Though None Go with Me

Jenkins's latest treacly spiritual novel (after Left Behind and Tribulation Force) follows Elisabeth Grace LeRoy Bishop through her life, which stands as an ""experiment in obedience"" to God's will. Born on the first day of the century, Elisabeth lives through two world wars and the advent of the automobile and telephone. But the events of the outside world are secondary to the real story, which centers on her spiritual development. Once Elisabeth makes her commitment to God, the story moves quickly from one trial to another. Through no fault of her own, Elisabeth's faith is repeatedly tested. She must weather her father's death, her aunt's cruelty, the disappearance of her fianc in WWI, her daughter's chronic illness, hardship during the Depression, her 34-year-old husband's battle with Alzheimer's disease and the criminal tendencies of her oldest son. Through these tribulations her faith in Christ holds firm, buoyed up in part by her beloved youngest son. Even when the most terrible things happen, apparently engineered to test her faith, Elisabeth's devotion to God and the church are, ultimately, strengthened. Her example bolsters the faith of her family and friends. In the end, for Jenkins, the intangible rewards of Christian faith counterbalance any worldly troubles. The story may be inspiring to some believers. Others, however, may find the uncomplicated evil of the book's few atheists and the jargon of the faithful unremittingly tedious. (Jan.)