Book Review: Hinds’ Feet on High Places

“This is the story of how Much-Afraid escaped from her Fearing relatives and went with the Shepherd to the High Places where “perfect love casteth out fear.” -Hannah Hurnard

Fear. We all experience fear. Sometimes it masquerades as anxiety, sadness, procrastination, rationalization, and escapism. It’s easy to read scriptures that tell us not to have fear, but oh so hard to live it practically. From that very first line I was hooked and excited to go on the journey with Much-Afraid.

Much Afraid is physically handicapped, having crippled feet that made her limp and a crooked mouth that disfigured her face. The Shepherd (who is Jesus) called her to follow Him, her shortcomings didn’t matter at all. We know this is true from scripture, but one of the things I love in allegory fiction like this is seeing scripture brought to life.

I put off reading this book far too long, thinking it would be outdated and not applicable to what I go through daily. Wow, was I wrong. As I journeyed with Much-Afraid her life was like a shocking mirror, revealing my own fears, my limp, my crooked mouth, and challenging me to trust the Shepherd in the journey He’s called me on.

All along Much-Afraid’s journey are perils and joys. She is given companions to help her along the way. She is harassed by Fearling family members like Pride, Craven-Fear, Bitterness, and Self-Pity. She faces obstacles like the valley, the desert, sheer cliffs, and the fog. She overcomes hardship by holding hands tightly with her companions and calling out to the Shepherd often.

When the way is so hard Much-Afraid thinks she would rather die than continue on the Shepherd gives her strength and encouragement. She collects remembrance stones along the way every time she learns a new lesson of trust and love.

I wept with Much-Afraid when her fear was so overwhelming. I had hope for Much-Afraid every time the Shepherd came with tender encouragement. I rejoiced with Much-Afraid when she finally let go of fear and reached the High Places with her Shepherd.

The book ends with a section of Hannah Hurnard’s journals of her experiences in the Alps after her father died which led to her writing Hinds Feet. Her life was so unique and I’m so grateful she obeyed God’s call on her to write it. The version I pictured is beautifully illustrated with room for journaling.

I believe every Christian woman would do well to journey to the High Places with Much-Afraid. One of the reasons I’m pursuing writing fiction is this book. I have always loved reading and writing and stories. I’ve wanted to write fiction for so long and have been so afraid to even try. This book really walked me through that fear to the other side. It might sound silly but Hind’s Feet on High Places changed my life.

Have you read it? I would love if you could share your experience in the comments.