LOST IN THE ARK
by Val Agnew
In this debut novel, a teen’s newfound Christianity may have landed her in the midst of a cult.
Kate Bennett doesn’t leave her Salem, Massachusetts, family on good terms. Her loved ones do not approve of her decision to attend The Ark, a “Bible school” that her mother calls a cult. When Ma suddenly dies of a stroke, Kate’s dad puts the blame solely on her. But things are looking rosy at The Ark’s New Hampshire campus, with its tranquil backdrop of mountains and pine trees. The generally reticent Kate makes friends and even catches the eye of Luke Carlson, the attractive nephew of The Ark’s founder, pastor Steve Carlson. In between her training to become a missionary, Kate grows close to Luke, who abides by The Ark rules—nothing more than hugs and hand-holding. Kate craves a bit more affection, and Nick, her much more passionate co-worker at a local grocery store, complicates her life. But her greater choice involves The Ark, as she uncovers a shocking secret or two that may validate her mother’s weighty cult label. Agnew’s initially breezy tale—Kate adjusting to campus life—gradually turns moody, though never outright scary. For example, The Ark unquestionably displays cultish traits (the “witness bus” essentially gathers recruits). In this absorbing story, the author offers a familiar interpretation of Christianity. Some readers will reject such biblical lessons as women being submissive to men (for example, the pastor or a husband), while the message of loving everyone is one most will embrace. But the audience will quickly sympathize with Kate; guilt over her mother’s death burdens her, and it seems what she really craves from The Ark is companionship. She’s a multilayered character with an intriguing backstory. In Salem, she handled schoolwork while serving as a mother to her younger sisters when Ma simply wasn’t interested. Despite her parent’s flaws, Kate sometimes assumed Ma’s caustic attitude, which proved effective against loathsome guys.
An engrossing tale of the ups and downs of family and faith.