In The Narrow Path by Gail Sattler, Mirada Klassen and Ted Wiebe may both be Mennonite believers walking on the narrow road to the Lord, but their similarities stop there. Whereas Mirada is from the city and used to efficient digital communication, speedy transportation, and even faster venti mochas, Ted is traditional in every sense. When Miranda is recruited to write, cast, and lead a Christmas musical for the Old Order Mennonite church in Minnesota, Ted, as the worship minister, begrudgingly works with her. Each is comfortable in his or her ways, but must work together to accomplish their ultimate goals, and in the process perhaps learn more about each other then they thought possible.
Chapter one is headed by the verse Matthew 7:14, But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few will find it. Sattler carefully crafts the Mennonites lifestyle in the book through everything from the way they speak to the types of foods they eat. Although she contrasts the Christians who literally separate themselves from the world, and Christians who live among the world and its ways but are still set apart, she unites them as one in Christ. Despite the fact that tradition and daily life may be different for believers, a beautiful unity exists in God.
The major flaw in The Narrow Path is in the storytelling itself. Although there is an overarching conflict of Miranda and Teds lives colliding, there are really no conflicts to keep the reader turning pages, and the major crisis arises out of an obscure part of the story that didnt allow time for the reader to become emotionally involved due to lack of background and rising tension. Also, many times there are unnecessary sections of the book that dont add anything to the plot itself, such as local customs, church history, or random descriptions of country life.
However, despite the lack of a unified and complete story, Sattlers characters are loveable, fun, and memorable, and her quick wit and knack for good descriptions will keep her readers smiling. Most pre-teens, teens, and young women in search of a light-hearted romance with a good message will appreciate The Narrow Path. Emily Jean Morgan, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
