Cover Image: The Hand of God

The Hand of God

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Member Reviews

i really found this interesting I liked that it was a fictionalized version of a true story. The characters were great and I really enjoyed reading this

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A very interesting book! It was a book that talked about redemption and one trying to believe in God again. At first I was not sure about it, but then it seemed to wrap me up in the story and I could not put it down. It was well written and a great story. I really liked this book and do recommend it to anyone who likes suspense.

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This book is based on a true story, At first, the book is very slow. But keep reading, because as you read more, this book will pull you in. The ending was very good. Well put together and overall a decent read. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of the book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my review.

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Just one night can change the direction of your entire life...

I have yet to read something by Jones that wasn't superbly written, and this book based on a true story was no exception. The flavor and feel of the location and period of time that these events occurred in is described with very vivid and illustrious details. Jones has a special way with words that effortlessly transports you to wherever he is describing. I felt like I had a front row seat, not only in the court room for the trial proceedings, but also in the small, stark jail cells occupied by some of the characters. I could hear the distinctive, plaintive squeak of the prison's book cart. I could smell the salty, ocean breeze, hear the gulls cry and feel the stifling heat and sticky, oppressive humidity. The characters were brought to life in a way that made me feel as if they were people I actually knew. I became invested in them to the point of sharing the elation of their triumphs and feeling the depths of their sorrows.

It is difficult to expand too much on the plot of this book without being in danger of giving away some of Jones' delightful, trademark twists and splendidly-stunning shockers. But, I personally felt that this story was about a journey to the discovery of "self". I think that it was a portrait in learning what and who is important in life, understanding what love really is and embracing the opportunities of a second chance. I also recognized and appreciated the subtle lesson in faith and trust by which Jones showed how God can mold and shape someone, even through tragedy, and how He is always in control and can see the "big picture", even when we cannot.

Jones did a magnificent job of blending the facts of the actual case with complementary, fictional elements in order to create a well-rounded, all-encompassing and utterly captivating story experience.

If you have never read Jones before, this book is an excellent introduction to his unique and expansive literary talents. If you are debating whether or not to read something written by Jones... take a chance. I don't think that you will be disappointed. In fact, I think that you will be most pleasantly surprised!

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I have postponed writing this review because I feel I cannot give The Hand of God the best review without revealing the ending.... Without giving away the true history in this book, I have to say I think this should be offered in High School classes. The message is that important. The Hand of God was well researched, and very well written. I would like to see more from this author! I feel that I am not very good at writing some reviews, but I have given my feelings on this unforgettable read! I would rate it 7 or 8 instead of the highest 5 stars.

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Due to its length and the fascination of the story, I was able to complete the book over the course of an afternoon and evening. This is a fictionalised account of real life events, namely the Florida Chillingworth murders, which gives the tale an extra resonance and impact. The book tells how a young poor hardworking African American, former Korean War veteran finds himself through a combination of poverty, a brutal racist society and unlucky circumstances being manipulated and coerced in assisting a double murder.

Set in a decrepit, dirt poor African American enclave in the Florida backwaters we see how Bobby Lincoln's daily life is a constant struggle to make ends meet in a deeply segregated society where he finds himself firmly at the bottom of the pile. Weighed down by gambling debts he takes on a job that will free him of all his financial worries, but at what cost? For Bobby is essentially a good man with a conscience. The story is about despair and what can happen if there is no hope. It is also though about redemption and the power of reading and learning, showing what can be ultimately achieved in the face of adversity. A wonderful read that is I suspect still has much relevance for today's America.

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