THE SHACK by William P Young
William P Young’s novel THE SHACK has become a literary phenomenon. Millions of people have been attracted to this highly religious story of a man who meets with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. A simple plot sustains this story of faith minimized and then enhanced. For those seeking a spiritual experience THE SHACK may well serve that purpose.
William “Mack” Mackenzie is a man living in the northwest with his wife and four children. He has found happiness of a sort but he still has some unresolved issues regarding his childhood. Because his early years were so unhappy, he works at having a close relationship with his kids.
One weekend he takes his three younger children on a camping trip. His wife has other things to do so she does not accompany them. On this trip tragedy strikes and Mack is sent into a mighty depression. Eventually he manages to get back to a semblance of living but his heart is heavy. That is when he gets a note from “Papa” asking to meet him at “the shack.”
“Papa” is the name his wife Nan has always used for God, and “the shack” is where the tragedy occurred on the camping trip. Mack picks a time when his wife is away from home with the kids, and heads off to see who this “Papa” is and what he wants with Mack.
Once Mack arrives at “the shack” his life is turned upside down. He not only meets God but also Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The way these three are presented makes up the spiritual heart of the book. This is also where Young’s philosophy of his beliefs is presented. It comes in the conversations Mack has with all three members of the Trinity.
As a readable story, THE SHACK is not that imaginative. The plot barely exists and the resolution of the story is forced and in some ways contrived. But then no one really reads this book for the plot. It is there only to hold the philosophical moments together.
The power of THE SHACK is how it brings about different reactions in different readers. If you are searching for answers, THE SHACK can give them to you. If you are searching for comfort, THE SHACK can provide that too. Readers will basically take away with them what they bring to the book.
It is difficult to imagine THE SHACK appealing to non-Christians as the theology contained is purely Christian in nature. Jesus is presented in the story as the son of God and there are no ifs, ands or buts.
As literature THE SHACK is limited, but as a means of insight and enlightenment it serves its purpose well.
THE SHACK is published by Windblown Media. It contains 248 pages and sells for $14.99.