The Last Sin Eater

This is the most uniquely written novel I’ve ever read. Set in the mid-1800s in the Appalachian Mountains, this isolated group of people has set up an old custom to rid their sins after death…the sin eater. The characters come to life in this story, and you feel every sadness, fear, and terror that they feel. I fell in love with Cadi and Fagan and held my breath as they journeyed through the trials they faced. This novel shares the gospel of Jesus Christ like no other novel, and it changes you. I was left wanting more at the ending, wishing the author had written a sequel. But we, the readers, are the sequel. What will we do after hearing and receiving the amazing gift of salvation?

Let me start by saying that the setting in this book is top-notch. The way the characters talk took a little getting used to, but that adds to the immersion. Though that makes it all the more strange when a new character shows up partway through the book and talks like a KJV Bible. And stranger still that the other characters seem to have no trouble understanding him.

The story that revolves more directly around Cadi and the sin eater is what I liked most about the book. Her quest to be absolved of her sins and his desire to better understand his role are heartbreaking, yet allow for maximum hopefulness as the story unfolds. I’ll admit I didn’t care for the way the preacher’s storyline plays out though. The book overall feels show more really allegorical, with a character that is clearly not “real” in the strictest sense of the word and the instantaneous way that the characters know entire passages of the Bible by heart. Not that I’m against an allegory, but there was one particular element in the story that it would have been really nice to get even a partial explanation for that was completely left unaddressed. Overall, though, this was an engaging read, and I think most fans of historical Christian fiction, especially those with a missions-type storyline, would like it. show less

“And as the first thread in the tapestry loosened and came undone, the dragon awakened.”

Set in the Appalachian Mountains in the 1800s, immigrants from Scotland and Wales followed a custom in which a man was chosen by lottery to “eat” the sins of those who have passed on, so that they can enter heaven cleansed and pure. He was scorned and isolated for fear that some of the multitude of sins that he carried would spill over and taint anyone who touched or even looked at him.

Cadi Forbes is only ten years old, but the weight of guilt and sin that lies on her shoulders is more than she can bear. In desperation, she seeks out the sin eater and asks him to remove her sins now so she does not have to live with them for the rest of her show more life. The favour he asks in return will lead to the transformation of not only Cadi, but her entire valley as its decades of secrets are brought to light, and they discover the truth about the only One who is able to forgive sins. show less

This is the first Christian novel I have read, and overall, I enjoyed it. It was an interesting story, although I did feel there were a few too many plot lines than were necessary. I did find the message uplifting and the story satisfying; however, the climax with all the community gathered together seemed overly heavy-handed with unrealistic dialogue (where much of the rest of the novel contained more realistic scenes). Ultimately, I liked it and will thank the person who recommended it to me.

This is a great book although it dragged a little towards the end. It is told in the first person by a child "Cadi Forbes." She is growing up in a clan in the remote mountains. Her younger sister is accidentally drowned and Cadi believes she is responsible. She feels the terrible weight of her sin and begins seeking ways to rid herself of the burden. She becomes desperate over time believing she will be punished forever for her sin.

Cadi's Grandma dies and she overhears talk of the banished "sin eater" who comes to remove the sin of the deceased allowing them to move forward to the afterlife. Cadi believes this mysterious creature is the answer to her own problems and decides to do whatever it takes to find him including alienating all show more of the other members of her clan who fear and hate the "sin eater."

When Cadi eventually locates the "sin eater" he admits that he is actually powerless to deal with her sin as he carries many burdens himself. He instead points her in the direction of a "Man of God".....

This story clearly portrays the Gospel message and the need for evangelism. The main message is that "no one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him." Only Jesus can save souls and this is made clear through various Scripture quotations throughout the book. It is a powerful message of redemption.

This book is basically clean and free of bad language and sexual content. There are a few murders but not in graphic detail and there is one brief reference to a rape. This would be suitable reading for teenagers and adults. It could also be used as an evangelistic gift as the message of salvation is clear.

I am rating it 4 stars as I personally found the style of writing during conversations tricky to read in places but I would definitely recommend this book. show less

First off, to be honest, this is a review of the story through watching the film. I had purchased the book, the newest edition that shows that it is now a "feature film" and my husband saw it and rented it for me. His mistake, now he must go buy it! This story is incredible! (And yet, I find myself saying this often when I read something written by [author: Francine Rivers].) Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, much like the story of [book: Christy], the mountain people live fascinating lives, continuing their traditions from their ancestors Welch land. One of the traditions that is continued on is that of the Sin Eater. It is the same sin eater tale that is told through that movie The Order, but so much more real to life. It is so hard, show more to not give away things as spoilers, so I'll try to hold my tongue. Through a stranger, a girl is capable of meeting the ultimate sin eater, and then share him with her people. The entire story is one of hurt, sin, forgiveness, love, life, and learning. There is pain, and their is tears, there is also giggles, and smiles. There is not a person anywhere that I would not recommend this story to. Read it, watch it, whatever, just experience it. show less

First off, to be honest, this is a review of the story through watching the film. I had purchased the book, the newest edition that shows that it is now a "feature film" and my husband saw it and rented it for me. His mistake, now he must go buy it! This story is incredible! (And yet, I find myself saying this often when I read something written by [author: Francine Rivers].) Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains, much like the story of [book: Christy], the mountain people live fascinating lives, continuing their traditions from their ancestors Welch land. One of the traditions that is continued on is that of the Sin Eater. It is the same sin eater tale that is told through that movie The Order, but so much more real to life. It is so hard, show more to not give away things as spoilers, so I'll try to hold my tongue. Through a stranger, a girl is capable of meeting the ultimate sin eater, and then share him with her people. The entire story is one of hurt, sin, forgiveness, love, life, and learning. There is pain, and their is tears, there is also giggles, and smiles. There is not a person anywhere that I would not recommend this story to. Read it, watch it, whatever, just experience it. show less