher than 3 stars due to some intangible writing quality.
The downsides — the writing can feel a bit sentimentalized and simplistic, although it is clear that the authors tried to avoid this.
I was very moved by the story, but can’t give it higher than 3 stars due to some intangible writing quality.
June 30, 2020
This was a very good book. It gives the reader many insights into the life of Charles Spurgeon and into the life of Thomas Johnson both of them greatly used by God. It also shows the place of suffering in the lives of the people of God. It was told in story form. Perhaps many of the conversations and all of their inner thoughts that were expressed were invented by the authors but based on the authors' knowledge of the people involved. I recommend it
June 21, 2022
What a beautiful true story of a beloved well known English pastor and an ex slave from America. I was mostly touched by the intimacy in which the reader gets to see the life of Charles Sturgeon. I knew he suffered from depression but it was amazing to see the depth of it and come to understand that “The best blessing God could give any of us is health, Except for sickness.” Wow.
January 12, 2023
The writing was top notch. It drew me in and kept me engaged until the end. The negative about this book is that because it’s a novel and not a full out biography, the authors took some license to change a few details that historically we know to be true. Even with this, I found the story compelling and it caused me to worship God more.
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