CALLED, written by Marlena Fiol and Ed O’Connor, is a true story written in the style of a historical novel that covers a span of 60 years. During that time, between 1941 and 2001, John and Clara Schmidt–Mennonite missionaries–worked to help restore the health of a community and serve the underserved, including people suffering from leprosy. Interested readers should note that there is even a website (CalledASaga.com) dedicated to the more than 700 sources that informed this book, an impressive project in its own right.
The book is impressive in several ways, and the story itself, along with all of its details, is only one of the reasons why. The unique style and various, well-crafted perspectives make this a fascinating, eye-opening jaunt about the many facets – triumphs and trials alike – that come with living a service-oriented life, and particularly one that’s dedicated to healing the world’s less fortunate. One of CALLED’s most refreshing traits is its clear-eyed narrative. Fiol and O’Connor give credit where it is due, but there is no overwrought reverence towards the couple at its center, nor is there any catering to any one character’s perspective. Rather, CALLED is delightfully unbiased, giving readers a fairly raw take on the complexities, difficulties, and joys of devoting one’s life to service of others. This is even more notable given that Fiol is the daughter of John and Clara Schmidt. Alongside O’Connor, she makes sure to give the full picture of what drove her parents toward their work in Paraguay, the heart of which was their devotion to their Christian beliefs.
Many of the costs of their dedication are shown to be worthwhile, but some of them are deeper than they seem. It’s in the moments where the writers explore this dichotomy that CALLED truly shines. Oftentimes, stories like this one cling to certain conventional wisdom about how service should be the highest goal and calling in and of itself. Fiol and O’Connor choose to go deeper than that. Instead, they dare to talk about the ways that even givers and servants who have honorable intentions can also choose their paths out of inner conflicts and personal struggles. It’s particularly poignant when Fiol and O’Connor hit upon the demons that drive John Schmidt’s service. Not only is it quite realistically explored, but it also adds to how powerful and intriguing the entire story is.
CALLED is realistic, unique, heartening and beautifully told. Incredibly detailed and ambitious, while it’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical novels, it’s an equally worthwhile read for those seeking a story about adventure, love, and the strength of the human spirit.
~Jennifer Weatherly for IndieReader