A Heart of Winter

by Ayako Miura

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9813009365
• ISBN13: 9789813009363
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: O M F Books
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.

Customer Reviews

deep truths in a small package

This is a pleasantly smooth translation of Yuki no Arubamu, written by one of Japan's best-selling novelists, Ayako Miura. Although it is a slim volume that can be read in a very short time (it took me only an hour), it is full of the themes and stylistic elements common to Miura's longer and more famous works. Asked by the pastor of her church to write up a short profession of her faith, a young woman sets about recording her heart-wrenching personal history of poverty, shame, and abuse from adults and peers. Having become used to seeing herself as "the one who has been wronged," Kiyomi doesn't realize the ugliness of her scornful attitude towards her mother, or the spirit of revenge and hate that motivates some of her actions-- Until it is pointed out to her by Akira, one of the few people she trusts and respects. Devastated by what she interprets as his rejection of her, she begins to search her soul in the light of the Bible, and gradually comes to recognize her need for the salvation that comes through the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The story is not autobiographical, as one reviewer suggests, except in the sense that Miura shared many elements of Kiyomi's spiritual journey to faith. Miura's own background and spiritual journey are recorded in her autobiography which has been translated into English under the title The Wind is Howling.

Great book!

This book is excellent! It shows real understanding of a young girl growing up in Japan--though her case is special because of her mother's shameful lifestyle. She endures the taunts and criticisms of her peers, the abuse of an older man, and the agonies of hatred, jealousy, and desire for revenge in her own heart. She finds the answer to her suffering in Jesus Christ. The book, which is largely autobiographical, does not give pat answers to difficult questions. I found this book very powerful not only in my own life but also as a junior high school teacher.