Nothing Else Matters

by Patricia St. John

A powerful and moving story of civil war in Lebanon.Lamia and her family are caught up in the conflict in Lebanon with tragic consequences. Lamia struggles with the hatred that threatens to destroy her, until she grasps that forgiveness and love are the most important things.

Genres: Christian, Childrens, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical, War, Christian Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Patricia Mary St. John spent 27 years as a dedicated missionary to North Africa - and was also a prolific children's writer. Her books are loved and treasured around the world; some have been turned into stirring films. Gripping adventures which cover real life issues are her hallmark.

Reviews

[Marjolein]

Not even the worst book I've read for English this year ;)

[Hannah Lofthus]

"We forgive because we have been forgiven, and we love because we have been loved. Lamia, did anyone ever conquer hate with hate, or darkness with deeper darkness?"

Such a powerful, wonderful story. It makes it all the more heartbreaking and impactful knowing that so many of the events in this story really did happen, and not that long ago. I highly recommend this.

[Melia Leman]

I love all of Patrica St. John’s books, but this one might be my new favorite!
The setting of war-torn Lebanon in the 1980s was very different than what I normally read, but it was so interesting to learn about. I don’t even know how to put it into words, but this book was both heartbreaking and touching at the same time. I wanted to cry both sad tears and happy tears throughout.
Lamia was such a good main character! I loved seeing her character growth throughout the story as she learned how to forgive.
Also, I liked the sweet love story on the side! It was the perfect amount of romance for this book! Would highly recommend!

[Sarah Nisly]

Three stars for my enjoyment of it now; four because I think I would have loved it if I had read it at the age the book was written for.

[Brianna Taylor]

This isn’t my favorite St John book that I’ve read. If you are reading with children, be warned that it features quite dark and graphic violent details about war and Moslem - Christian conflict in Lebanon. There is something refreshing about a book not shying away from reality, especially with the current state of our world.

[Kristy Hetzel]

This wasn't my favourite book of hers though certainly gives a picture of war-torn Lebanon. It just seemed devoid of much hope for at least the first 60% and then the faith seemed a little on the wishy-washy side.

[Shannon]

It was amazing!!! I loved the way that it linked back to a time in history where lots of fighting and stuff happened. I loved the way that the author wrote it from a third person's point of view so that when you read the book you feel like you're there. I loved the way that it was a package. It was the perfect combination of adventure, mystery, romance and comedy. Overall I think that this is the best book that I have read so far, I give it a 5+. I loved the way that the author wrote it so that it appeals to a target audience: teenagers and adults.

[Martyn]

The first Patricia St. John book I've read. It was quite engaging in spite of its setting and theme. But I'm not really sure about the Christian side of things, whether it might not be a bit too liberal and ecumenical. It doesn't seem to ever question whether Roman Catholics are really Christians or not. Where the Christian teaching was more explicit, I wasn't convinced that its meaning was very clear. It certainly didn't seem clear enough for a non-Christian to understand it. Maybe St. John's earlier books are better on that score. I'll have to find out.

[Selah]

Really, really good book. I'd say as good or even better than her other books. Set during the bloody Lebanese war in the mid/late 1900's. Definitely worth reading!!

[Salinn Barth]

My sister in law’s recommended this book to me.
It was so sad but such a good story! One that can definitely bring tears!

[Elaine Cathcart]

The Love of God in the Midst of War

Reading this felt very timely. It gives a sense of what it's like to live in a war torn area and find hope in the Savior.

[Crystal]

I thought this was a middle grades author, but I wasn't comfortable finishing this one on audio with my children. Too many war details. That being said, it was a beautiful ending of hope.

[Emma Filbrun]

Patricia St. John is one of my favorite authors, so when I saw this book on a friend’s shelf I knew I wanted to read it. It is quite different from her other books, in that it is written for an older audience. However, as in each of her novels, she illustrates one facet of salvation clearly.

As the story opens, 16-year-old Lamia is concerned about her twin brother Amin, and trying to shield him from their father. Amin is training to defend his Christian community from the Muslims who are threatening them as tensions build between people of the two faiths. Soon, open war breaks out and many people are killed. A cease-fire is signed, and Amin is invited to a birthday party for a Muslim friend he has known all his life. The “friend”, however, betrays him and several days later Amin’s body is dumped near his home. The family is plunged into mourning, and Lamia bitterly hates Amin’s betrayer and, by extension, all Muslims. After another round or two of fighting, she happens across a the body of a Palestinian woman from the nearby refugee camp—and discovers a toddler, alive, under his mother! She takes the baby home and cares for him, soon developing a fierce love for the little boy.

As the fighting escalates, Lamia’s family must leave their home and flee to another place, where, eventually, Muslim fighters find them hiding under blankets. The only thing that saves the family is when Lamia’s mother shows the Palestinian toddler to the soldiers and they recognize him as a member of their family. Lamia’s mother promises to return the baby to his family. When she is killed, however, will Lamia fulfill her mother’s vow? Or will she continue allowing her anger, hatred, and bitterness to rule her life?

The facet of salvation that is illustrated in this book is that of forgiveness, repentance, and obedience. Lamia could not find peace with God without obeying—but could she bring herself to do that? This was quite a powerful story, and a clear description of a war I knew nothing about before reading the book.

WARNING:
Not for young readers. There are some fairly graphic scenes, throughout the book, of the horrors and results of war.

[mirela Darau]

This is one of my favourite books by patricia St john together with Star of Light and Treasures of the Snow. What impressed me was first of all the story and then the strong characters, the drama of Lamia and her tough way to maturity..

[Mandi]

Beautiful story of Christ's forgiveness + some very important Lebanese and Palestinian history. I love this author and though I prefer her children's fiction, I found this to be an excellent read.

[Hailey Rose]

Wow...this is one of my favorite Patricia St. John books. Be prepared to cry...it's heartwrenching.

[Deb the Reading Bee]

I read this book's Serbian translation titled "Ništa drugo nije važno".