A Review of Love and War

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/ranking/11632

Being a big fan of both John and Stasi Eldredge’s work, I was really excited to read their new book Love and War. I was not disappointed. The Eldredges were very open, honest, personal, and vulnerable with their anecdotal stories accompanying their points. This book was an easy read that both the husband and wife will enjoy.

            The Eldredges thesis throughout the book is that “we live in a love story, set in the midst of a war.” This book really does have it all. If you have ever read John’s book Wild at Heart you will know that every man wants a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue, and an adventure to have. And if you have read Stasi’s book Captivating, you will know that every woman needs to know that she is desired and captivating. She wants a knight to rescue her, and to be a part of a greater adventure. This book shows us how marriage really is a culmination of both of those worlds. Love is like a fairy tale, except no one lives happily ever after. The reason why, is because this fairy tale is set in the midst of a war zone similar to the battle of Mordor. The authors establish conclusively that we are never more like God than when we are standing a united front with our husbands our wives. Consequently, we are never more powerful than when we are standing united. This infuriates the enemy, Satan, and he will stop at nothing to destroy it. Literally, all hell is set against you and your spouse being unified in anything. He wants you to argue, bicker, fight, murmur, and ultimately divorce. The Eldredge’s wrote with such clarity and conviction concerning the spiritual warfare we’re involved in that it really made me think I was reading Wild at Heart, Captivating, and a Frank Peretti novel all in one.

            The only area I disagreed from the authors about was who should read this book. They suggested giving it to newlyweds as a wedding gift. I would suggest giving it to the same couple on their second anniversary. A newlywed couple is still living in the fairy tale, and has yet to see the enemy. They believe that their marriage will be free from fighting, turmoil, arguing, and even a hint of divorce. The enemy is just a myth. A year or two down the road, the wisdom in this book will be better received—in my humble opinion.

            “I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review”