From the Valley We Rise

There is a beautiful metaphor used throughout the Bible of building back ruins, such as in Isaiah 61: 4: “And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.” 

This metaphor also runs throughout the novel. Discuss the transformation that happens at The Camp Between the Hills, as well as in the lives of Peter, Isabelle, and René. 

Isabelle, Peter, René and Ginette all struggle with not having time to grieve. Near the end of the novel, Peter says to Isabelle:  

“No one has time to grieve right now. That’s the horror of war. But we must grieve at some point, in some way, and then let grief teach us its lessons. . . . How to help others, how to love them well when they are grieving . . . how to grab back on to God, even if we’re blaming Him.” 

How have you dealt with grief in your life? Are you familiar with the grief curve? If so, has it been helpful? Discuss what grief has taught you. 

When Isabelle admits she is mad at God, Peter’s response surprises her. “What is the book of Psalms but . . . one long lament. . . . Sometimes in my darkest moments, I just grab an imprecatory psalm and pray for all it’s worth that God will wreck the enemy, that He will bash their brains out!” 

Have you ever admitted to being mad at God? What happened? Are you familiar with the spiritual discipline of lament? If so, how has this been helpful in your life?  

Both Isabelle and Peter reflect on the difficulty at times of spotting the enemy—in the Resistance, in war, and inside the walls of the church. Have you ever been blindsided by an attack from someone or some group to whom you felt loyal? How did you respond?  

Tito points out that the enemy would like nothing more than to have the resistants fighting each other. How have you found this true in life, spiritually as well as physically?

Discuss René’s trajectory in thinking about revenge. What helps him change perspectives? Have you ever been motivated by revenge? What happened? 

Peter has trouble forgiving himself after the tragedy in Kentucky. When Peter finally admits this to Isabelle, she says, “It was a mistake, yes? It was not your fault.” “Sometimes it still feels raw,” he admitted, “and I’m afraid I’ll make another terrible mistake.” “And you will not be forgiven?” “God will forgive me. It’s much easier for me to accept God’s forgiveness than to forgive myself.” 

The Allied bombing of Sisteron was another terrible mistake. Discuss making mistakes, being unable to forgive oneself, and living with guilt. Do you find it hard to forgive yourself for mistakes? 

Consider the theme of building back from the ruins and the beauty of second chances. Peter’s father says, “There’s good and bad in all of us, Pete. Always remember that. Ain’t one of us off the hook. All of us need God’s grace.” Where does the concept of grace fit in each of the main characters’ arc?