Out of the Shadow World (Book Review)

Scripture Connection

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

2 Cor. 4:17

Spiritual Themes

Sweet, sweet allegory! This is my very favorite genre, and one that is so close to my heart because of how the Lord uses it to speak to me. Out of the Shadow World differs from other children’s allegories, in that the book is not so much a “struggle of good vs. evil” story (though that theme is present), as much as it is about God’s goodness in, and sovereignty amidst, sorrows. In fact, author Colleen Chao is in treatment for a cancer that the doctors deemed incurable. Out of this suffering, she wrote In the Hands of a Fiercely Tender God (31 day devotional, Moody Publishers, Oct. 2022), as well as Out of the Shadow World. As I consider those titles, I like that each starts with an opposing preposition, but we see that we are WITH God, whether “in” or “out.”

The book also has the strong message of identity in Christ, depicted allegorically.

I didn’t bookmark as I read, but I also recall encountering quite a few gems of truth: poignant and powerful statements that drew me closer to reality and “out of the shadow world.”

What I Liked

I came across this title in a newsletter from Amanda Cleary Eastep, author of the award-winning Tree Street Kids series– and editor of this middle grade novel! I was drawn to it because of the allegory, though I wasn’t sure how I’d feel reading a book about a kid with cancer (I like to keep my reading light… or suspenseful). As I started reading, I was aware that Colleen Chao had cancer. I didn’t realize until I started writing my review that she has cancer, presently. That fact makes an already-powerful book even more beautiful and awe-inspiring. I am so glad that the Lord called her to write this beautiful work, which abounds in truth: not only in the sense of the book conveying spiritual reality, but even more so in the sense that the author’s words are rooted in the ministry she has personally received from the Lord. It makes the message of the book so much more real.

Absolutely beautiful.

The Delight

I started reading Out of the Shadow World one Shabbat (Saturday, day of rest), and I was enjoying it so immensely that I asked my mom if we could read it together. We do often read together, but this was my first time reading with my mom on my first trip through a book. It was just so charming! The book felt to me like a mixture between The Chronicles of Narnia and The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles (but, disclosure, it has been a very long time since I read the latter).

There were cute, whimsical characters, charmingly imaginative settings, and best of all, transporting snacks that demand to be eaten (My mom regularly prepares a raw vegan drink that is very similar to popple-cream, so that was a lot of fun!).

The Themes

I format my reviews with a spiritual themes section up top, but I wanted to expand here because of how well the author did with some harder content. Throughout the book, Pax wrestles with the terrifying knowledge that he’s sick. He doesn’t know if he’ll make it to his next birthday. As with The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, the knowledge of death is a big part of the story, but the story is ultimately one of hope, not tragedy. Rather than providing easy answers, the author takes her readers on a journey that paints a deeper reality– beyond the “shadow world.”

We see the same “shadow world” theme explored in Lewis’ The Silver Chair, and it is one of my favorite themes to read. In Out of the Shadow World, the deeper reality is actually experienced through grief and hardship, which was a different take. I really appreciate that Chao doesn’t shy away from this discussion with young readers, and speaks at their level without patronizing. And yet, the story is thoroughly delightful. It’s weighty, but the message is one of hope and the journey is so much fun!

Content Note (Spoilers)

Since this is a children’s book that deals with death, I am going to have a spoiler here.

Rather than receiving a physical healing, Pax experiences something bigger: the reality of being in the beautiful presence of August (the Healing Man). Pax does not want to leave the beautiful world he is experiencing, and longs to return and stay. In terms of Pax’s healing, the book ends ambiguously (though there is a line about Pax maybe not being healed in the way Jayni expects). However, Pax is no longer afraid of death anymore.

Recommendation Status

Gladly and highly recommended. Out of the Shadow World differs from most allegories I’ve read, because of the emphasis on sickness and sorrow. Chao does a fantastic job of writing to a young audience without dumbing down the message. Thoroughly charming, the story conveys powerful truth and ministers the love of God to its audience. This is exactly the kind of book I would have delighted in as a youngster (in the company of The Chronicles of Narnia and The Archives of Anthropos), and I am so happy to recommend it, now.