Jean Darby, Journey out of Darkness

Journey out of Darkness

Jean Darby

Synergy, November 2006, $14.95

ISBN: 1933538414

Doreen Daniels gives birth to triplets. Sibyl was dead coming out of the womb strangled by her cord; Rita and Maureen survived. The soul of the dead one was given to Satan by her mom, a devil worshipper. The father vanished five minutes after lying with Doreen, never to be seen again.

When the two survivors turn three, Doreen insists they call her Cassandra rather than mom. She feels that name fits a mighty sorcerer controlling demons as part of her satanic pact with the King of Hell. Her daughters are frightened of her, so they cling to one another, though their witch mother recognizes rebellion in the eyes of Rita and obedience in that of Maureen. Over the next few years, Cassandra keeps her two kids under total control, as she has plans for both of them. The schools do nothing for the two little girls. However, some contact with Jesus lovers leads to Rita talking to God, even as she tries to keep the timid Maureen safe from their mother, who would sacrifice either without a look back.

This is not an easy novel to read, as Cassandra's parenting is clearly abusive as her family values are vastly different than those of the Religious Right, though ironically, she is religious and to the right. However, once started, JOURNEY OUT OF DARKNESS is impossible to put down, as the audience prays that Rita and Maureen find their way out of hell; no one in authority will help them except the Lord. Making no apologies for preaching the message that God is salvation (perhaps over done), even for those seemingly abandoned at birth, Jean Darby provides a character driven inspirational tale.