Opinions

Posted on August 30, 2026 by Barbara Harper

I don’t remember where this little bookmark came from, except that it was tucked in as an unexpected freebie with something else that I had ordered.

The design is cute. One side says “Quill Power.” But the quote on the other side is a little strange: “Armed with ink and opinions, this desk shall forever be my battlefield.”

A quick Google search doesn’t show any sources for this quote. But doesn’t it sound just like a lot of Internet communication these days?

There are a few problems, though, with being “armed with opinions.”

Our opinions might not be right. We might not have all the details. Our sources may be wrong. Our views may be skewed by our own frame of reference and not understanding another’s.

Even if our opinions are on the right track, however, is it best to “go to battle” with them?

Duty Calls by xkcd

It depends.

According to the Merriam Webster online dictionary, one definition for “opinion” is “a view, judgment, or appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter.” Another is “belief stronger than impression and less strong than positive knowledge.”

If we go to battle with our opinions, judgments, and views, how do we determine who wins the battle? The one who speaks the loudest? Or uses the most words? Or is the most condescending towards other views? Or gathers the most “likes” and agreeing comments?

If my opinion is my own view or judgment, and the other person’s opinion is their view or judgment, how can we determine who is right? Even if our opinion is based on facts (as we perceive them), the other person might have the same facts, but interpret them a different way.

It’s not wrong to have opinions, even strong opinions. We don’t have to be spineless and wishy-washy, never expressing an opinion for fear of offending someone. But we need to remember our opinions are just that, and other people are entitled to theirs.

And then, do we even need to express our opinions all the time? A while back, during a period of unrest, the online sentiment was, “If you don’t share a correct opinion on these issues, then by your silence you’re complicit with the wrong side.” But not everyone with a blog or social media account will want to get in on every cultural conflict. They may have strong opinions but not feel their venues were the best place for them. They may want to reserve those thoughts for quieter, less volatile conversations.

Plus, we have access to so much more news and information these days, we can’t possibly have an opinion on everything, unless maybe we spend all day online.

Even on lesser matters, we don’t always need to share our own opinions. You’ve probably met people, as I have, who not only hold strong opinions about nearly everything, but must express them.

If a fellow blogger shares that she enjoyed roasted eel recently, we don’t have to say, “Eww, gross,” even though that’s what we are thinking. We might say, “Interesting. I’ve never had that.” Or we might not mention it at all.

It’s okay to discuss differing opinions if both sides can do so without devolving into anger and put-downs. If I say I love a certain book, and someone else says, “Oh, I hated that one.” I’d probably ask, “What didn’t you like about it?” And we might have an enlightening conversation. Or we might not. You learn, over time, what people you can have those kinds of conversations with and what people you can’t.

I respect and am more likely to listen to those whose opinions are slow in forming, based on years of wisdom and life experiences as well as Scripture, than those who write an opinion piece every week (or day) on the current hot topic. I’ve been greatly helped by sorting through issues by discussing opinions with a trusted friend.

If I am asked my opinion on something, I try to hedge it with “Based on my understanding . . . ” or “My thought is . . .”

But there is a difference between an opinion and absolute truth. An opinion may be based on truth or may not be. I can give way to some opinions, but I can’t give way on truth. Contrary to popular belief, truth is not elusive or ephemeral.

The Bible says, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

The Holy Spirit is “the Spirit of truth” (John 15:26).

God’s Word is truth (John 17:17).

But even armed with truth, we don’t use it to bludgeon. We’re told to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Our purpose isn’t to battle with our opinions, but to be gracious instruments through which God might “open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18).

(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)

Laudable Linkage

Posted on August 29, 2026 by Barbara Harper

Some of the good reads that stood out to me this week:

We Need Humility to Study the Bible. “The very existence of the Bible should fill us with gratitude. How wonderful that God has made himself known! It should also kindle humility within us—we need him to reach to us because we could never reach him ourselves. Humility must be the beginning—indeed, the ongoing foundation—of Bible study. But it is also necessary in each stage along the way.”

Why Good Stories Have Bad Examples. “To be sure, stories can be written in such a way that presents negative behaviors in a positive light. In such cases, wise parents will talk with their kids about the issue or choose to pass over the story in favor of others that more clearly illustrate the good, true, and beautiful. And yet, let’s not be too quick to dismiss that a ‘negative example’ equals a negative effect on your child.”

Why Walking in Faith Can Be Our Place of Greatest Victory. “I understand why believers need supernatural help to soar. And to run. But why would we need God’s help to walk? Compared to flying or running, walking requires much less strength and stamina. Or does it?”

Young Woman, What’s Your Legacy? “When we hear the word legacy, our minds often go to older women––the wise ones at church with white hair and Bibles so well-loved that the gold edges have faded, pages have yellowed, and words that were once jet black have turned gray. We might think of the teachers and professors who have shaped us, the mentors who have poured into us, and the church leaders who have faithfully loved the Lord and His people. But when is the last time you took a minute to think about your legacy?”

Of Love and Keychains. “Sometimes those with the highest confidence and well-honed social skills hide a deadly insecurity underneath. Celebrities have 3 to 10 times the rate of depression vs. the general population. These are people who are beautiful, wealthy, and adored.It’s not just you and me. So where do we go with this inner ache? This hunger to belong? To be loved?”

Why the Internet Is Making Men and Women Hate Each Other, HT to Challies. “The Internet is, of course, very interested. And the way particular social media platforms and groups are participating in the discourse illustrates again one of the most important things anyone can realize about the modern Internet: It’s a place where each sex is learning to loathe the other.”

Advice for Parents of New College Students, HT to Challies. “But what about the parents? There’s plenty out there for all we’re supposed to do for the years, months, and weeks leading up to dropping them off to college. Yes, start that 529 savings account early. But my experience is that while a lot of parents are prepared for the lead up to “launch,” few have given much thought to what happens after.”

To be meek is to have a sane and proper estimate of one’s place in the scheme of things. Elisabeth Elliot, from Let Me Be a Woman

Friday’s Fave Five

Posted on August 28, 2026 by Barbara Harper

It’s the last Friday of August and time once again to reflect on and share the week’s blessings. Thanks to Susanne at Living to Tell the Story for starting this weekly exercise.

1. More family time. My oldest son was here through last Sunday morning. This was a quieter than usual visit with no major outings except to each other’s houses, but we all enjoyed just hanging out, talking, and playing games.

2. My birthday. My family always goes out of their way to make my birthday special. Mittu made this pretty and tasty Texas Sheet cake.

3. Family photos. When everyone’s here, we try to get a photo of us all together.

4. Cracker Barrel take-out. Monday night, I had a craving for Cracker Barrel’s meat loaf. That’s not even what I usually get there, but for some reason I was hankering for it that night. I asked Jim if he’d mind getting take-out from there for dinner. It’s not his favorite restaurant, but he indulged me. Thankfully, he said what he got there (their Monday special of chicken and rice and a salad) was the best meal he’d ever had from there. Mine hit the spot, too.

I had also been wanting to try their biscuit beignets, so we split an order of those for dessert. They were so good. We had enough left over to last for a few days.

5. Haircut coupon. When I don’t need a haircut, I see coupons for the place I go all the time on Facebook. When I am looking for one, I can’t find one. Their FB page (and phone app) just has ads, not coupons. We’ve had coupons pop up on sites after we’ve discussed the business or the product, which is creepy. But I decided to see if I could work the system this time. 🙂 As I scrolled through FB, I kept repeating the business name out loud. “OK, Facebook, I need a coupon for _______.” “Hey, Facebook, where are your coupons for _______?” Nothing happened. I force-closed the FB app and opened it again–and there was my $5 off coupon right at the top. 🙂

When I told the stylist about this, she said next time I see a coupon but am not quite ready to use it, I can just take a screenshot. All they really need is the coupon code. Good to know for next time.

How was your last week of August?

August Reflections

Posted on August 27, 2026 by Barbara Harper

August has been a full month for us. My oldest son came from RI for a little over a week. Our birthdays are six days apart, and it’s nice when the calendar works out so that he can be here for both. Jason and Mittu celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary, and Timothy started in a new school after being taught at home from K-5 through sixth grade.

Watching

We haven’t really watched anything worthy of passing along this month except that we rewatched The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It was just as good as the first time.

Creating

This card was for Jason and Mittu’s anniversary.

The design was from the Cricut. The pinkish-lavender paper isn’t glittery but has a bit of a sheen.

This was for Jeremy’s birthday:

He likes foxes. This was also done with the Cricut.

Reading

Since last time, I have finished (titles link to my reviews):

Insights on Revelation by Charles Swindoll. Very good.
Letters to an American Lady by C. S. Lewis. Lots of good advice, as is usually the case with Lewis.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (review coming next week).
Into a Golden Era by Gabrielle Meyer. A time crosser who lives in both the gold rush era of 1849 and the golden age of Hollywood in 1929 must decide soon which lifeline she’ll stay in. But she is needed in both.
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell. Vignettes of small village life in England in the mid-1800s.
My Lady Ludlow by Elizabeth Gaskell. An aged aristocratic lady changes her views along with the changing times.
The Dean’s Watch by Elizabeth Goudge. A watch-repairer and clock-maker who doesn’t believe in God strikes up an unlikely but mutually beneficial friendship with the Dean of the local Anglican cathedral. Very good once it got going.

I’m currently reading:

How People Change by Paul David Tripp and and Timothy S. Lane.
In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character by Jen Wilkin with a friend.
A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: Meditations on Fear, Worry, and Trust by Ed Welch.
James: Walking in Wisdom by Lydia Brownback with the ladies’ Bible study group at church.
The Scent of Water by Elizabeth Goudge (audiobook).
Mr. Harrison’s Confessions (novella) by Elizabeth Gaskell

I won’t list this every time since it will take me a while to complete, but I finally started a NKJV Chronological Study Bible put out by Thomas Nelson. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time. At the time I got it, I couldn’t find an ESV version, thought there might be one out now. But the NKJV is an okay translation. The ESV Study Bible that I’ve used for years has sometimes copious footnotes. This one doesn’t, but it has inserts and sidebars with information about the times in which the passage was written. They haven’t been so helpful in the first several chapters of Genesis (I don’t really need to know about origin and flood stories from other cultures), but I am hoping they’ll be better as we go along.

After years of reading a paragraph or so at a time, then looking at the footnotes, then whatever other study aid I was using, it’s interesting reading three or so chapters at a time. You get different things reading as an overview or studying more in depth.

Blogging

Besides the weekly Friday Fave Fives, Saturday Laudable Linkage, and book reviews, I’ve posted these since last time:

Devotional Principles and Practices. There is more than one way to “do devotions,” but there are some principles that help.
How Bible Study Is Like Practicing Music. When learning a new song, you usually have to take a section at a time for further intensive work and then put it all back together. Bible study can be the same way.
Biblical Self-Concept. Our concept of self needs to be informed by what the Bible says about us.
Patience with Old Books. Writing styles were different in centuries past, but with a little patience, we can still benefit from them today.
When God Doesn’t Meet My Need. God created us with certain inherent needs, so it’s confusing when He doesn’t seem to be meeting them. But sometimes He withholds one thing to better give us something else.

Writing

It’s been such a busy month, I have not done anything on this front beyond the blog. Our critique group took August off, but we’re starting back up in September.

Looking ahead

My step-father, two sisters, and a nephew from TX is coming for a few days, and then we’re driving down to SC to see two of my sisters there. We also celebrate Jesse’s birthday next month. The rest of the month should be pretty quiet, though.

How was your August? Are you looking forward to anything in September?

(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)

The Lost Story of Via Belle

Posted on August 26, 2026 by Barbara Harper

The Lost Story of Via Belle is a dual-timeline novel by Melanie Dobson inspired by the life of Grace Livingston Hill. The book is not a fictionalized retelling of Grace’s life, but it draws on some of her circumstances and experiences.

In 1940, Via Belle is the pen name of Olivia Ashe. She’s written dozens of sweet romance novels with clear Christian themes. She and her husband had built a lovely lake-side home with a turret where she did all her writing. But first their daughter died, and then her husband passed away. Olivia’s next novel is due and her publisher won’t extend her deadlines any more. But she can’t find the words.

She’s invited to be on a panel of authors at a university. She’s the only one who writes novels: the others are more scholarly or literary. She feels distinctly out of place. But she’s able to share a few things. Then a long line of female college students stay and ask her to autograph their copies of her novels.

A Professor Simon Farrow stays as well, complimenting her on her work and how she handled herself on the panel. One invitation to dinner leads to another. Though Simon is much younger, they fall into a whirlwind romance. Olivia’s words come back and she finishes her novel in record time.

Olivia and Simon marry, in spite of her Aunt Hattie’s reservations. There are things about Simon that don’t make sense, but there’s always some reason to explain away his actions.

Yet, before too long, Olivia realizes she made a mistake.

in 2006, Harper Rayne is an aspiring screenwriter. Her best friend is a movie star with a producer-father, but he doesn’t take Harper’s work seriously. After blowing an opportunity to pitch her film idea, Harper accepts the invitation of her late mother’s friend to house-sit in a small town in PA where Via Belle lived sixty years earlier. Her mother had loved Via Belle’s books, and after Harper picks up her favorite, she begins to wonder if one of Belle’s books could be turned into a movie. As she looks into Belle’s life and tries to tour her home, Harper begins to think that the life of the author herself would make a good movie. But no one seems to know what happened to Belle: she went missing, and anyone who might know anything about her has no comment.

As Harper keeps digging, she finds not only more about Belle, but also surprising connections to her own life.

Melanie shares in her end notes that she had loved Grace Livingston Hill, and this book was inspired by parts of her life as well as those of Dorothy Sayers and Agatha Christie. Grace was married to a pastor and lived in PA, where she had two daughters; Belle only had one daughter who died young. After her husband’s death, Hill married a man much younger than herself, but their marriage was eventually annulled. Belle’s situation with her second husband is where much of the fiction comes into the story. Melanie shares some of her research here, including a tour of Hill’s home.

I enjoyed the beginning of the story. The middle seemed a little soap-opera-ish to me. But I loved how everything came together at the end.

When God Doesn’t Meet My Need

Posted on August 23, 2026 by Barbara Harper

Several years ago, I was preparing to attend my second writer’s conference. There’s always a butterflies-in-the-stomach-feeling when facing a trip. But I wasn’t consciously nervous since I had been to this conference the year before, and it was in a town where I used to live.

However, for some reason, I could not get much sleep the night before. I couldn’t get comfortable. I was too hot, then too cold. My knee started tingling. I played music on my phone, then tried an audiobook. Nothing helped. Of course, I prayed off and on all night.

I ended up with maybe two hours of sleep. It’s one thing to putter around the house without much sleep, but I was in no condition to drive for three and a half-hours.

I couldn’t help but wonder if God didn’t want me to go. I had good motives: I wanted to learn writing and the publishing industry better in order to be a more effective writer for Him. But had I asked Him about this conference? I couldn’t remember.

So I did ask at that point, as well as asking for wisdom to know what to do next. As I prayed and pondered, I decided to go ahead and get ready, then try to take a nap in my desk chair, and see how I felt after that. I asked God to multiply my sleep like the loaves and fishes and make it enough if He wanted me to go.

And that’s what happened. After I slept for a short while, I hit the road. I missed most of the opening session, but was able to attend the rest of the day’s meetings, slept well at the hotel that night, attended the Saturday sessions, had a great time, and made it home safely late that afternoon.

But for several days, I was confused, frustrated, and even a little wounded over that long night of sleeplessness. Why would God create me to need sleep and then not provide it, especially on a night when it was so crucial? Why would He not answer earnest prayer to enable me to do something for His glory?

One of the first thoughts that came to mind was Psalm 66:18: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” Unmet needs and seemingly unanswered prayer can lead to soul-searching.

Deuteronomy 8:3 also came to mind. During Israel’s days of wandering in the wilderness, a couple of times they were without water and food–a dangerous situation any time, but especially in the desert. God told them, “He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

One of God’s purposes for letting them hunger was to humble them. There’s nothing like being in desperate need to make us humble ourselves before the Lord. We realize there’s nothing we can do, and we cast ourselves on Him completely. However much we need bread–or sleep–we need Him more.

That also seems to be what Paul is saying in Philippians 4:11-13: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” God gives us strength to face both abundance and need with contentment, knowing He will take care of us in His own time and way.

Whatever other factors that might have played into my sleeplessness that night, my main conclusion was that God wanted me to depend on Him in ways I would not have otherwise.

God did actually answer both my need for sleep and the Israelites’ need for food and water–just not in the conventional way.

That helps me when thinking of death. This is probably not a spiritually healthy way to look at it, but death could seem like the final unanswered prayer or unmet need. We prayed for healing, but our loved one died. We prayed for safety, but our loved one got into a fatal accident.

But God said no to those prayers so He could provide something better–eternity with Him. Heaven is not a lesser answer.

Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” tells of Abraham, Noah, Samson, and others who experienced great victories for the Lord. But the last few verses tell of others who were beaten, persecuted, destitute, and mistreated. These were not second-class believers whose faith fell short. They were “commended through their faith” though they “did not receive what was promised” in their lifetimes.

Jesus said, “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:31-33).

God knows what we need, both physically and spiritually. He might withhold a physical need for a while to work on a greater need in our hearts. But He’s a good Father who loves and cares for His children. He wants us most of all to trust Him and rest in Him.

(I often link up with some of these bloggers.)

Laudable Linkage

Posted on August 22, 2026 by Barbara Harper

I haven’t been online as much this week, but here are some of the noteworthy articles I found:

The Sweetest Reasons to Read the Bible, HT to Knowable Word. “If we’re honest, we neglect the Bible for the same reasons: because we find something either more desirable or more delightful than God’s word. Sure, the consequences may not be as spectacular as Achan’s or Samson’s, but, if we’re honest, our excuses are just as lame. I’m too busy. I’m not feeling it. Understanding is hard. I just can’t focus. These are no better than Ooh, shiny! or Oh, sweet! They share the same tragic taste.Thanks be to God that the Bible itself cultivates our taste for something far better.”

This Old Prayer Changed the Way I Read My Bible. “Mindless prayer is always a danger, but particularly so when we recite memorized prayers. But one day I discovered a prayer that inspires me to slow down and ponder as I pray rather than speed up. This old prayer has become my new favorite to pray before reading my Bible.”

Store Treasure in Clay, HT to Challies. “The Clay Pot Conspiracy reminds us: our lives exist to showcase the worth of the gospel, not the strength of the vessel. When I appear strong, my progress says something about me. But when I’m cracked and still standing, still serving, still pressing on—it says something about God.”

15 Resolves for Maintaining Spiritual Balance in Severe Interpersonal Conflicts, HT to Challies. “The pain of interpersonal conflict may seem too acute to bear. Sometimes we see these conflicts erupt suddenly among families, or between church members, or at work or school. They may involve serious allegations that tend to rip people apart in ways that seem irreparable. In these most severe ruptures of confidence, when the necrosis of sin is eating up the lives of those involved, is it possible to rise above and maintain a spiritual composure? Certainly that must be so. But we have to apply biblical principles ruthlessly, without wavering.”

Family Prayer Is Inconvenient and Worth It, HT to Challies. “This happened most every night in our home. Everyone at the table prayed — out loud. Not just Mom. Not just Dad. It didn’t matter how old the kids were. If you could talk, you got to pray. Different than a dreaded duty, prayer was a valued habit around our table. My parents showed us what a privilege and joy it was to talk to our all-powerful God, who hears every prayer.”

Are Images of Christ OK? “Throughout history (especially in premodern times), visual representations of biblical stories have fostered biblical literacy. But there’s also a long history of opposition to biblical images. This opposition is largely rooted in the belief that the second commandment prohibits visual depictions of Jesus. Yet not all depictions of Jesus serve the same purpose. An icon, designed for veneration, doesn’t work the same way as an illustrated Bible storybook or a biblical show (like The Chosen).”

Lord, may we not allow circumstances to gnaw on our faith. Patsy Clairmont

Friday’s Fave Five

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Barbara Harper

I can’t believe August is more than half over already. Sharing our favorite blessings of the week with Susanne and friends at Living to Tell the Story doesn’t make time move any slower, but it gives us a chance to pause, reflect, and be grateful.

1. Family all together. My oldest son is here from RI for a little over a week. Jesse took a couple of days off to be here more for Jeremy’s visit, and Jason, Mittu, and Timothy have been here as much as they could between sickness and school. We haven’t had any big outings this year, but we’ve enjoyed hanging out together, talking, eating, and playing games.

2. Jeremy’s birthday. So glad he could be here for it!

3. Taking turns with meals. Mittu made dinner one day, Jesse another day. We’re going out tonight for my birthday and to Jason and Mittu’s tomorrow.

4. A pretty fix. The pocket of my housecoat had a hole worn in it. I thought I had some leftovers from a craft project years ago–you used to be able to buy sets with iron-on designs to decorate tee shirts and sweatshirts. I rummaged around in a drawer in my sewing/craft room, and, voila, found just what I needed. I put a regular iron-on patch on the inside of the pocket and this floral design on the outside. It’s a little off-center to cover the hole, but that’s all right. I like how it turned out. The ironed-on part is a little stiff, but I’m glad I could extend the life of my housecoat a little longer.

5. Cooler temperatures. We were under a heat advisory this week, but the next several days it looks like we should be in the 80s rather than the 90s.

How was you week? Have a great weekend!

The Dean’s Watch

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Barbara Harper

The Dean’s Watch is a novel by Elizabeth Goudge, published in 1950 but set in an English cathedral town in the 1870s. The town is unnamed but based on Ely, where Goudge lived for a time, bordering the marshy Fens region.

The story opens with watch- and clock-maker Isaac Peabody, a shy, quiet man working in his shop repairing Dean Ayscough’s watch. We’re told about his work, his shop, his lack of faith in God, and his fear of the cathedral (though we’re not told why he fears it until much later). He’s currently in one of his “good times.”

He lives with his sister, Emma, a rigid, brittle woman. Emma considers herself a gentleman’s daughter and is ashamed that her brother is a tradesman with his own shop. Her shame is deepened by the fact that Isaac visits the local pub during his “bad times.” Her mission in life is to “turn him into a sober, businesslike, gentlemanly good man,” and she knows she is failing.

Their maid, Polly, is a bright, cheerful, soul, and Isaac and Polly get along well when Emma is not around. Emma knows this and is jealous.

On Saturdays, Isaac keeps his shop closed and visits some of his customers whose clocks need winding and cleaning. One of those customers is the Dean (a head Anglican priest). Isaac times his visit for when the Dean will be out at the church. But this Saturday, the Dean is home with a cold. And, much to Isaac’s terror, the Dean wants to see him.

As it turns out, however, the Dean just wanted to thank Isaac for the paper included with his repaired watch. Isaac put little scraps of sayings or poetry with his watches, and the Dean particularly liked this one.

This led to a discussion of horology (the study of clocks and watches) as the two reserved men opened up to each other, with a promise of more visits to come.

The Dean is described as imposing, tall, and ugly, with a raspy voice. He commands authority and has fought against corruption in the city, particularly that involving children. But very few know his gruff exterior hides a tender heart.

Job Mooring is an orphan, stolen from his family as a child and then sold to various apprenticeships. He now works for a fishmonger who beats him. Way back as a young child made to climb chimneys, Job was rescued by the Dean, though he didn’t know that’s who he was. Job is secretly courting Polly.

One night when the Dean stops by Isaac’s house unexpectedly, he sets off a series of events with long-term ramifications.

In the meantime, his weekly visits with Isaac are redemptive for both men.

This book inspired yesterdays post on patience with old books. The book is not that old, but it’s written in the style of the 1800s. First we see a long description of Isaac and his shop, then the city, the fen people, several hundred years of the cathedral’s history, Emma, and the Dean. The story itself doesn’t seem to take off until about a third of the way in.

But once it did, I loved it. I loved the characters and the redemptive threads throughout. I liked the double meaning of the title: both the Dean’s physical timepiece, plus his watching over the people in the city, particularly the main characters. As he walked around the city at night, “He would stand in dark doorways and pray there for the men and women within the shuttered houses. If he lacked the common touch, if he was not the priest he had longed to be, this at least he could do.”

According to Wikipedia, though Elizabeth wrote several books, nonfiction and fiction, for both adults and children, The Dean’s Watch was one of her top three favorites.

Patience with Old Books

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Barbara Harper

Modern writers are told they need to hook the reader within the first couple of pages–preferably the first few paragraphs.

Fiction writers are also instructed not to write long descriptions and backstory. Instead, they’re told to tuck necessary details in here and there.

They’re also told to “Show, don’t tell.” You don’t say, “Sue was angry,” or even worse, “Sue was very angry.” You show her actions and let the reader infer what she felt: “Sue’s face reddened as she stomped out of the room and slammed the door.”

Other widespread writing advice: Use strong verbs and nouns, fewer adjectives and adverbs. Write shorter paragraphs. Cut everything that’s not absolutely necessary.

Old books are written differently.

They might start with the character’s ancestry three generations back and give us a detailed description of himself, his job, his home, and his family before we get even a hint of what the story is about. They generally “tell” more than they “show.” Their paragraphs, and sometimes even their sentences, are long and circuitous.

It’s not that the modern style of writing is right and the old way is wrong. Some books have continued to sell well for centuries even with their wordier construction. Different styles fit different times.

Older writers might be appalled at our modern lack of patience. But we not only have shorter attention spans–we have a plethora of material to read. If something doesn’t capture our interest right away, we move on to the next option.

I wonder if people savored reading more when they had fewer choices. I think they must have looked on reading–fiction, at least–as a time to anticipate and relax.

Italo Calvino has written, “A classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.” It still speaks to us today.

I think of it a little like traveling to a longed-for destination. Before you can get there, you have to make plans, book flights, pack, and endure the journey–all things I don’t like about travel. But most people find the destination with the effort.

It might help to ask for recommendations from a friend or Google classic books in a genre you already like. Finding out a little about the background and author aids understanding as well, but I caution you not to read the introductory material in many classics written by someone other than the author. Those seem to assume the reader is already familiar with the story and give away too much. (I’m still steamed at the writer who tossed out the ending of Anna Karenina like it was common knowledge and ruined it for me).

There are blogs and podcasts like The Literary Life Podcast which shed light on specific titles. I listened to their discussion of Dracula alongside my reading. I didn’t think I’d like the book, but I gained so much more by what I learned from their knowledge and discussion.

So I encourage you to be patient with older books and give them time. Accept that they may be more wordy and take a while to get where they’re going. But the payoff in a recognition of human character or a bit of wise insight is usually worth it.