Join Ratty and Mole on a journey of faith

This beautiful book, which may be used as a daily devotional through Lent or any other period of the year, reopens Kenneth Grahame’s classic children’s novel TheWind in theWillows for a new audience. Combining a daily reading from the literary classic with a gospel passage, a short meditation by Leslie Francis and a prayer, The Gospel in theWillows takes us on a journey through the Christian life, exploring themes such asThe Call, Shaking the Dust, Finding Acceptance, Divided Loyalties, Real Repentance, Facing Temptation,The Lost Son and Accepting Release.

The much-loved characters of Mole, Rat and Toad become the perfect allegory for the grand adventure of faith, from our terrifying first steps into and beyond the riverbank, to the challenges, temptations and triumphs that await us as we journey into the world,with Jesus by our side.

‘Leslie Francis has achieved a most original and enchanting book by drawing out the wisdom embedded in Kenneth Grahame’s classic,TheWind in theWillows, and weaving it into a profoundly Christian pattern which glows with spiritual truths simply expressed.
‘This journey along the river of life with Ratty and Mole is indeed a revelation – for Jesus Christ is their fellow-traveller in the meditations and prayers which Professor Francis has so skilfully crafted.To fuse the NewTestament with an Edwardian novel in this way is not only to take a magnificently bold creative step but also to illustrate yet again that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.
‘Read, savour, enjoy.’

Susan Howatch