Servant of Slaves: A Biographical Novel of John Newton

by Grace Irwin

Author Grace Irwin recounts the powerful story of historical figure John Newton, who for a time was a sailor on ships engaged in the slave trade and then converted to Christianity at 23, eventually becoming an Anglican cleric and the author of a number of hymns (with poet William Cowper), including "Amazing Grace". Irwin's novel weaves Newton's story using third-person narrative interspersed with imagined dialogue which, fortunately, is skillfully done so as to engage the reader in the story rather than take them out of it.

Genres: Biography

437 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent story written by a Canadian author. She does a wonderful job of researching his life. John Newton was a rebel for the first years of his life. God brought him into the depths of despair and hopelessness only to raise him up to be a mighty servant. Unfortunately the first 1/2 is so riveting and dramatic that the years following his conversion seem tame. Very suitable for pre - teens as well if you don't mind the occasional graphic violence.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this years ago and really enjoyed it. I don't remember now whether I would have given it 4 or 5 stars. I just ordered another copy so I can read it again. My previous copy was lost in my house fire 12 years ago. I read it a long time before that.

[Laura Bosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of redemption and faith. I love Grace Irwin's writing style and the subject is compelling. Have read it 3 or 4 times and will likely again many times.

[Peter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a romantic historical novel of the life of John Newton, the writer of the words to the hymn "Amazing Grace." It dramatizes the first part of his life well, as he braves the seas, sailors, and African shores and slaves. The story creates suspense in the love that Newton expresses for Mary Catlett, whom he obsesses over while away at sea.

But after the marriage it seems to slow down and then get bogged down in trying to finish off the details of his life and preaching, and only the dedicated reader will make their way to the ending. Her prose tends to be labourious as it is, and her sentences run on.

Nevertheless, its wonderful in its detail of the adventures of Newton, and while it may romanticize his life, love, and theology, it offers one window into a very remarkable life.

I do believe the author is a high school teacher from Toronto, and that made the book of extra curiosity to me. I have a friend who knew her as a teacher and mentor, and she seemed like a wonderful person. I read the book to my daughters, who loved the first half, especially the love story.

[kenzie · Rating 3 out of 5]

this low-key put me in a slump (thanks a lot literature class) and i only have one book left for my reading challenge asjfnvudjsanv

but the only good thing to come out of this book is this line, “When I am with her,” he had written simply, “I am a little negligent of everybody else just as, if you will allow such a blazing comparison, the presence of the sun makes us bear the loss of the stars without regret” (281). wow that's one of my favorite quotes ever

[Dea Moffitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the true story of the life and conversion of John Newton. It blessed my heart to read of the Lord's conversion of Mr. Newton (writer of Amazing Grace). It was a very encouraging read. I've read it a couple times and recommended to others.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only thing I knew about John Newton prior to reading this is that he was a former slave trader who wrote "Amazing Grace". This novel filled in all the rest with action, adventure, romance and spiritual lessons. It's written in a style that can get kind of wordy, but I enjoyed it anyway. I especially enjoyed John and Mary's wonderful love story. It was better than fiction!

[Michelle]

biographical novel of Joh Newton, slave trader and author of "Amazing Grace" Rec. in Honey