Priscilla B. Schuler’s novella perfectly fits the canon of edifying Christmas tales and offers a cozy yet enlightening experience.
Table of Contents
Review
Rediscover the power of miracles, hope, and self-transformation in a charming novella that takes place during the most magical time of the year.
Nick’s life, though enviable at first glance, was crumbling. His wife cheated on him with his business partner, and they both planned to take him out of EbonWolfe Enterprises, his legacy, and the job that he had devoted his life to. In desperation, Nick makes the ultimate drastic decision: to end his life. A chance encounter with a barefoot stranger named Nina will alter not only his destiny but of people he hasn’t even met yet.
An Encounter by Priscilla B. Schuler, while firmly rooted in the tradition of A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi, and other heartwarming Christmas tales, offers a refreshing twist. The author goes into themes that resonate with modern readers, such as the toll of workaholism on our well-being and relationships.
The pacing of the story is perfect in the predictable way that most cozy narratives have. The story’s beginning and ending on Christmas provide a nice circularity to the narrative. The reader lives An Encounter like watching his favorite show or eating their favorite meal: there might not be many surprises in it, but there’s the warmth and comfort that we all need.
The hidden symbols in the story—the wolf(e) that just might turn into a sheep—add depth to the narrative and demonstrate the author’s deep knowledge of Scripture and ability to craft a true classic tale.
The book has a heavy religious content that might not strike every reader’s fancy. Suicide is presented as a cowardly option, a debatable opinion that might ruffle some feathers. Mrs. Schuller doesn’t devote a lot of time to descriptions. After a long time on the road, a part of me craved to know that Nina’s hair was a little disheveled or that Nick’s shirt was rumpled.
In my opinion, the lack of physical descriptions, along with, for example, Nina’s blurry age, is an intentional narrative tool that enhances the ethereal nature of the characters and the overall spiritual message of the story. The contrast of the characters’ non-physicality with the sensual nature of, for example, the delicious waffles or gorgeous quilts not only helps anchor the story but also provides an exciting demonstration of the intentionality of the appearance’s omission. This is enhanced by the atemporal nature of the story. The absence of technology and other temporal markers helps the reader use their imagination and appropriate and personalize the reading experience. What authors don’t say is sometimes the strongest incentive to our imaginations.
The author’s take on suicide makes sense when considered inside a genre and its canon: this is not a treaty on psychology, and it doesn’t intend to be.
Though there’s a strong emphasis on Christianity, some values and lessons can be appreciated by more loosely spiritual readers. For example, connecting with one’s roots and giving back to our community. My favorite one is the importance of airing our problems out, not with the intention of ranting but with the healing power of a frank conversation. Christian or not, we can all learn that light can shine through when we let our walls down just a little.
Book Details
- Title: An Encounter
- Author: Priscilla B. Shuler
- Genre: Christian Fiction
- Theme: Christmas, Spiritual, Christian, Second Chance
- Publication Date:
- ISBN or ASIN:
- Number of Pages:
- Minimum Audience Age: 13
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0
- Religious themes: 4
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 1
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 0
- Other adult themes: 0
Important Note
Priscilla B Shuler, a luminary in the literary world, boasts an impressive repertoire of 7 books, with an astounding 6 of them adorned with prestigious awards. A testament to her enduring creativity and passion, she started writing her debut novel at the age of 75. Now, in her 90s, Priscilla graciously bestows upon us a treasure: “An Encounter.” Yet, amidst this generous offering, Priscilla B Shuler humbly declares her lack of intention to seek publication for her latest work, at least not now, nor in the foreseeable future.
Interested in learning more about Priscilla and her masterpieces? Check out the posts below for additional insights. And while you’re at it, make sure to secure your copies of her acclaimed, award-winning books. Click here to get started.
Know More About Priscilla B Shuler and Her Published Books
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