Back in the 1980s, I knew of Anne Townsend as the author of some common sense (and often inspiring) Christian books that were light enough to make them easy to read, but deep enough to be thought-provoking. I liked her style, and picked up a few of her books second-hand, or on special offer.
When I first read 'Faith without pretending' about twelve years ago, I was expecting a self-help kind of book about faith (and, perhaps, lack of faith). I was not expecting an honest, often moving autobiographical account that starts with the author describing what happened when she reached rock-bottom in depression.
I read it again recently, in just a few days. Even knowing what to expect, I had forgotten most of the details. The author describes her childhood and conversion to evangelical Christianity, all the time wanting to 'fit in' and do what would please those in authority.
She doesn't tell us much about her marriage to John; the story is really about her own faith, as it grows, rather under false pretences at times since she believes she should 'burn out' for Jesus - and sacrifices her peace of mind and that of her children along the way.
Sometimes disturbing, often moving, I found myself gripped again as I re-read the honest account of this courageous woman of God. It's a pity that so many people in the Church refuse to admit to failings and depression, thus effectively forcing others to wear a cheerful mask as they believe themselves to be backsliding, or worse.
I can't recommend this book highly enough - unfortunately it's out of print, although occasionally available second-hand.
Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 20th June 2011
I've very much liked the books I've read by the Christian author Anne Townsend. Her style is clear, encouraging, and very readable.
I'm pretty sure I've read 'Time for Change' previously. But I have no record of having done so within the last ten years since I've been recording what I read. This is a little surprising, since it's about parents relating to teenagers, and it's in the past decade that I was a parent with teenage sons. Perhaps I read it when they were approaching the teenage years.
Still, it was sitting on my shelves and I couldn't remember much about it. I like to know if a book is worth recommending to friends who might be interested. So in the past week or so I've re-read it. As I expected, it was a good read, full of wise advice and suggestions for parents dealing with typical teenage problems - challenges to authority, messy bedrooms, problems in school, relationships, and so on.
Having said that, it was written in the 1980s so inevitably it's a bit out of date. It's also written from a clear Christian perspective, with expectations of traditional Christian morals, something that doesn't seem to hold in many families these days. And - which seemed like a major lack - it doesn't mention the option of home education for teenagers of any age who are having a hard time in school.
But still, most of the suggestions are positive and make a great deal of sense. Anne Townsend advises when to hold back and give plenty of freedom. She gives advice on how to deal with hormone-related issues, and how to begin to relate to a teenager as a young adult rather than a child. Many parents would benefit from reading this book, even if they skate over some parts or even if they disagree with much of it. The scenarios and suggestions are thought-provoking, and could lead to helpful discussion within a family.
I'd recommend this in a low-key way to anyone with pre-teens or teens in the household. Unfortunately it's long out of print, but if you happen to come across it second-hand, it's well worth perusing, in my view. (Not to be confused with a book with a similar title by Pete Townsend).
Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 23rd January 2008
This is a fairly light-weight book about marriage, which I first read over 20 years ago but haven't picked up since. Anne Townsend has written several books in this series, which I find well-written and full of insight.
Sure enough, 'Marriage Without Pretending' contains several clear and positive chapters covering various topics in marriage, from 'Why get married' to 'What happens when it goes wrong?'. She shatters the myth that Christian marriage is always successful, or that a couple simply need to pray more if things are going wrong.
Anne Townsend also points out the dangers of complacency, the stresses that come with children, the necessity for complete honesty and sensitive role-allocation, and the problems of over-committed church members who spend little time with their spouses.
There are plenty of anecdotes, mostly based on real situations (with names changed) illustrating the various points. The author doesn't give any easy answers, although she sometimes points out where people started to go wrong, or where changes could have been made. But the overall effect is of shared confidences rather than preaching or strong advice.
Ideal for anyone considering marriage, or newly married and finding life rather more stressful than expected. Even knowing that problems are 'normal' can be a huge relief to someone struggling to maintain a positive image, particularly in the church.
On the other hand, there isn't much in the book for someone married long-term, other than warnings not to take each other for granted. Recommended for young couples, particularly those who want something short and concise, but not really for repeated reading.
'Faith Without Pretending' is an honest and moving autobiographical account by Christian writer Anne Townsend.
The author shares her childhood and teenage experience of the 1960s evangelical culture in the UK, where she felt accepted and able to 'fit in', so long as she did what she was told to do by the church leaders and mature believers around her.
However she had an odd sense of things happening around her, without much sense of involvement. Still, she carefully suppressed all her doubts and questions, not wanting to cause conflict, and eventually became a missionary in Thailand where life was often very difficult - but still she kept the outward appearance of a contented evangelical Christian.
Anne Townsend then became well-known as a writer, but her doubts and worries increased as the pressures around her became more difficult to cope with. Suddenly she attempted suicide - something we know is going to happen right from the beginning - but God saved her; gradually she then came to terms with her doubts, and learned to broaden her faith so she could learn what God wanted her to be and do.
I thought this was a wonderful book, full of honesty and insight. Highly recommended.
You can also read a slightly longer review of 'Faith Without Pretending' which I wrote after re-reading nearly twelve years later.
Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, May 1999
