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This Month's Book Review

Imprisoned with ISIS
Review by Cameron Attwood

In Sudan, Christians are faced with ongoing and violent opposition from an Islamic government. Petr Jasek, whilst serving for VOM in Sudan, was accused of espionage and imprisoned with ISIS sympathisers. His memoir Imprisoned with ISIS is a detailed look at the experience of persecution in Sudan. I found Jasek’s book to be a highly effective and engaging read that helpfully places the reader in the shoes of one suffering for Christ. Jasek doesn’t hold back when it comes to describing the suffering he faced, as he describes the physical abuse, the harsh living situation of the prison cells and the disheartening experience of facing a government not in his favour.

The narrative often (and effectively) filled me with dread whenever the promise of change in Petr’s circumstances appeared, as I knew of the potential disappointment that often followed (representative of the experience of those facing persecution). Jasek also doesn’t shy away from expressing the internal wrestles he had in his faith. Yet the darkness described is balanced with hope, as Petr reflects on the goodness and sovereignty of God at work in his imprisonment for the sake of the kingdom. I highly encourage Christians to read this faith-emboldening account of God’s goodness in the darkest seasons.

Overall: An intense, gripping and eye-opening read from start to finish.