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Ruth, a portrait

A biography of Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of Billy Graham

RUTH, A PORTRAIT
A biography of Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of Billy Graham
By Patricia Cornwell
Hodder & Stoughton. 280 pages. £16.99
ISBN 0 340 72147 2

It was only a matter of time until someone produced a biography of Ruth Bell Graham, wife of Billy Graham. Fortunately, it didn't take a lot of dressing up to make her life look interesting, nor a lot of covering up to make her appear as a good and godly woman.

Even before marriage to Billy, Ruth had a fascinating life, growing up as the daughter of medical missionaries in China. For those who have watched over the years, her faith and spiritual maturity are not in dispute.

This book starts as a chronological biography, giving insight into the childhood and adolescence that so shaped Ruth. As it progresses through the years of the Graham marriage, it becomes more of what its title suggests - a portrait; with facts, where necessary, to set the scene, followed by personal stories from Ruth and those whose lives she has touched. It's almost like leafing through a photo album with someone who tells you the story behind the pictures.

No doubt this book will be widely read simply because of who it is about. After all, aren't most people interested in a good look into the life of someone else - especially someone like Ruth Graham? At £16.99 in hardback though, most of us would have to think twice before buying it. It isn't the kind of book every Christian household will have on its shelf. Perhaps a church or a housegroup will buy a copy and pass it round! It would certainly make a lovely gift for someone and could even be given to a sympathetic non-Christian who enjoys biographies.

I'm sure more women than men will read Ruth's story. This is a shame because it is not a 'girlie' book. There is much in it for men as well. It is written in an interesting style, often using the past tense as if Mrs. Graham were already dead. Some of the stories and memories jump around a bit chronologically, making it tricky to follow at times. (The author is a crime novelist - maybe mystery is just her style!) Overall though, it was a good read and left me thinking how great it would be to meet Ruth Bell Graham and spend an afternoon learning from her in front of the fire at Little Piney Cove.

Janet Gaukroger