Hope Deferred: An Amish Romance

Hope Deferred by Linda Byler is a story about two people who love each other but they have conflicting views. Anna Fisher and David Stolzfus could not be more different in temperament. Anna was raised to be kind, caring, and obedient Christian woman. She is thoughtful and cautious. David grew up in a lax household. He loves to read and is quick to complete his studies. David is stubborn, impulsive and has a quick temper. When David enters rumspringa, he is quick to purchase a cell phone where he discovers the delights of the internet. He also obtains a fast car and wears Englisch clothing. The one thing the pair have in common is their love for each other. We watch them go through their upbringing and young adult years with David chafing at the rules. I thought Hope Deferred is a unique Amish novel with good writing. David’s journeys were interesting because be has not traveled before and everything is new to him. He had only seen pictures of Australia in a book. Plus, David had never been on a plane. It was a different look at the world. There is a repetition of certain details that I wish had been eliminated plus there are many little details that were unnecessary (would have made a novel that had more ease to it). I appreciated that Hope Deferred did not have an expected ending. Amish teens today must make the same choices as those of our characters. They must decide whether to become baptized in the Amish faith or find where they belong in the Englisch world. It cannot be easy for them with only an eighth-grade education. Hope Deferred is unique Amish novel with Christian canons, mutual magnetism, a speedy sports car, a thrilled traveler and unexpected outcomes.