Into the Fire

It's a well-established fact in the Christian literary world that Charles Martin is a notable writer. He now writes "crossover" novels and seems to have infringed upon the charm of his earlier novels according to some of his faithful readers. I can't testify to any of that because I'm late to the Charles Martin reading-party, having just finished my first novel of his: Chasing Fireflies published by Thomas Nelson in 2007.

Chasing Fireflies tells the heartbreaking story of a man, known as "Unc" but named William Liam McFarland, who spent years in prison for supposedly killing his father and wife to steal bonds from the bank his father, he and his brother Jack owned and operated. The bonds were never found, the motive was shaky at best, and there was no good reason for his conviction according to the narrator of Chasing Fireflies whose own story provides personal glimpses into his confused memories of his childhood and the aching desire to know his origin since the remembrances of foster families before coming to live with "Unc" and his wife Lorna provide no real information to him as a journalist. Having spent his adult years privately researching Unc's life to prove the innocence he has always maintained, Chase Walker, the narrator and journalist for the Brunswick newspaper in Georgia, suspects Unc's brother Jack had something to do with the crimes and would love to prove it due to Jack's crimes against his own son and daughter Tommye.

The Prologue to this novel jars and stuns the reader and introduces us to another character who will play a peripheral but important part in the complex plot of self-discovery. The mute, much-abused little boy who sketches his life story and conversations in a constantly present notebook proves to be near genius and an excellent artist. His introduction to Unc's, Lorna's, and Chase's family because of Chase's assignment to find out who this abandoned kid is begins a fresh journey to discover the boy's identity beyond those who've left him with nothing but pain.

The twists and turns of researching Unc's history provide insights and confusion, assurances and doubts for Chase. When his sickly "cousin" Tommye returns to Unc's place, new hurt rises up in Chase in spite of seeing her obvious pain. Eventually things get straightened out between them, and she provides information Chase hadn't yet discovered – and doubtfully would without her.

All of these particulars reveal themselves in present tense and intermittent flashbacks. Written beautifully in true literary style with a southern twang, laughable expressions, gut-wrenching clarity, and heartbreaking stops along the way, Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin is a unique story with multiple personalities in plot, style, theme, and delivery. With the meaningful references to the title, the touching and satisfactory ending you might see coming, Chasing Fireflies is a worthwhile investment.

If I had to fault the story which, honestly, is pointless, I would say some descriptions of actions or particular scenic accounts caused my brain to fumble around unsuccessfully trying to picture them. Also the final realization left a bit of a kink in one relationship factor.

If you haven't yet read a Charles Martin novel, Chasing Fireflies is a good place to start. I'm sure those of you who've read multiple others of his before his current fare will name your favorites for other readers seeking literary beauty with a southern flare.

Father, you know the direction set before Charles. May he be obedient in following you and doing as you ask in all things. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.