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Hinds' Feet on High Places (High Places #1)

4.25 of 5 stars 4.25 · rating details · 16,379 ratings · 558 reviews

Hannah Hurnard created the story of Much Afraid, a young girl hoping to travel from the Valley of
Humiliation to the High Places. Along the way, she meets a number of memorable characters--
including the Family of Fearings, Cousin Pride, Mrs. Valiant, Mercy, and Peace. Much Afraid also
meets the ever-caring Shepherd, who helps her on her journey, at the end of which she recei...more

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Published January 1st 2007 by Blackstone Audio, Inc. (first published 1955)

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Feb 11, 2013 Abigail rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was simply providence that inspired this book. It does not cease to be exact. The author knew just what she wanted to portray. She was able to use the tools she acquired to delightfully array a series of unforgettable, eloquent sentences in an artistic, yet factual manner. The dialect is profound, refined and very beautiful, though in certain areas it can be slightly wordy.

The story itself illustrates the beauty of obedience, and the importance of life choices that are produced from the sacr...more

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Apr 01, 2013 Angelica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-alouds-to-kids

Every girl needs to read this book! And then, every woman needs to read this book! We can all relate to Much Afraid's journey, and we can all be blessed, encouraged, and challenged through it. And who doesn't need to know that The Shepherd is good and loves us and knows what we need?!? Seriously, it's a must read!

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Aug 22, 2008 Alice rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Book Clubs, Scripture Study Groups, anyone seeking closeness with God

Recommended to Alice by: my mother

When I first started reading this book I thought it would be too simplistic. Even the names of the characters, like Much Afraid and her companions Sorrow and Suffering, seemed to scream spoon fed spirituality.

As it turned out, I only had 10 minute chunks to read this book in and it allowed me to time to really chew on the story and how I could relate my own life and experiences to it. It turned out to be a beautiful meditation of God's love for us and our journey to our own high places.

This ve...more

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Feb 14, 2009 Terah rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

An allegory, beautifully written. Puts me in mind of C.S. Lewis' 'Till We Have Faces, but it is less complex. This is a story/parable for the soul. It would be a lovely gift book.

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Feb 26, 2011 The Chestertonian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: 7-12 year-old children, and all those older who are still young at heart

Shelves: christian

I have to admit it; I like this children's version even better than the original Hind's Feet on High Places. The pictures are enchanting and the abridgment is quite well done. I have read this aloud several times to some of my younger siblings, and they have always enjoyed it--particularly the illustrations of Pride and Craven Fear, I'm afraid! :) The text may be a little above the heads of pre-school children and too long for the hyper ones, but for slightly older children who still enjoy bein...more

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May 05, 2008 Jrad rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Those looking for strength in trials

This book is a profound little book. Hannah Hurnard writes a very provocative account of little "Much Afraid" and her journey to join the Shepherd in the High Places. This book unashamedly deals with the doubts we face in our Christian walk. When it seems that we are being led in the wrong direction, in the end we have taken the right journey and been made stronger for it. Without the suffering and trials we face, we cannot learn to enjoy the pleasure and beauty of the High Places.

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Jan 28, 2013 Kate rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: allegory, books-that-need-to-die

When I hear the phrase "Contemporary Christian Fiction," I snort inwardly, blanch, and avoid eye contact. Why? Because Christians publish books like this.
Much-Afraid's pedantic journey to the kingdom of Love was too much for me to endure. After sixty pages of sugary spirituality and stilted attempts at eloquence, I dropped it, feeling victimized and somewhat embarrassed by the religious glurge that had violated my brain. I would blame my extreme distaste for this book on its allegorical nature,...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Romeo B rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I found it to stir the heart and soul in deep ways. It is the story of Much-Afraid leaving the Valley of Fear that she has always known, and embarking on a journey to become a new creation. The thing about this book is that it talks about the deepest longings and fears of our hearts in following God--following Him when we can't see ahead of us, when we feel like we're going in circles, when we feel like He is not taking us where we want to go, and how following Him can mean laying down the deepe...more

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Jun 05, 2011 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Almost exactly one year ago, a friend read an excerpt of this book to a group of women. In the portion she read, Much-Afraid (the main character) is promised a new name by The Shepherd. I asked what name she was given, but my friend merely smiled and told me I should read the book myself. From that point on, the book has been in my mental queue, but the time was never right. Then last month, someone mentioned the book, heard I hadn't read it and loaned it to me on the spot. There's something to...more Almost exactly one year ago, a friend read an excerpt of this book to a group of women. In the portion she read, Much-Afraid (the main character) is promised a new name by The Shepherd. I asked what name she was given, but my friend merely smiled and told me I should read the book myself. From that point on, the book has been in my mental queue, but the time was never right. Then last month, someone mentioned the book, heard I hadn't read it and loaned it to me on the spot. There's something to be said for waiting for the right timing in reading a book. I have no doubt this was the right time for me to read this book.

Hinds' Feet on High Places is an allegory. I've found that most allegories, especially Christian ones, are a bit heavy-handed. While that could be said for this book as well, the underlying sweetness of the story more than compensated for it. Hurnard didn't gloss over difficulties in Much-Afraid's journey, which made the entire tale more believable, enjoyable and readable.

Speaking of readability, the book is a quick read, but I found myself deliberately pausing after chapters in order to ponder the truths laid out. One such truth was that our greatest enemies on the path to the high places are internal - pride, resentment, bitterness, self-pity and fear. How often do I sabotage my own efforts for one of these reasons? How often do I let fear stop me from trying? Or pride stop me from taking the first step?

If you're looking for a book with crisp, clean writing, you should look elsewhere. But if you're looking instead for a book that holds a great many truths, waiting to be pondered, internalized and lived out, Hinds' Feet on High Places is a good one to read. No matter where you are on your journey, I suspect you will see yourself in these pages. I know I am Much-Afraid much of the time and this book left me longing to collect stones of remembrance along the way so that I will have the faith and strength to be given a new name - or live up to the one I already have.(less)

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Jan 23, 2013 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Hinds' Feet On High Places is similar to The Pilgrim's Progress as both are allegorys. Hinds' Feet follows the life of "Much Afraid" from the Vally of Humiliation. "Much Afraid" leaves her home and follows the Shepherd and goes through multiple trials that Christians face to reach the High Places. You will find yourself either have been are in the same positions, and possible same response, as "Much Afraid." An encouraging read and reminder that the Lord will guide and direct His chosen people.

S...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Sasha rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a charming allegory of the Christian journey, particularly the Christian's battle against self. Hannah Hurnard is a genius wordsmith, and the twists and turns of the plot, along with her delicate writing style, kept me intrigued. This is an old book (1930s? 40s?), but Hurnard's insight is amazingly relevant. I would especially recommend this to anyone who has the patience for books designed to inspire quiet self-reflection and who can appreciate older writing styles.

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Feb 02, 2011 Brent rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. ***Updated to correct some details***

It was good. The author was giving a much needed message that the Christian path is often a hard and difficult one. Something I think many modern Americans have forgot as we do live in a blessed age.

I gave it two stars because of two problems I had with the book.
One. The Shepard asks Much-Afraid what would happen if He lied to her. She says that He would never do that. He then again asks what if he did. She then thinks and comes to the conclusion that she wou...more

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Jan 27, 2013 Simon Crowe rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book in 4 days and it really spoke into my life!

Here is the section of the story that God used to talk to me:

“Shepherd,” asked Much-Afraid earnestly, “tell me why I nearly got into Pride’s clutches again, and why Resentment, Bitterness and Self-Pity have been able to pester me for so long in this dreadful way…they have been lurking around all the time and making their horrible suggestions and I couldn’t get away from them. Why was it?”

“I think,” said the Shepherd gently, “that lately...more

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Sep 09, 2010 Brian W rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book at my wife's request, who loved it. It is in the genre of Pilgrim's Progress, an allegory of a pilgrim who must journey through the dangers and trials of the Christian life. The biggest difference is that the main character is a female, which gives the book a decidedly different feel. There are many beautiful and convicting parts in the book, although I probably don't identify with the author, as much as a woman might.

With that said, my favorite moment of the book was in Ch 4,...more I read this book at my wife's request, who loved it. It is in the genre of Pilgrim's Progress, an allegory of a pilgrim who must journey through the dangers and trials of the Christian life. The biggest difference is that the main character is a female, which gives the book a decidedly different feel. There are many beautiful and convicting parts in the book, although I probably don't identify with the author, as much as a woman might.

With that said, my favorite moment of the book was in Ch 4, where the main character, Much Afraid, discovers a beautiful wild flower, that would in most cases go seemingly unnoticed. MA ponders about the waste of these beautiful flowers going unnoticed. At which point, the Shepherd comes to explain that the greatest victories in life occur when self-love in a person is conquered by true love. Though this often goes unnoticed in the world, in fact, it is a beautiful thing in the kingdom of God. I'll quote the section at the end of the review for anyone interested.

I also enjoyed the creational nature of the book. The author really seems to understand the physical nature and beauty in creation and that God really enjoys the physical nature and beauty in it as well.

The greatest disappointment I had with the book, which brought it from a 4 star rating to a 3 dealt with the end of Ch 12. In it the Shepherd asks a hypothetical question to MA, "Would you still love me if I were to deceive you?" MA responds there is no way the Shepherd could deceive. But the Shepherd continues the argument. I really don't see the point of this argument and could never picture Christ asking that type of question to provoke a response of "Yes, I would still love you." Is it not the devil that is the deceiver, why would a Shepherd insist upon asking the question?

Overall, I liked the book. It is an enjoyable, but also convicting and thought-provoking read.

Favorite Quote from Ch 4.

Once the Shepherd stooped and touched the flowers gently with His fingers, then said to Much-Afraid with a smile, 'Humble yourself, and you will find that Love is spreading a carpet of flowers beneath your feet.'

Much-Afraid looked at Him earnestly. 'I have often wondered about the wild flowers,' she said. 'It does seem strange that such unnumbered multitudes should bloom in the wild places of the earth where perhaps nobody ever sees them and the goats and the cattle can walk over them and crush them to death. They have so much beauty and sweetness to give and no one on whom to lavish it, nor who will even appreciate it.'

The look the Shepherd turned on her was very beautiful. 'Nothing My Father and I have made is ever wasted,' He said quietly, 'and the little wild flowers have a wonderful lesson to teach. They offer themselves so sweetly and confidently and willingly, even if it seems that there is no one to appreciate them. Just as though they sang a joyous little song to themselves, that it is so happy to love, even though one is not loved in return.

'I must tell you a great truth, Much-Afraid, which only the few understand. All the fairest beauties in the human soul, its greatest victories, and its most splendid achievements are always those which no one else knows anything about, or can only dimly guess at. Every inner response of the human heart to Love and every conquest over self-love is a new flower on the tree of Love. Many a quiet, ordinary, and hidden life, unknown to the world, is a veritable garden in which Love's flowers and fruits have come to such perfection that it is a place of delight where the King of Love Himself walks and rejoices with His friends.

Some of My servants have indeed won great visible victories and are rightly loved and reverenced by other men, but always their greatest victories are like the wild flowers, those which no one knows about. Learn this lesson now, down here in the valley, Much-Afraid, and when you get to the steep places of the mountains it will comfort you.'
(less)

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Jan 22, 2013 Tiffany rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorite-books

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Sep 07, 2012 Nichelle Rae rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian-themes

One of my very best friends who I spill my guts too about EVERYTHING in my life, not only recomended this book to me as I told her of some things I was struggling with, but went to the store, bought it herself, and mailed it to me.

It was the right book at the right time. God definitely had a hand in this.

While I don't agree with some of the imagry and theology of this book, the general feel of the book, about the journey of walking with God (the Shepard) is very beautiful and calming and it rea...more

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Jul 10, 2012 Nicky rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Another surprising one! Title didn't sit comfortably with me, but it's a good read. It's an allegorical (I had to look that word up!!!) book which takes its title from Habakkuk 3:19, "The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places." A bit like Pilgrims Progress in a way - not as weighty though. I liked it and totally knew what 'much afraid' was going through in many of the places she went through. Desert. Wildnerness. Pai...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Ian Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Beautiful. A 20th century Pilgrims Progress; an allegorical journey into life, healing and renewal, from valley to mountain top. Fundamentally feminine in it's character, it brings a very different perspective on oppression and suffering to Bunyan's pilgrim. Also a quaint naïveté - the author goes to considerable lengths to explain the lessons to be drawn from the parable, even helpfully summarising them towards the end of the book, in the voice of the now transformed Much-Afraid.

Made me wonder...more

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Mar 18, 2012 Marilyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One phrase comes to mind whenever I remember this book: A purging of the soul. It is tailored for anyone-any level of education, any culture, any faith. It is the type of book that should be read over and over again, to cleanse your spirit, refocus, and simplify your life. It is an allegory that will take you through every phase of your present life and make you reflect on all of your current life choices and beliefs. It gives you an opportunity to privately reflect, between you and God, and mak...more

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Dec 26, 2009 June rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I know 2 out of 5 stars sounds dismal, but it really is a worthwhile book to read, if in the correct mood and with the right expectations. This is a spiritual book that uses an "allegory" to describe a Christian's life experiences with God. I use the word "allegory" very loosely, which also explains the 2 stars. Whereas other tales like "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" are very imaginative Christian allegories, this one is so explicit with character names like "Much-Afraid", "Sorrow" and "...more

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May 20, 2012 Joan Bartley rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I cannot think of a more powerful allegory illustrating the Christian life.
Anyone who has ever questioned God or wondered why evil exists or why people suffer, must read this book. Love is the imperative of this allegory, but not a foolish, blind, or too-sweet love; instead, it is a powerful force that heals deformities, overcomes mountains, and compels the human soul to heights never before possible. The Shepherd is not a benign Savior, but a strong and holy Savior who demands sacrifice and gi...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Marita rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: rs, spirituality

Very Strange, Song of Salomon inspired Allegory. I was very confused in the beginning. I was picturing the deer form the cover and then they talked about Much Afraid having hands?!... I ended liking the book OK and gave it the 3rd * for obscurity and effort. The book got me going back to the Old Testament and to read the actual Song of Salomon which I had not done since the teenage years when I considered it to be way too sensual and pornographic to be in the Bible...Now many years later: "Make...more

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Feb 17, 2011 anca dc rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

This is not a bla-bla-book although it is a story but the genuine profound experience the author lived all her life and also while she was visiting Switzerland for a 10-days-holiday. Behind the main character with all her failures, fears and physical defects lies the author herself. The beautiful landscapes through which Much-Afraid is going on her journey and the message that they carry were the same thing Hannah Hurnard was taught by her Shepard seeing the beautiful landscape of Switzerland.
Th...more

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Sep 24, 2011 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you've ever been through a 'valley' in life and wondered will it ever end, this is a great book. It's definately a 'christian' book. It's written from a scripture in Habakkuk 3:19. Habakkuk is a great short book in the bible, and the verse she writes from is so powerful obviously, since Hannah is able to write an entire book about it. I think probably one of the best, second to the bible that is. It's a super easy read, short. But the character, Much Afraid, you will definately feel like is y...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What an uplifting allegory of the Christian walk! Refreshing to read an identifiable book with a happy ending! The valleys, the deserts, the storms, the plateaus, the successful climbs, the battles with Resentment and Bitterness and Self-Pity among others. My mom has been trying to get me to read this for years and finally bought it for me for Christmas. Not only did I read it (and it was a fast read), I recommended it for Book Club, and it generated some wonderful discussions. Besides a few the...more

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Jul 06, 2010 Kelly Black rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The youth pastor at our church recommended this book which is a classic among Christian books. At first it was difficult to get started as it is written in a bit of an old style and the story didn't connect for me right away. I persevered due to the recommendation and I encourage you to hang in there as well, for as it progresses, the parallels to my life started to pour out of the pages and the experience became one of reading and journaling my way through the book to take full advantage of the...more

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Feb 20, 2013 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story encouraged me; caused me to reflect upon the people I have met along my life's journey. Ones that have been a blessing and stirred me to move forward and others that have placed road blocks, detours and caused me much pain. What I enjoyed most was reading about how we struggle; when we just need to trust and rest in the truth and simpleness of the way Christ delivers his sheep, we are all under His care and love; and this was exactly what I needed to acknowledge and know about Him in...more

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May 23, 2010 carolyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book dramatizes on the yearning of God's children to be led to greatest heights of love, joy, and victory. It explains a lot about the trials and tribulations, suffering and sorrow that one must endure to reach these great heights. Very interesting book. I loved the way it was written and actually used certain "feelings" and "characteristics" as the names of people. I think in doing this, it better explains and elaborates more into the story to help you better understand. I would say read t...more

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Jun 14, 2009 Kesch rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Its not really fair to say that I READ this book. I've been reading this book since I was in high school. It really touches me in a special way every time I pick it up. However for me, it is just so weighty in topic, and picturesque in nature, and emotionally spiritual that I can hardly get through a chapter or two before I put it back down for several years. As it has been brought to my attention again, I guess it must be time to read more. I might move this over to my currently reading shelf a...more

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Jan 06, 2009 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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About Hannah Hurnard

a twentieth century Christian author, best known for her allegory Hinds' Feet on High Places.
Hurnard was born in 1905 in Colchester, England to Quaker parents. She graduated from Ridgelands Bible College of Great Britain in 1926. In 1932 she became an independent missionary, moving to Haifa, Israel. Her work in Israel lasted 50 years, although she would later maintain a home in England as well.
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Hinds' Feet On High Places And Mountains Of Spices (Christian Classics For A New Generation)

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“She bent forward to look, then gave a startled little cry and drew back. There was indeed a seed lying in the palm of his hand, but it was shaped exactly like a long, sharply-pointed thorn… ‘The seed looks very sharp,’ she said shrinkingly. ’Won’t it hurt if you put it into my heart?’

He answered gently, ‘It is so sharp that it slips in very quickly. But, Much-Afraid, I have already warned you that Love and Pain go together, for a time at least. If you would know Love, you must know pain too.’

Much-Afraid looked at the thorn and shrank from it. Then she looked at the Shepherd’s face and repeated his words to herself. ’When the seed of Love in your heart is ready to bloom, you will be loved in return,’ and a strange new courage entered her. She suddenly stepped forward, bared her heart, and said, ‘Please plant the seed here in my heart.’

His face lit up with a glad smile and he said with a note of joy in his voice, ‘Now you will be able to go with me to the High Places and be a citizen in the Kingdom of my Father.’

Then he pressed the thorn into her heart. It was true, just as he had said, it did cause a piercing pain, but it slipped in quickly and then, suddenly, a sweetness she had never felt or imagined before tingled through her. It was bittersweet, but the sweetness was the stronger. She thought of the Shepherd’s words, ‘It is so happy to love,’ and her pale, sallow cheeks suddenly glowed pink and her eyes shown. For a moment Much-Afraid did not look afraid at all.” — 26 people liked it

“When you wear the weed of impatience in your heart instead of the flower Acceptance-with-Joy, you will always find your enemies get an advantage over you.” — 20 people liked it

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Hinds' Feet on High Places (High Places #1)

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