Official Review: Norah by Cynthia Argil

[Laura Lee]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Norah" by Cynthia Argil.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Norah by Cynthia Argil is the story of one woman’s triumph of faith in the face of devastating loss. Argil came from humble beginnings. When she was 12, she lost her mother under shocking circumstances that would do a soap opera proud. The following years were difficult. At 15, she got pregnant with her first child; at 16, she got pregnant with her second. At 20, she married an alcoholic.

After her husband gave his heart to God, he tried to share his new-found joy with his wife but Argil was skeptical. It took a while, but eventually Argil gave her heart to God, too. The years that followed were marked by a growing knowledge of the Bible and an increasing joy in the Lord. The couple built a prosperous business and life was good. Then tragedy struck; not once, but twice. Argil’s faith in God and her assurance of His love were deeply shaken. Then slowly, through the agony and tears, she began to see that He had never left her but had always been with her. From her earliest memories, her loving heavenly Father had been drawing her to Him and her faith was restored, stronger than ever.

I enjoyed reading Norah. The writing was clear and direct without a lot of flowery embellishments. Argil had a tough upbringing and, as a result, it made her a very hard person. The author is very honest about her struggles and failings and makes no attempt to make excuses. She is also just as straightforward about the turning point that made the difference: her own personal conversion experience with God.

This book would appeal to anyone who appreciates uplifting conquering-over-adversity stories. It would appeal most, however, to those who share Argil’s Christian beliefs. Norah is unapologetically Argil’s personal, spiritual testimony. In the book, she shares her many personal conversations with God. She firmly believes God has spoken to her through dreams and the various events of her life, drawing her into a closer, more intimate relationship with Him. The title of the book itself is the new name Argil believes God gave her.

The book has been professionally edited and there really was nothing in the book that I particularly disliked. As a personal memoir of one woman’s spiritual walk, it is a glimpse into the pivotal moments of the author’s life. I will admit, speaking subjectively, that a fair amount of the book felt quite detached. It read almost as though it were taken out of a factual report, rather than the moving saga of one woman’s triumph over hardship. A little humor thrown in here and there would have softened the report-like feeling and helped establish a stronger emotional connection to the author and her family. However, that’s simply personal preference and not something for which I could justify subtracting a star. I am happy to give Norah four out of four stars.

******
Norah
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Salma_asa]

From your review, the book seems quite inspiring. I am eager to read this. You wrote a good review.

[Cecilia_L]

I thought this book looked interesting, and I enjoyed your insightful review.

[Deprise Evans]

This book looks so good! I love Christian fiction books like these. I'll have to add this one to my reading list! Thanks for your insight and great review.

[mosekim]

Despite the fact that this beautiful story was written by a woman, I like it. Putting my bias in view, it is all my type look for in a book. The review brings major aspects out- spiritual journey and assurance in God- to empower its reader. Great review!

[Laura Lee]

This book looks so good! I love Christian fiction books like these. I'll have to add this one to my reading list! Thanks for your insight and great review.

Thanks for your comment, Deprise Evans. Actually, I don't think it's fiction. This is the story of the author's life, her struggles, her conversion, and her triumphs. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment!

[Laura Lee]

Despite the fact that this beautiful story was written by a woman, I like it. Putting my bias in view, it is all my type look for in a book. The review brings major aspects out- spiritual journey and assurance in God- to empower its reader. Great review!

Thanks for leaving a comment, mosekim. It really is an uplifting book.

[xoxoAnushka]

It seems like the main character has progressed through many struggles. It's very nice to know that she found peace and serenity in her spiritual journey. Thumbs up for you review!

[Laura Lee]

I thought this book looked interesting, and I enjoyed your insightful review.

Thanks so much, Cecilia, for taking the time to read it and leave a comment.

[Laura Lee]

From your review, the book seems quite inspiring. I am eager to read this. You wrote a good review.

Thanks for your comment, Salma. If you do read the book, I hope you enjoy it.

[Laura Lee]

It seems like the main character has progressed through many struggles. It's very nice to know that she found peace and serenity in her spiritual journey. Thumbs up for you review!

Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!

[Bianka Walter]

I love that: 'without flowery embellishments'.
What a wonderful review - thank you!

[Laura Lee]

I love that: 'without flowery embellishments'.
What a wonderful review - thank you!

Thanks so much for taking the time to read it!

[Helene_2008]

I'd be interesting to read this and she what all Argil had to go through. She is definitely put in some tough circumstances from what you describe in your review.

[Laura Lee]

I'd be interesting to read this and she what all Argil had to go through. She is definitely put in some tough circumstances from what you describe in your review.

Thanks for your comment, Helene. Yes, she certainly went through hardships that would make even the strongest person waver. The thing that impressed me the most was what she was able to do with her life despite the hardships. She built a good life and has a loving family anyway. It's very impressive.