The Pilgrim is about Helena's
pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Towards the beginning of the book you know
that God gave her a vision and as the book continues you learn more
about what it was. Also, you get to see how it is fulfilled.
At the beginning you have some knowledge of who the characters, but as the story progresses Bunn gives you their background and how they got to where they are today. He could have filled out the characters a bit more. Considering the overall length of the book though he did a good job.
Most of Davis Bunn's books keep you on
the edge of your seat, but the book just did not keep me spell bound. This could partly be because I did not
know the historical background behind the story before I read the
book and if I did I might have enjoyed the book more. For those who
love Helena's time period and know some of the historical background, this would probably be the perfect book for them.
My favorite aspect of The Pilgrim was how Davis Bunn shows that Helena is not perfect. If we heard that someone received a vision from God, in the back of our minds we would think that they have a special connection with God and have no flaws. In the story you see that other characters seem to think of Helena in the same way we would. However, when it's necessary she admits her flaws. Even though this is hard for her, she does it anyway. This made her more relate able and you respect her for admitting her weaknesses.
Also, Helena's character shows that you do not have to be perfect
to be used by God. He uses people even when they are weak.
I received a complimentary copy of this
book from Franciscan Media in exchange for my honest review.
