Down from the Mountain - A Review

Every cult has that one member who can't get with the program, who is too bold and too smart for their own good. That's Eva. Not only is she intelligent, but she enjoys learning and she's frustrated with an education that's plateaued. Eva finds out the hard way knowledge is power. The story isn't an original concept, and since we know Eva is that person, you can tell from the beginning how the story is going to end. And that's fine; it's the journey in the middle that makes all the difference.

Set in the Colorado Rockies on a farm outside of Boulder, Down from the Mountain by Elizabeth Fixmer is about a young girl who finds herself at a crossroads as she navigates between being herself and being obedient. She's isolated from the outside world, away from the heathens who aren't chosen by God. Things take a turn when Reverend Ezekiel becomes increasingly paranoid, wasting the compound's money on guns and target practice. Watching Eva discover the outside world for the first time is like watching the Wizard of Oz go from shades of gray to color. Her eyes are opened to new sights and sounds, new customs and ways of life. She's fascinated by the culture shock, unafraid despite everything she's been told since she was little.

Elizabeth Fixmer likes C.S. Lewis. The Reverend speaks about a God who punishes, who blesses only when you do what you're told; a God who wills his people to suffer when they've done wrong. Eva believes this, but she also remembers Aslan who speaks softly, and loves so gently. She remembers an Aslan who sacrificed himself for those who didn't deserve it and walks with those he's chosen. I'm a Christian and analytical by nature, and though I'm not sure if Elizabeth Fixmer intended it I couldn't help but read this book from that perspective.

Stories like these hit a nerve, but not in a bad way. I love my faith, but I know there are evil people who can take my God and turn him into something he's not. Christianity says to guard your heart, but it does not isolate. Instead it encourages stepping into the world in order to save it. It does not punish because Jesus's death was punishment meant for all and his resurrection is a sufficient victory. It broke my heart watching Eva believe the lies, but I was excited to see her walk in her own faith. Often we're warned as Christians to beware of wolves in sheep's clothing, charlatans, people who seek power and will fill your head with lies to line their pockets. Ezekiel is a charlatan, a sexual predators, and a con artist. Like many leaders he drives away the men and surrounds himself with women and children. The power to make them do whatever he says, when to eat and when to sleep, is his job. The sex and admiration is his reward. Eva threatens this, and he makes the mistake of trying to tame her.

This is a subject Ms. Fixmer is passionate about. It's clear she's not just telling a story, but she's sending a message and warning to young women, and giving a testimony about her faith and who she believes God is. Down from the Mountain is a story about freedom, and strength, and faith. It's about a girl who believed in God her whole life discovering God for the first time. This book hits stores March 1st.

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