Deborah Alcock, Done and Dared in Old France Neerlandia, AB / Pella, IA: Inheritance Publications, 2001. 286 pp. $14.95 CN, and $12.90 US, paperback.

Like The Secret Mission: A Huguenot’s Dangerous Adventure in the Land of Persecution by Anton Van der Jagt reviewed last month, Done and Dared in Old France by Deborah Alcock is an historical fiction. It is based on facts using real names and references to them that are actually true. There is no better way to get introduced to historical events than by means of historical fiction. Of course, our interest should go beyond the fiction; but our interest in what is beyond should be piqued by it. It might do us some good to know something of the human fear, the sufferings, and the deep trust these Reformed people experienced.

Atcock’s book introduces us to a fictional Gaspard whose life is certainly turned around through the instrumentality of the famous minister, Claude Brousson. Though brought up as a Huguenot, he was separated from his family (who finally fled to safety in England) and fell into a bad crowd.

The Lord delivered him out of many dangers. While his life in France was perilous, he finally was reunited with his family in England.

Alcock’s volume concludes with a longer biography of Claude Brousson, a famous Huguenot pastor. The reading of these short essays is a must for all who claim to be Reformed.

These two volumes, reviewed this month and last month, and all the volumes in the series, should be made available to every family. The churches and our Christian Schools should seek to include them in their libraries. Even home libraries will be well served to have them on the shelves so they can be read. Having read all that are available in the series, I can highly recommend them.