Member Reviews
Sins of Fathers tells the true story of Michael Emmett who followed his father into the family business of organised crime. It tells how when Michael was caught and imprisoned he turned a corner after finding religion and how he set out to be a better man.
I found it an ok read but it did not flow as well as it could making it a little disjointed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC.
The life story of a London career criminal who came to know Jesus and whose life was turned around by God's Holy Spirit. This is one of those books that intrigues and makes you wonder if this could have been you.
A rather rocky conversion and lots of internal struggles, but Michael's story is inspiring and worth reading.
The style of the book isn't great - it's a bit repetitive in places (children and grandchildren) and written as a chronological life story. It comes across as a bit of a sequential 'mind dump'. It's probably a difficult topic, but some books about converted criminals are much better written (Jonathan Aitken, Darrell Tunningley, Gram Seed, etc), although others also struggle to come up with a readable structure.
Despite it not having the structure and language to captivate, it conveys a strong message. Much of the credit is given to HTB and a lot is made of the Alpha course. At times, the method seemed to be more important than the message.
Overall, Michael's story is one that needs to be heard and even if it helps just one or two people to come to know Christ, it will have been worthwhile. Michael's talks and speaking engagements are also worth listening to.
I appreciated the opportunity to read this on NetGalley prior to publication, thanks to HarperInspire.
This was a remarkable story, but unfortunately I found it rather boring. What could have been a fascinating tale is a rather dull narration. Violent crime, and drug-dealing which brings misery to untold numbers of people, is glossed over, and violent criminals sanitised as "naughty" boys. Not a book I would recommend.
Unfortunately I got a quarter into the book and gave up. The book just did not flow. I’m not sure what I expected when I set out reading this but I didn’t find it a particularly easy or enjoyable read. It just felt very choppy. I put the book down last night and tried to pick it up again this morning but it still felt the same.
However I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.
A painful insight to how easy it is to become part of the criminal world. Choice of associate shows a big influence on life choices.
The power of money and lifestyle ruling choices. Using gifts not time and attention to buy affection.
Letting hardships show different attitudes and ways of living. Rebuilding family ties and strengthening these for future generations.
A stark picture of how life can change and by letting others help can be positive. Being vulnerable is not a weakness but a strength.
Finding religion was the starting point with many detours on the way.