Francine Rivers Fans discussion

Hello all! I want to talk about Rivers' character development of Julia Valerian from A Voice in the Wind and Echo in the Darkness. Be advised that this will be riddled with spoiler most likely so don't read if unless you have read or are okay with that.

So, let's talk.

At the beginning of AVW, I think couldn't have imagined how Julia changes! She's just a spoiled child who absolutely adores her big brother. He takes her to the games, and that's when he realizes she's a true daughter of Rome. Although she finds Hadassah ugly at first, it's clear to me that she comes to depend on her more than anyone else. After all, Hadassah is almost the only constant in her life, what with her going through three marriages and numerous affairs!

They were so close, like sisters even, which made the betrayal so heartbreaking. And then, Julia breaks. Like really breaks. She's abandoned and dying, and Hadassah comes back.

Anywhoo, this probably seems very sappy. But character development like this is a rare thing! Usually authors don't have time for it, but Rivers' books span so many years she makes it work.

So please, let's chat about this! I want to so badly XD

I completely agree! My heart broke slowly as Julia broke. Her demise was so painful to watch but I couldn’t look away! How like real life this can be, slowly then all at once people become someone they themselves don’t even recognize.