Review: The Girl Who Slept with God
The Quanbeck family is a deeply religious, evangelical family living in Idaho in the 1970s. Oren, the father, is a science professor and the mother stays home with their three daughters. The oldest daughter, Grace is particularly devout and heads off to Mexico on a mission trip.
When Oren learns that Grace is pregnant (with what she claims to be the child of God), he brings her home from Mexico and then banishes her and the middle daughter, Jory, to a farmhouse in the country. The girls learn to cope with their difficult situation by creating their own little family of misfits, much to their father’s dismay. Oren’s attempts to get a handle on the situation backfire and the Quanbeck family is threatened.
THE GIRL WHO SLEPT WITH GOD by Val Brelinski is the fascinating story of a family in crisis. The Quanbeck family dynamics are different from most, though, because of their religious fanaticism. Since she was raised an evangelical Christian, it’s a subject Brelinski knows well so it rings true. I thought Brelinski’s writing was top notch and I found the book to be engaging and somewhat disturbing. Brelinski’s storyline is great and she did a wonderful job bringing all the storylines together. I recommend THE GIRL WHO SLEPT WITH GOD and look forward to whatever the author comes up with next.
Review copy provided by Penguin Random House. I am an Indiebound Affliate.
I’ve had this one on my TBR for quite some time, because I was a bit hesitant to read it. After reading your post, I definitely want to move it up my TBR list – it sounds so good. You make me want to read it sooner rather than later – thanks 🙂 Great post!!
First I’ve heard of this title. Sounds like an intriguing book!
This sounds really interesting. I hadn’t heard of it before your review.
I hadn’t heard of this book either, but it sounds really good. Adding to my list…
It does sound both disturbing and engaging!
That does sound like an interesting premise.
I’m intrigued but I have to say I don’t like the title, risky.
I have had some experience (in my childhood) with this kind of family, and at this point in my life, I could handle reentering that world through fiction. I like the sound of how the father’s efforts backfired. I guess I still enjoy taking revenge (in my mind) on some of the tyranny I saw around me back then.
Thanks for sharing!
I read this a while ago but it wasn’t as appealing to me! Don’t you love reading differences?
This is a new to me title and I like the sound of it.
Kathy, this really sounds interesting. Excellent (and concise!) review.
Sounds fantastic! I might have to pick this one up next!
There’s just something about books like this that make them sound so good. I am glad this one turned out to be.
Sounds like a family on the brink, but a different dynamic. Interesting. Thx for the review.
This seems disturbing…
Not sure I could handle this one. Too many disturbing discussions with evangelicals lately.