When Death Takes a Father
By Gladys Kooiman
Book Review
Baker Book House, 171 pages, $3.95
Reviewed by R. Reitsma

The walk through the “valley of the shadow of death” is often a very lonely walk—both for the one who must make the journey and for those who must walk along side.
For those who have yet to walk that difficult way, this book gives sympathetic, yet keen insight into the world of the valley. For those who have already walked into the shadows of the valley, the book bares the hidden fears and pain, with sensitivity and honesty while pressing on toward the goal of acceptance of God’s will and peace of heart.
The dying and death of a loved one is never easy to bear, but is especially difficult when death comes before the crown of many years is achieved. In this sensitive portrait of life, Mrs. Kooiman shows her feelings and those of her family during the shadowy time of her husband’s death. The struggle of her spirit toward the light is finely drawn, as only one who has lived the experience could picture it.
For anyone searching for a more understanding heart, or a deeper knowledge of himself and his fellow Christian, this book is to be recommended.

Originally Published in:
Vol. 29 No. 2 April 1969