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Tethered: The Life of Henrietta Hall Shuck, the First American Woman Missionary to China
Based on a true story, Tethered tells of the first American woman missionary to China who is bound to her husband, to the mission board, and to God. The young couple's relationship is marked by humor and unflinching determination in the volatile years of conflict in the First Opium War.
- GenresHistorical
196 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
October 25, 2017
I know what it's like to live in another country far away from home as a missionary, and I could understand so many of Henrietta's trials and lessons she learned, yet while reading this I was deeply convicted and amazed how she remained faithful to Christ in the midst of trials that none of us will face today.
She was the first woman missionary to China, and her testimony lives on in this book. I was amazed how well the author captured Henrietta's life, and by the end of the book I was surprised to find it over already. This is a book that will challenge, convict, stir up emotions, and make you smile through many different scenes. Most of all, the heart of missions is the main theme even when the going was tough and rugged. So much sickness, misunderstanding, and tears. So many times of not seeing the harvest, yet carrying on despite that.
This book truly spoke to my heart, and it made it even more special to know that Henrietta Hall Shuck was deeply moved by Ann Judson's testimony and faith. Henrietta has now become the same to me, and I recommend this book with my whole-heart.
There are several tough issues presented throughout the book-such as foot binding, brief slavery topics, many illnesses, and more. But all of it was presented well by the author, and I commend her for a well-researched book. She brought forth the sorrows and joy of missionary life incredibly well!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own*
She was the first woman missionary to China, and her testimony lives on in this book. I was amazed how well the author captured Henrietta's life, and by the end of the book I was surprised to find it over already. This is a book that will challenge, convict, stir up emotions, and make you smile through many different scenes. Most of all, the heart of missions is the main theme even when the going was tough and rugged. So much sickness, misunderstanding, and tears. So many times of not seeing the harvest, yet carrying on despite that.
This book truly spoke to my heart, and it made it even more special to know that Henrietta Hall Shuck was deeply moved by Ann Judson's testimony and faith. Henrietta has now become the same to me, and I recommend this book with my whole-heart.
There are several tough issues presented throughout the book-such as foot binding, brief slavery topics, many illnesses, and more. But all of it was presented well by the author, and I commend her for a well-researched book. She brought forth the sorrows and joy of missionary life incredibly well!
*I received this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own*
November 27, 2017
Wow, this book was so good! Absolutely amazing!!
Henrietta Shuck was an amazing and inspirational women! As I'm a missionary girl, it made think what wonderful things we do have ... back in Mrs. Shuck's day, communication was so difficult! Sending letters took so long - nowadays, I can definitely live with a week of waiting!! :)
Near the beginning of the book, page 23-24, was one of my favorite scenes!
I enjoyed reading every bit of this book, although it took me longer to finish then I wanted it to!! I was thankful having a paperback copy too! :)
Side note: I was amazed to read on the back cover of the book that the author is married to the third great grandson of Mrs. Shuck!! That is so amazing!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Henrietta Shuck was an amazing and inspirational women! As I'm a missionary girl, it made think what wonderful things we do have ... back in Mrs. Shuck's day, communication was so difficult! Sending letters took so long - nowadays, I can definitely live with a week of waiting!! :)
Near the beginning of the book, page 23-24, was one of my favorite scenes!
I enjoyed reading every bit of this book, although it took me longer to finish then I wanted it to!! I was thankful having a paperback copy too! :)
Side note: I was amazed to read on the back cover of the book that the author is married to the third great grandson of Mrs. Shuck!! That is so amazing!
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
October 16, 2017
Full disclosure I: Brenda Cox was my favorite teacher in high school.
Full disclosure II: she’s written a page-turner of a historical novel.
Tethered is the (true) story of Henrietta Hall Shuck, the first American woman to go to China as a missionary in 1836. She endured alarming hardships in the service of a vision that took her from Richmond to Hong Kong in an era when almost everyone stayed home.
This is a great read for those who enjoy meticulous historical framing. It’s also a spare and beautiful text. There’s a scene early in the voyage when Henrietta and her fellow travelers encounter a terrible odor that can’t be identified onboard. A few paragraphs later a slave schooner slides past her ship, its human cargo chained and doused with sea water. It’s a memorable vision of a terrible moment.
The book imbibes the faith of its subjects - new territory for a reader like me - but I was mostly struck by the authentic recounting of a piece of American (and Chinese) history. So while its character may proselytize, the story is ultimately human - and humane.
Full disclosure II: she’s written a page-turner of a historical novel.
Tethered is the (true) story of Henrietta Hall Shuck, the first American woman to go to China as a missionary in 1836. She endured alarming hardships in the service of a vision that took her from Richmond to Hong Kong in an era when almost everyone stayed home.
This is a great read for those who enjoy meticulous historical framing. It’s also a spare and beautiful text. There’s a scene early in the voyage when Henrietta and her fellow travelers encounter a terrible odor that can’t be identified onboard. A few paragraphs later a slave schooner slides past her ship, its human cargo chained and doused with sea water. It’s a memorable vision of a terrible moment.
The book imbibes the faith of its subjects - new territory for a reader like me - but I was mostly struck by the authentic recounting of a piece of American (and Chinese) history. So while its character may proselytize, the story is ultimately human - and humane.
March 8, 2018
This is a biography of the first American woman missionary to China, Henrietta Hall Shuck. I was deeply impressed by the research done by Brenda Cox to put this inspiring book together. Although I'm not an avid fan of biographies, I have to say I enjoyed and was motivated by this story.
Henrietta Hall married J. Lewis Shuck without love as part of the agreement--just that both of them had a calling from God to go on a mission, one to China. However, sometime during the year-long sail to their destination, that mutual dedication eased itself into a sincere and deep life-long love. They, their children born to them and the ones they adopted endured horrible deprivations, hardships, and illnesses, but nothing deterred them.
People like this make me question the depth of my own Christianity. I hope when you read it, you will also experience this introspection and be renewed in your own faith.
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You won't be sorry.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, but the opinions and evaluations are my own.
Henrietta Hall married J. Lewis Shuck without love as part of the agreement--just that both of them had a calling from God to go on a mission, one to China. However, sometime during the year-long sail to their destination, that mutual dedication eased itself into a sincere and deep life-long love. They, their children born to them and the ones they adopted endured horrible deprivations, hardships, and illnesses, but nothing deterred them.
People like this make me question the depth of my own Christianity. I hope when you read it, you will also experience this introspection and be renewed in your own faith.
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. You won't be sorry.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, but the opinions and evaluations are my own.
January 26, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! This is not my normal genre to read, but I am so glad I did. This book was well-written, thorough, and a good mix of storytelling and fact-giving (though I admit the storytelling parts were my favorite). I learned so much about Henrietta Shuck and the missionary history in general. I would recommend this book for anyone needing encouragement as they follow God's will in their life.
April 15, 2018
Henrietta Hall Shuck married at seventeen, then sailed to the other side of the world with her new husband as a missionary in China. Through disease, heartbreak, poverty, and war, the Shucks remain determined to follow God's leading and remain in the country, sometimes against the wishes of the mission board, until Henrietta becomes the first female American missionary to set foot on China's mainland.
There is no denying that Henrietta Shuck's life is fascinating. She is an example of what it is like to follow God's will, even when it would be easier (even life-saving) to turn back.
But as a novel, Tethered misses the mark. Very little of the book feels like a novel. The parts that do are quickly interrupted by time-jumps, tidbits of future information, or information dumps. The book was obviously well-researched. I think it would have been much better as a non-fiction piece with a narrative feel, but still non-fiction.
There is no denying that Henrietta Shuck's life is fascinating. She is an example of what it is like to follow God's will, even when it would be easier (even life-saving) to turn back.
But as a novel, Tethered misses the mark. Very little of the book feels like a novel. The parts that do are quickly interrupted by time-jumps, tidbits of future information, or information dumps. The book was obviously well-researched. I think it would have been much better as a non-fiction piece with a narrative feel, but still non-fiction.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews