The Art of Standing Still: A Novel

by Penny Culliford

Nothing much ever happens in Monksford. Even so, reporter Jemma Durham dreams of the story that will take her from the small Monksford Gazetteto a national newspaper. Then the town revives the tradition of the medieval mystery plays that were performed across England hundreds of years ago---and life in Monksford turns decidedly more interesting.

Genres: Christian Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 1 out of 5]

YUCK! One of the worst novels I've read in quite a while. Even a British setting and a focus on theater couldn't save this one. No matter how much you like Christian fiction, don't bother with this one. If I ever see this book at a garage sale, I might buy it just so I can throw it into my recycling bin (kidding, of course, but you get my drift).

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was really great. There's sort of a twist at the end that I didn't even see coming. It begs for a sequel...I would love to know what happens to Ruth and Jemma after all this!

[Laura A C · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled through the first half of this book but sailed through the second half. It was a story that seemed a bit scattered until the center and the ending leads to believe there might be a sequel, however, let's hope if there is, its quicker paced and a little more organized. Almost too busy, too many stories within the story. Also, the faith aspect, the "come to Jesus" understanding of one of the main characters, Jemma, was basic but real. This books shows all our human flaws, desires, mistakes, screw ups...yet how God took all that on himself for all humankind.

[Sara Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. I didn't think it would ever be this bad. I mean, I knew this wasn't going to be stellar, but the writing was so very very bad. The author decided to dabble in an area that she has no apparent knowledge of (theater) and then crafted this poor story about a journalist (who is not a Christian) getting involved with this play and trying to seduce the guy playing Jesus. And then there is this vicar (who is a woman, which I have some issues with) and she is falling in love with a married man who HAPPENS to be a jerk AND the main bad guy. Honestly, this story had more holes than Swiss cheese. The sad thing is that Culliford had a few funny lines and a few good descriptions--but the issues with the story overshadowed them.

This book illuminates the problem with "Christian" publishing. We hold up books like this and call them worthy of being published, when in fact they should never have seen the top of the slush pile. The world sees the lack of quality and say "If that is all their Jesus is worth, why should I bother?". And they have a point. Christian art should be better than non-Christian art--we should have enough respect for Jesus not to pass off shoddy work as good in His name.

[Shelbie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is not shy about the temptations and mistakes of Christians, painting them as very real people. I was put off by the female vicar who was tempted into a near-fling with a city official, and the naivety of the other female main character, and the pacifistic Christ-figure. The plot dragged at times, the foreshadowing working enough to keep me sure that something was coming to a head. Culliford pulled off the bittersweet ending, disappointing the romantic in me when neither woman "landed her man."

After all that, the reason I give it two stars (and considered three until the ending) is that the transformation of the naive reporter Jemma is lovely. She starts out shamelessly seductive and utterly untouched by any idea of Christian thought, but through the process of working with a dramatic portrayal of the life of Christ, she changes. As she plays the woman caught in adultery, she feels the shame of her own immorality. As she experiences the death and rising of Jesus, her heart is transformed. She stops caring so much for the story, now understanding how much more important people are than landing the exclusive column. I'm glad I read the book just for her lovely redemption--I only wish the rest of the story had been so well-crafted.

[Jean Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really engrossing story with unexpected plot twists, credible characters set against the background of the Mystery plays. Profound and funny, I really liked this book and it held my intrest on every page.

[Sary Fairchild · Rating 5 out of 5]

AAAGH!!! Kelli...this is the author of the Theodora books and she wrote another one! I bought it yesterday and will save it for you!

[Aimee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Kind of slow, but interesting.

[Jessica]

Anglophiles will enjoy this mildly suspenseful Christian fiction set in modern day Britain with two very different yet strong female leads. I will look for more books by this author.

[Maichal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't even remember what happened other than not liking it.