Exiles of Hope

As the second volume in a two-volume series, "Exiles of Hope" is just about all you could hope for after the first book, "Red Runs the River". It not only ties up a few loose strings from the first book, but uncovers a few new ones to tie up later on in the book. I have to admit though, this book is almost too connected to the first book, and thus is not very good as a stand alone book. Otherwise, if you have already read the first book, then this book is a must-read for you. Bollback, as a missionary to China, has researched the material for the two books very well. He shows you a few aspects of the persecution that are not very well known. For example, between the two books, you are shown how the Communists persecuted not only the Christians, although they bore (and still bear) the brunt, but also how they persecuted anyone in a position of leadership. The two specific examples in these two books are the persecution of a factory owner and of a school principal. To sum it all up, this is a very good book and is very informative. I hope it touches your heart like it did mine. If you have not read "Red Runs the River", then I would especially recommend that you do, and then read this book. They are both very powerful. Also, Bollback has written two other books about China: "To China and Back", an autobiography, and "Giants Walked Among Us", a biography about Paul and Ina Bartel, who were good friends of Anthony and Evelyn Bollback. I would recommend both books to anyone interested in missions in China. Read and enjoy.

many sequels never measure up to the first story. this one exceeds the first. the historical accuracy and the story line are well conceived. what makes this one better is the intensity, the constant action, the fact that it is believable, and the well developed characters. they are not plastic, but very real and human.

as best i can see, the author has captured the essence of the persecution that is rampant in China today. the characters are believable and from what i read in the forward are based on actual living christians in china. this will continue the task of praying for our brothers and sisters in chains in China.

This was better than the first volume! I read it in just a few hours, I couldn't put it down. The story is believable (probably because it is based on actual characters and situations), fast paced, human, and filled with the amazing faith of a people loved of God. You will be challenged by the faith of the chinese. This book should be read by every believer in the west, and would challenge our youth today. Buy it now!