November’s book review is on The Visitation (1999), by Frank Peretti. What if someone claiming to be the Messiah turned up in a little village in Eastern Washington? How would we be able to tell if he was authentic or a fraud?
by Frank Peretti
The Bible says Jesus was born at “just the right time,” to fulfill God’s plan and the predictions of the prophets.
Maybe Jesus also came “at just the right time” in the history of the world because first century Judea (the Land of the Jews) couldn’t document who he was as we in the twenty-first century most certainly would try to do via modern technology. If Jesus had appeared in a town on earth today instead of two thousand years ago, someone would stick a camera in his face, broadcast to the world, perhaps try to swipe and test his DNA.
What’s more, people would put his photographs on everything, commercialize his “brand,” and elevate any and all physical attributes associated with him – his racial mix, body type, and facial features, the side he parted his hair on, if it was parted.
My Bias and The Visitation
Okay, so I ended up picking up The Visition when I didn’t plan to. That’s because when someone years ago loaned me another book written by Frank Peretti, I was away from the Lord, avoided thinking about spiritual questions, and expected the story to be preachy. (Shows what I thought of Christian fiction!) So I returned it without finishing it. This time was different.
What happened was I heard Frank Peretti speak at the Oregon Christian Writers Conference in August, 2017. He was so approachable – a regular guy about my age – that I decided to risk saying hello. Lo and behold, he was the same up close as he was at the podium. On top of that, he listened patiently as I chatted about our mutual friend Larry, overseas missions, and my writing journey. When all was said and done, I felt I owed it to myself to read one of his books. Hard choice as he’s prolific! Reading the jacket blurb and first page of The Visitation hooked me.
The Power of a Good Story
From the get-go, I related to Travis Jordan, a bruised, vulnerable former pastor. The more I got to know him and what he’d suffered, the more fascinated I became with his insider’s view of Pentacostalism and its extremes. On top of that, I enjoyed the disarmingly laid back, folksy narration that brought to life the townspeople, their foibles, their quirky church groups, and their connections to the self-proclaimed messiah.
I liked the way they talked. One of them, Dee Baylor, sits next to the bed in fetal position, bemoaning to her husband her lot in life.
“You don’t know anything, Jim Baylor! How could you? You don’t know the Lord, you don’t care, and you don’t know diddly squat about spiritual things or what God’s doing on the earth…”
(page 337, paperback edition)
(used by permission)
Instead of being pedantic, the story shone through as all good stories do. The dark side came alive and snuck up on me with its seeming innocence, undeniable power, savagery, and limitations. As I closed the book, I thought, what a refreshing read!
Who Would Like The Visitation
I heartily recommend this book to Frank Peretti fans who haven’t yet read it and to the curious who appreciate a good yarn. You won’t be disappointed.
May God bless Frank Peretti and his family!
Posted on November 7, 2017
p.s. I’m already in the middle of another of his books.
Norma Nill 
It was “This Present Darkness” that hooked me on Frank Peretti and opened my eyes to what goes on in the spirit world. I had my high school English students read it as well.
Thanks for commenting, Carolyn. This Present Darkness is in my queue. Did you get any objections to having your high school students read it?
I’m not a fan of Peretti. Not changing my time about him or that kind of writing anytime soon. But your review is so well written! “Almost thou persuadest me.” (:
Your comment made me smile, Judy, as you sound like me back in the day. All readers, of course, need to heed their personal taste in books. Thanks for reading my post!
I read several Peretti books years ago, but not this one! Your review reminded me of the excitement he brought to my spiritual life . I might have to try him again. Thanks, and glad you are feeling well enough to write a lovely post!
Thanks for commenting, Marilee. Just so you know, Lee listened to the audio book and enjoyed it
Thanks, Norma. I don’t think I’ve ever read any of his books. I’ll have to take a look.
I appreciate your reading my blog and commenting, Laura, and I hope you’ll let me know if you read one of his books. Thanks!
Several years ago we read “This Present Darkness” and “Piercing the Darkness.” They are still on our bookshelves. I have no memory of “The Visitation.” Perhaps I’ll have to find it & give it a read.
Several people have told me that Piercing the Darkness is their favorite, Elaine, but I plan to read This Present Darkness first. Thanks for your comment.
Norma, look forward to getting introduced to a new author! Should I start with an earlier book?
I don’t know about starting with an earlier book because I haven’t yet read them. Let me know which one you choose and how you liked it, okay? Thanks, Susan.
Norma, enjoyed reading your review. I️ enjoyed Frank Peretti’s earlier series and have seen this come across my desk at the library frequently, finally placed my hold to read it based on your review. Thanks
Thanks for reading my blog, Mary! I bet it’s fun to work in a library because you can see what gets read and what doesn’t. I hope you enjoy The visitation.
Very intriguing idea; I have thought of that.
Bonnie
Thanks for reading and commenting, Bonnie. I think it’s cool that you had the same thought as Frank Peretti – great minds run in the same direction – yet if you write using the same premise, your book will be unique, nonetheless.
This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness were very popular in my group of friends decades ago, and I loved them. That was all of Perretti’s books I read until I saw your blog about The Visitation. I’m now about half way through it and loving it as well. Thanks for inspiring my rediscovery.
Glad you’re enjoying The Visitation, Marlene. Thanks for recommending This Present Darkness. I checked out the audio book last week, but I have to finish listening to another one first.