Rapture of Canaan - (Oprah's Book Club) by Sheri Reynolds (Paperback)

About the Book

From the author of Bitterroot Landing--hailed by the Richmond State as "a splendid contribution to Southern literature"--comes a stunning story woven around the themes of innocence and miracles in everyday life. When the granddaughter of the founder of an isolated religious community in South Carolina is discovered to be pregnant, no amount of punishment will make her recant her statement that a holy child grows inside her.

Book Synopsis

At the Church of Fire and Brimstone and Gods Almighty Baptizing Wind, Grandpa Herman makes the rules for everyone, and everyone obeys, or else. Try as she might, Ninah hasn't succeeded in resisting temptation her prayer partner, James and finds herself pregnant. She fears the wrath of Grandpa Herman, the congregation and of God Himself. But the events that follow show Ninah that Gods ways are more mysterious than even Grandpa Herman understands.

Review Quotes

"Truly rapturous."
--The New York Times Book Review

"Folksy lyricism . . . a colorful supporting cast . . . a fresh story. As they say in church, 'Hallelujah.'"
--Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Powerful."
--Atlanta Journal & Constitution

"Assured . . . devastating."
--Booklist

"The story compels . . . Reynolds has an imagination that takes the reader into what feels like the world of a teen-age girl trying to make her peace with the world and with god."
--Richmond Style Weekly

"The newest and most exciting voice to emerge in contemporary Southern fiction."
--San Francisco Bay Guardian

About the Author

Sheri Reynolds was born in rural South Carolina and now lives in Virginia. She has taught English at Virginia Commonwealth University, Old Dominion University, and The College of William and Mary. She is at work on a new novel.