Last Sin Eater

by Francine Rivers

Paper Book, 1998

Status

Available

Call number

F RIV

Collection

Call number

F RIV

Publication

Tyndale

Description

The New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind pens a captivating tale of suffering, seeking, and redemption set in Appalachia in the 1850s.In the misty peaks and valleys of Appalachia roams the sin eater--a myth as much as a man, burdened with absolving the sins of villagers passing from this life to the next. But when a young girl uncovers the dark secret behind the tradition, she vows to show her village the truth.All that matters for young Cadi Forbes is finding the one man who can set her free from the sin that plagues her, the sin that has stolen her mother's love from her and made Cadi wish she could flee life and its terrible injustice. But Cadi doesn't know that the sin eater is seeking as well. Before their journeys are over, Cadi and the sin eater must face themselves, each other, and the One who will demand everything from them in exchange for the answers they seek."This unforgettable novel is rich in style, lore, and action, revealing a profound truth in a way only Francine Rivers can do. Transcending age, gender, and reading genres, this gripping story is a must-read for men, women, and young people alike." Romantic Times"Rivers delivers both a powerful message about Christian beliefs and the need for forgiveness of sins and an evocative portrayal of life in the 1850s. Highly recommended." Library JournalAlso available in The Francine Rivers Historical Collection (e-book only).… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member bluenichols
another great book by francine rivers you are really drawn to the characters
LibraryThing member freakyjesuschick
A young girl, aided by a friend no one else can see, seeks out the dangerous prophet by the falls at the request of the Sin Eater. She learns of God's salvation from the prophet and saves the Sin Eater from the burden he has given himself. Will the village be so supportive though?
LibraryThing member saskreader
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
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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.
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LibraryThing member cherryblossommj
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
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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, 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.
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LibraryThing member cherryblossommj
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
Show More
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, 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
LibraryThing member Lynngood
In this story set in mid 19th-century Appalachia, young Cadi learns a valuable spiritual lesson about Jesus Christ after she confronts a mysterious man who comes to absolve her guilt over her grandmother's death.
LibraryThing member CoverLoverBookReview
THE LAST SIN EATER - Book review by Nic

This is a powerful book. The story draws you in and leaves you with a strong presence of strength and forgiveness.

Ten-year-old Cadi, after her sibling's accidental death, searches for forgiveness and relief from her feelings of guilt. Many surprises and
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emotions as you read. The

I like the book much better than the movie (surprise surprise).
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LibraryThing member ninetythree
Beautiful book! I can hardly imagine living in fear of God's judgement for generations then suddenly learning of Jesus' mercy!!!
LibraryThing member sparkleandchico
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
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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 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.
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LibraryThing member Sabrina_Davidson
Excellent book!

Awards

Christian Book Award (Winner — Fiction — 1999)

Original publication date

1998-08

ISBN

9780842335706

Barcode

44316
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