The release of BoneMan’s Daughters is upon us. The one question I am asked at nearly every interview is, “What inspired you to write this novel?” My answer is nearly always the same, I write to explore.
But BoneMan’s Daughters has a unique story behind it: The unnerving story of my own daughter.
Now, I would like to think that I am a good father. That I have raised each of my children in the way they should go, and given them freedom to make their own choices once they have enough of a sense of the world not to be crushed. But when my daughter began to fall for this one particular creep at the tender age of sixteen, I began to sweat.
No one else saw him as a creep, mind you. He was the kid at her birthday party who could break-dance and smile ever so charmingly. He seemed kind and thoughtful and all of the girls thought he was, for lack of a better word, hot.
I don’t know, maybe it was the way he kept looking at me with piercing eyes, or the way he yelled at me when I asked him not to date my daughter (go figure) but this kid scared me.
Fast forward two years. It was three days before Christmas. I’d learned that my daughter, now eighteen and in college, was madly in love with this boy. By this point I was certain that the kid was not only a punk, but truly dangerous. He’d yelled at me on numerous occasions. He’d told me I had no right to my daughter. He’d threatened my family.
But most of all, this kid, now twenty, had won the heart of my daughter and for that I began to hate him. My anger was directed at him, not my daughter, you see, because he was the monster and she was my precious baby and the fact that he’d found a way to seduce her was infuriating.
And that night… that night three days before Christmas, everything came apart, because that night my daughter informed the family that she was leaving our home to live with this monster. There are six of us in the family; five of us stood there at the door, crying, while the monster led the sixth out the front door. I can still see his face—he was carrying her suitcase and he was smiling.
But what could I do? My wife and I, and the other children had all begged her not to go with him. But, like a victim of Stockholm Syndrome, she had given her heart and mind to the monster, unable to see his fangs.
LeeAnn and I tried to comfort our other children. Our youngest, only a small child at the time, was devastated and we couldn’t stop her weeping. For hours she cried and hiccupped and all we could do was hold back our own tears for her sake while we held her.
Then, like the twin dead, we walked to our own room, closed the door, fell on our bed, and sobbed. And we sobbed.
For the next two months our bedroom was the weeping place. The monster had our child and there was nothing I could do about it. I talked to the police, I called all of our friends, I dialed the FBI, and I would have called the President if I thought it might help. I begged our daughter to reconsider every time I talked to her, but it was her life and I could only pray that she came to herself before he destroyed her.
It stuck me then that I would do anything to save my daughter. Anything. And every time I thought about the monster my outrage at his seduction grew. In my mind he was BoneMan. My daughter was now BoneMan’s Daughter!
In the end all I could do was stare at my blank computer screen for hours, lost in desperation. I knew then that I had to discover the meaning behind this terrible love I had for my daughter through a fully fleshed story. I had to write a story that made absolute certain in the mind of every daughter how precious they are to the father.
My pain was intensely personal and I needed to understand that pain in the context of every father who loses a daughter, be it in Iraq or in Hollywood or in Colorado. Even more I had to grasp that same pain in the context of my own Father’s love for me. Is this how God loves each of his children?
I still remember the day the call came. It was my daughter. She was crying so hard she could hardly get the words out. She wanted to come, oh how badly she wanted to come home, she’d wanted to come home for weeks, could we please, please take her back? Heaven filled our home that day.
And then we learned the terrible truth. The monster had abused her. That devil had crushed her! She was too ashamed to call, too proud to come home, but she’d laid awake in bed many nights crying for home.
Four years have passed and now, two months before the day Rachelle is to marry a man we love, she will tell you that she was snatched out of hell itself that day. I cringe to think what might have happened. And I cringe to think what goes through the mind of a father who has lost his daughter forever.
Not since writing When Heaven Weeps following the death of my brother many years ago have I written such a personal story as BoneMan’s Daughters. I’ve dedicated it to Rachelle, but this love story is for you. For every daughter, every son, every father, every mother.
Read the novel. Then go to your daughter, your father, your son, your mother, hold them close, and cherish them forever.
*P.S. Read the latest poll on the home page and leave your comments. This one’s for all of us.
P.P.S. You can hear Ted tell this story during his interview on the Laura Ingraham Show. Click HERE to listen to it now.
Awesome book. Now that I have read this, it makes it all the better. A MUST READ. The end was a little abrubt. Maybe a Part Two?
Words escape me, Ted. I literally just finished reading “Boneman’s Daughters”, went to your site, and read your story as to why you wrote this book. My dh & I have one child, a beautiful daughter, who will be 18 in June, and I just shudder to think how easily she could wind up on the same path as your beautiful daughter. Thankfully, our daughter has a wonderful, Christian boyfriend (turning 20 this summer), and this seems to be for keeps…God willing. Thank you for sharing your heart with your readers in so many ways.
A loyal fan in MD
I just finished Boneman’s daughter - this is so interesting to learn after reading the book. It was hard in parts to read - very hard - but being a single parent raising my daughter- I tell you - I would have done ANYTHING to keep her safe - still would. Thank you for sharing the truth’s of your personal life with us to have a better understanding. It was really good before - now it was really really good!!!
This story may very well be one of the best simply because not only is it written in a way that makes it seem real in the eyes of the reader, but it is a reality to the author. This makes the book one of the few that truely comes from the heart. Takeing the raw emotion of the author and letting an audience of many feel their pain, their joy, their rage, and their love.
I have always said that “The best author voids his life of secrets wether his readers know it or not.”
This, I know from personal experience…though I’m certainly not the “best author.”
This story is one that I could not possibly understand, with my young age and inherent lack of parenthood, yet I felt as though I grasped the emotion and it really did touch me.
The book was a great read and I could not put it down, but I’m not sure how I feel about the ending.
Shouldn’t every sinner have the right to find redemption/savation?
Boneman should have went to jail and been procecuted according to the law. He would have received the death penalty for sure, but during that time he would have been given the opprotunity to repent. Ryan and his daughter do not give him this chance. They decide to be judge and jury (for man and for God) when they burn the house.
How is their action anything but murder? All that said, I don’t know if I would have done it any differently.
I’m just suprised that Ted, as a Christian writer, wrote it that way.
All of this makes perfect sense after reading the book.
You could feel the personal struggle that you placed on the pages and into the characters. My wife, after reading it herself, said that she thought that something had happened to either you as a child or something about your family now had to be a reflection for the story. I agreed and now I understand where all that stemmed from. It’s a great read and I’m reading it again for the 3rd time.
TED! This blog helped MY MOM! I read it and instantly heard her in your words. Yes, I was a Bonemans Daughter. Dont need to tell the story cause you described what one was.
But the thing that plagues my mom even STILL after so many years have gone by is how she did not see it. How could she have missed what a creep this guy was.
ANd the words of “I thought I raised my children up right.To make healthy decisions.” I am the baby of 4. THe oldest is now 42.
Her “children” STILL make mistakes that my mother cannot stop us from making. Mistakes that can be dangerous and lead us astray.
She can only give advice and pray. PRAYER! I tell her that is probably why I am alive and where I am at today. I tell her to let go of her guilt.
But I wanted to let you know that this blog really touched her. That there are other “Christian” parents out there that struggle with similar issues. I wish more Christians would speak out. THANK YOU!
Ted, You are such a gifted, blessed story-teller. I’m a librarian at a Christian school in Atlanta & have read every one of your books, LOVING The Slumber of Christianity, Blink & your earlier books. The Gospel usually shines through your stories - but Boneman’s Daughters ends in depravity & darkness. Yes, the savior’s love triumphs, but why, why, why did Ryan allow themselves to choose fire over grace??? I cannot put this book in our library. I sincerely pray your dark, dark writing will someday soon shine the love of Christ again.
Actually no Loretta, every sinner does not have the right to find redemption/salvation. No sinner anywhere has a right to anything but eternity in Hell.
Hi. This is in response to Loretta’s comment: I believe that EVERYBODY has numerous opportunities for redemption, however, many people refuse to acknowledge their sins…er, errors and turn from them. 1 Samuel 15(ish) tells the story of King Saul who chose many times to do his own thing rather than God’s and the result was that God regretted appointing him as king. I haven’t yet read The Boneman’s Daughter (I’ll get to it after I finish Sinner), but it appears that the Boneman suffers from a very deep affliction that results in his rebellion. I believe that it’s important to recognize that we all receive the same opportunities, but the reality is that there are some who will NOT choose TRUTH.
Dekker,
That was THE most emotion filled book I have read. Ever. Thank you for sharing.
I’m going to hug my dad as soon as I see him.
I have not read TBD, but just reading the unnerving story behind gives me the comfort that God has gone every length to keep me from the enemy. He cried,crushed, killed to get me back!
If ur earthly fathers know how to give good gifts ow much more…….
Dekker,
Never have I ever read a book filled with so much emotion.
Thank you for sharing.
I’m going to hug my dad as soon as he comes home.
Reading some of these comments, I take an entirely different perspective on the meaning behind the book.
I picked up the book at a Barnes & Noble, read half of it…went and paid for it because I couldn’t put it down…then read the rest of it through the night. It was incredibly engaging.
What kept peering at me between the lines was the beautiful and profound symbolism played out by the characters. To me this wasn’t just a story about a father’s struggle to save his daughter from a killer…it was much deeper than that. It was the classic horror of sin and redemption through salvation story of every single Christian…being shown in pure human form.
The symbolism began showing itself shortly after the first few chapters, then grew stronger…until the very last paragraph of the very last chapter and I sat there and said WOW, thankyou Lord for what you have done for me. Quite literally and spiritually, I was Bethany. And my Lord had crossed every distance to save me from darkness…even when I rejected Him.
To those who sympathize with Alvin…why would you?? To me he was put in the plot to represent the forces of darkness and evil that are in a constant battle to keep you and me away from God…and there is no mercy shown when we are plucked from the pit of deception that has so easily blinded us. There is no opportunity for salvation or hope for something that is pure evil and symbolizes the devil, which is what I believe the Boneman represents.
Anyways, thanks Ted Dekker…your book spoke in a language that was unfamiliar yet unequivocally native to me.
I recently purchased BD, and have it in my stack of books to read. I have printed the blog to put with the book in our church library. I think with a book like this, it will help many readers to have the background and basis for the story. Can’t wait to read it!
I have yet to find a book of yours that does not absolutely enthrall me. The first I picked up a few years ago (Three)at a book store that sells used library books with all money going to cancer research; and from the first booked I was hooked. King was my all time favorite writer for many many years but I will tell you that your story telling keeps me guessing at every turn; and yes you have replaced him. I anxiously await every new book and even buy yours new (thats a BIG step for me).
The moral issues that you write about we face every day and I have yet to find anyone who has been able to engage my connection with God the way you do. I always come away with multiple lessons and things to “ponder”.
After reading your blog here I can see the terror that you and your family felt and you did a Fabulous job in putting that down on paper.
The only bad thing is that once I start reading I find myself saying ok it is midnight but just one more chapter; ok it is one am but just one more chapter. I CAN NOT put them down.
Thanks for all your work and many blessings to you and your family.
As an aspiring novelist, I read your novels like a study text. As an avid reader, I inhale them. Like so many others, beginning a book in the morning means I HAVE to finish it that afternoon. I just read “Heaven’s Wager” and loved it. “Three” was excellent, as was “Blink.” I just read what you have published in the Underground, and am now anxiously awaiting the next trip I can make to the bookstore to pick up a copy. Sounds a little more sinister than I normally go for, but intoxicating and addicting nonetheless.
Thank you for proving that incredible, suspenseful stories can indeed be crafted without resorting to crude language or sexual innuendo. God has blessed you with a tremendous talent, and I am thrilled to see you using it to glorify Him in so many ways.
Keep up the good work - and we’ll keep buyin’!
One more thing, I’m so happy that God returned your daughter to you.
I have read and loved all of Ted Dekker’s books thus far and I am greatfull to have books that grab you and keep a hold of you that are Christian and you don’t have to worry about language and sexual content popping up. I work at a public library and I am always recommending to our patrons Ted’s books knowing I can do so and not have them come back to me disappointed. I even recommend them to young adults, teens, and even kids I know can handle them.
Saying all this I have to admit that I am only about 8 chapters into Boneman’s Daughter and I am shocked to have already came across the GD word twice! I just can’t believe Ted Dekker would allow much less write in his books taking the Lords name in vain. When it started out with the character in the book shouting “crap” instead of ‘SH**” I was happy. Not to much further, however was ‘GD’ and again soon after that. I will finish the book myself but I will not recommend it to others and when they ask me about the latest of Ted’s books (which they always do know I’m a huge Dekker fan) I will tell them about the words. Already one patron who has the book on hold waiting for me to return it has canceled her hold on it. I really hate this and I sincerely hope his next books do not continue in this direction, for there are not many good Christian books out there. I hope that while I continue reading I don’t come across any more of the Lord’s name in vain.
Disturbed and disappointed in Arkansas,
Jill
Jill, I too was greatly disappointed when I was driving down the road listening to the audio of Boneman’s Daughter with my children in the car with me and the reader all the sudden said the GD word! My son slap his hands to his mouth in shock and asked me if he just heard what he thought he heard. I told him I thought I heard it too but surely not being that Ted Dekker is a Christian and would most certainly NOT take our Lords name in vain. I soon turned the CD off because I thought it got to scary for my children to hear but I was going to continue to listen to it after I dropped them off at their grandparents. When I got a few chapters further into the book and heard the second GD word my heart sank, we had heard the reader right the first time. I finished the book and there wasn’t any more of the word GD in it, and for that I was thankful but I am still greatly disappointed that the two were in there. I have Lunitic and Elyon at home to read now and I pray they don’t have any language in them or I will have to find me a new favorite author like you.
Agrees with Jill,
Carly
I am taking advantage!
I have only read “Black”, so cannot comment at this stage.
I am sure to read the others though!
I would actually like to know where your parents were born.
Were they from the Netherlands.
Forgive my curiosity!
TED DEKKER,
I am VERY VERY disappointed in you!! I love your writing but i will NEVER buy any of your books again!! After reading Bonemans Daughters with all that slang in it example “freaking” “crap” “heck” “asses” “piss”. I bet Jesus would talk like that. I am so glad I never refered you to anybody as a “good” author they would have said “yea your some kind of Christian arent you.” Ted Dekker your a pathetic example of a “Christian”. This is the kind of stuff our young people are reading, they are going to be saying well Ted Dekker talks like that so its ok, well it is “Christian” so its ok. Ted Dekker I am VERY disappointed!!!
Hi Ted,
I just wanted to write in and tell you that BoneMans Daugther is one of your best work yet! I love it! I must admit…I’m a bit late at jumping on the bandwagon…i actually have read and finished your book two weeks after it first came out. I’m just a bti slow at writing in because of all the things life deals us on a daily basis.
I’m twenty three years old and feel the need to tell you Ted, that each of your novels that comes out haven’t ceased to stun me at how brilliant they are!However, I must also include that BoneMans daughter has made the most impact on me.
I’d like to share something personal …but fear that HI’ll have many negative comments posted over what I’m going to say. My mom(who is still my best friend) has always told me I’m too open with people…but i just simply wanted to tell you how your story impacted me. And pray people won’t be critical or judgemental.
About two months before your book came home…I was sent home early from a 18 month mission for my church. I …unfortunately only completed 4 months of it…before church headquarters were forced to send me home because of a habit that I’d recently developed again as a result of some unresolved anxiety and burdens that I didn’t take care of before i left.
Anyhow, when i cam ehome…and found out that your new book came out, i looked forward eagerly to getting to a christian bookstore that would sell it. I was in luck! They had one copy left in our local store! When i started reading it…i was astonished that the problem that I’d been dealing with and struggling with for so long…namely cutting and self harming onself…was one of the things that the main charactor had encountered in her life.
Self-mutilation and the feelings that go along with it…are some of the most darkest most miserable things anyone can go through, i believe. There are so many reasons why people do it. For me…i struggled with feeling worthless. When my dad was alive, he was so negative, angry, critical, and hurtful…he made me feel so frightened and low. I’m not blaming my insecurities AT all, on him…each of us has our own agency or freedom to choose how we react to things in our life…i’m just saying that since i was a little child and always been sensative…I’ve struggled with low self worth. Even now…being home from that mission…many a nights i sob out and pray to know what my Heavenly Father thinks of me. I yearn to know that my Savior, Jesus Christ loves me. That I’m good enough.
Your story in Bonemans daughter touched my life in such a BIG way! ALong with your personal story of how it came to be. I was inspired by the love of this father. It helped me understand in a easier way…that Christ does love us. We are God’s children and He hurts when we do. Thank you for following your inspiration and sharing such a remarkable tale. It opened my eyes to what our soldiers go through as well. In so many ways, BoneMans daughters has left me feeling edified and uplifted.
But yeah…I apologize if i’ve been too personal here. I just wanted you to know how grateful i am for authors like you, who share their gifts with the world. God bless you.
sincerely,
Becky B. from Iowa
I was terribly disappointed to find that Mr. Dekker cursed God in the Bone Man’s Daughter. His use of GD was a complete horror to my family. We were surprised to hear him take Gods name in vain. We returned the CD set and regretfully will no longer support Ted financially. I hope Ted finds Christ. Ted, you write well of Jesus (Justin) but, do you truly KNOW HIM? If you knew HIM, you would never crucify Him afresh by cursing Him. Remember how you wrote about Justin in Black, Red and White. You have a profound gift. Was the larger audience worth losing part of your soul? It is easy to see that yor are searching even as you write about the precious saviour. Some of the latest books have not been life changing even though they have been interesting. Don’t you realize the responsibility that comes with such a Gift?
Sincerely, T.Butler
I returned from the 2009 Gathering. Amazed, delighted and almost speechless. Rabbi Nachman one of your quotes? Stunned, surprised and reinforced.
‘Nothing is ever as it seems and there is never nothing happening.’ Read the trilogy, which is now the Circle, and now reading it again. Blessings within the Communion of Saints Gathering….
‘Love Never Dies, It Simply Changes Expression and ALWAYS Expresses’ from
The Secret Book of Longing - a. michell
Blessings on ALL your Travels.
Asterie Michel
Thanks for sharing your heart. I heard your testimony and your daughter at this year’s Gathering and wanted to come and read your blog. I have not yet read the book but will soon. I’ve lost two of my three sons to the world, they were raised to know Christ, homeschooled, very much loved but both left abruptly..just walked out and my heart shattered. You are right in that the pain is intensely personal…it is a grief that never ends and yes you are willing to do anything at all to save them from the life they have chosen. Not many people understand that kind of pain. Oh what I have lost…. how I struggle with the guilt…so many things I could have done better,should have done and didn’t do. I try to remember the all consuming love that the Father has for them is infinitely greater than anything I feel but it is a daily minute by minute walk of faith. They’re my children…and I hurt for them. I hurt. I pray that one day they will return to Him and me.
I rejoice in the return of your daughter and the blessings that God has poured out on her life since that time. Thanks again to you and her for sharing this personal part of your lives. It helps.
Melody
I just finished reading BD today. I, like the others on here was very disturbed by the ending. I wanted more, justice for the unjust. But then I read the background of why you wrote the book and my heart broke. I understand the book so much more and now look at it differently. I also look at it more than just the ending. The ending gave us all a glimpse at what we would really want to do if we were in this situation. Not always the right thing, even though we would like to think that we would do the right thing. It also made me want to go and hold my children a little bit tighter.
I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds so great!! Ted Dekker’s books are always great! They’re the best. I was really surprised when I realized that his daughters name is Rachelle. I love that name. It is so beautiful. Ted, I hope you keep writing the best books in the world!
I loved this book! But in many ways I was vary vary disappointed. At first when they would say crap it was good that it said that instead of the other word. But the I read on and it said freaking like 10 times! I’m 14 and even I would know better that that and then it said the A word and the P word! I was totally disappointed the Ted Dekker my favorite CHRISTIAN author would say that!
I have to agree with Emily. I was disappointed in some of the word use. I thought that the meaning of the book was very good. But this was just not my favorite Dekker book. Me and my sister both think that this was not a book for younger s. I am fourteen and if you are like me I would sugest Kiss over Boneman’s Daughter. Kiss was the first Dekker book that I read and it is what got me reading his books. Its a great book to start out with. Kiss is currently my favorite book that I have ever read. Dekker and Healy are excellent together. Can’t wait for Burn to come out.
I have not read BMD, but have read several of Ted Dekker’s books. I have purchased 11 of them for the library (the books of lost history chronicles). I am very sad to read these blogs and find out that the writer that I introduced my 12 year old son to, is now cursing in his books. I was so happy to find a christian author other than Frank Peretti who could tell a great story without all of the foul language, sex, drugs, that most novels have nowdays. Ted, I am disappointed! I will finish the books I am reading, but I will check back on here and if you are still using foul language, I may never read you again.
Very disappointed!
Ok, first of all, I have loved everything Dekker has written with the exceptinog of Adam. That one, idk, just didn’t like the whole exorcism thing. Anyway, this book, not gonna lie, was disturbing for me, but that’s not the focus of this comment. I have a question about the use of profanity in the book. I’m 18 and I’m used to hearing people swear all the time, but I was taken aback at the use of such words in this book, seeing as TD has always been known to be a Christian author. I just don’t think that it is necessary to get the point across. Why did he feel the need to do that? Also, the ending…not so sure that’s how a “Christian” novel should end. jmo. feedback please.
Ted…wow…i have yet to read the book…but this has made me want to read it even more! the thing is…is that…well..i sum what went through the same thing with my dad…and still am…i’m newly engaged to the man i moved in with. he’s an amazing man…but…something tells me dad had the same things going through his head. hearing it from another fathers point of view is something else…however…my fience dose not abuse me…i still think it’s very hard for dad to accept the fact that his little princess moved in with a guy after all the things he taught me growing up. i am hoping to one day earn his trust back…but it’s still difficult.
God Blass
I have not read the book yet, but now i know the story behind it. Wow. I am only 15 and my parents are starting to establish dating rules with me. Of course i cannot date until 16, but they know it’s almost time. I am actually scared about dating. There are so many hurtful men undercover out there. I pray that a man that is sold-out for Christ would be the one for me. But we will see what God brings to me. My Dad has already told me about the guys who are willing to just use you and let you go. I will try to be careful though. That was a great blog,Ted. I love your books! Keep it up!!!
OK, why isn’t everyone here outraged or at least HIGHLY disappointed in Ted’s use of profanity in this book?! I can’t believe it! I’ve read every book up to this point and I was shocked beyond believe to be listening in the car and to all of a sudden be assaulted by the use of GD. To use the Lord’s name in vain is unacceptable and offensive. Why Ted? I think I deserve an answer and an apology! I purchased the book and I feel like I shouldn’t have, but I had no warning. How about a refund then? And shouldn’t the book at least carry a warning if it’s sold in Christian book stores?
“beyond believe” beyond belief…
I had the opportunity to meet Rachelle briefly at “The Gathering 2009″ in Nashville. I was impressed with the love she had for her family, and the joy she showed as she worked side by side with her father at the event. It is evident that the love of a father, and the love of the Father, is essential. Thank you for sharing this story with us.
While I have already said it once on this site, I will say it again. I feel Dekker portrays the world in such stark reality. I DO NOT believe that he is suggesting that we should drop GD in church or profanity in Bible study. I do not believe that because a character in his book curses that means he, as author, is advocating bad language. If that’s the case he also advocates serial killers. Alvin calls himself Satan. His whole character is an affront to Christ. He is cursing Christ with every breathe…he just doesn’t say the words. I applaud Dekker for holding back what would be the true reality of what a person like Alvin would really say.
My own father (an amazing man) is a pastor who loves Christ with a passion that consumes him has said many times that “darn it” sometimes doesn’t work. There will be those who say, as you said of Dekker, that he is not a Christian. To which I would encourage you to take the plank out of your own eye before blogging about the speck of dust in someone elses eye.
Once again, I’m not advocating the use of profanity. I am however saying that having worked in the church for 15 years, I’ve seen way too many “church people” living lives of profanity. But I guess as long as they don’t say the word, the intent can be overlooked.
Dekker, you have a blessed gift. Not every book should be read by all people. Your blunt reality mirrors the Passion of Christ for me. I wouldn’t let my 12 year old see that movie because they are probably not ready for the visual images of Christ’s sacrifice.
Sorry for the ramble. I just wanted to voice my support of Dekker and his writings.
Just finished Boneman’s Daughters. Grabbed my attention from the first chapter. Would make a great episode for the TV show Criminal Minds.
Funny, I did not even notice the use of GD -maybe a sad state of my awareness of such. Noticed some of the other cuss words-didn’t bother me too much though. I am not about to go back through the book to look for the use of GD, but if it was used, then that is kind of sad….
I absolutely loved Boneman’s Daughters. It was written extremely well and it kept me wanting to read more and more of it. It is not like most commonly written books. It explores a different world than most of us live in today and brings certain details that we most likely wouldn’t see to life. I was able to learn more about a whole variety of different aspects of this life and learn from them. I feel like I am a better Christian because of them. Also, I can see how much love is in this world, even though it is often hidden. I have to look beyond what I feel is true because it might turn out it isn’t true at all. Just like in Boneman’s Daughters, Bethany thought her Dad didn’t love her and he would never be there for her again because of his abandonment of her since she could remember. But after going through a tragedy and her Dad coming to her rescue, she realized how much he loved her all along and how much of a mistake he made. Then she realized her love for him again. I just loved this book and I believe that it will help me out living each day. You did a wonderful job Ted Dekker!! God bless you.
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well i hae not actually read bonemans daughter. i am a new and ha fan of teds and have only read showdown and am working on saint. they are AMAZING! but i am also barly 13…i don’t know wether to read bonemans daughter, or to just stick with the books of history. icome from a christian family. my father is the pastor at my church. i am ok with that. but some times there are more restrictions. oh well. i am really enjoying this new twist on saint!
i think some of you who are so disappointed have elevated ted to a place he shouldn’t be. it’s a story.
i agree with elaine brown’s comments wholeheartedly! well said!
I completely agree with Elaine Brown and Mark. I believe that Ted is trying to make the characters in his book as real as possible. Just because there is some questionable language in his book does not mean that he isn’t a christian. I think people are letting this issue get in the way of the real purpose and point of this story.
Also, our main calling as christians is to love the lord with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It is not to make sure you don’t write a book with some offensive language. Getting caught up in this issue and saying that Ted is not a christain is just missing the point.
good article , I added you in the ‘Liked’ category.. thanks for sharing the article!
I think boneman’s daughter was a great book. Ted’s description of events, feelings and emotion is unparalleled. This not a book for children. From the start it is about a serial killer. This should be a clue, it is a not a bedtime story for children. I have been involved in law enforcement for over thirty years and have investigated a number of homicides. My faith in Christ has sustained me through out my career. I think it is unfair for people to judge Ted’s beliefs because of this book. I think Ted did an excellent job of balancing extremes in this book. This book does not cross the line. Compare to the world, this book is mild.
Okay guys, I have not read Bonemans Daughters, but would like to. I must admit that when I first read these comments about the language I was shocked, just becuase im not used to it in the BoHC. But some of you are way out of line saying that “he is not a christian”, and “he needs to find christ”. Just because he wrote that a character said something does not make you more of a christian than him. After all he did not even use the language himself. If I walked around all day saying gd, Jesus would forgive and I would still be his. Language has nothing to do with salvation.
Dear Ted,
I have read almost all of your books and am a die hard fan. Your books inspire me to examine myself and require me to think which is what I love about your writings. Though there are some things I don’t agree with, I still enjoy your books because they show me a world outside of my own. I am currently readin bonemans daughter an haven’t got very far into it but readin these comments on the book makes me want to finish it more than ever. As for the use of foul language, I don’t approve but I realize that we live in a world that sees nothin wrong with it. You can easily get your point across to me without bad language but I realize why you put it there. It did give me a deeper understanding of the characters and how they felt. It made me dislike them which I guess is what you wanted. But I still think your great and I enjoy everything you write. I hope that you will continue writing but without the language.may God bless you!