This story is set in the gold fields of Oregon,
where Tom Brixton, and his best friend, Fred Westly, are digging gold
to try to “make their pile”. Before leaving England, the steady
and God-fearing Fred had promised Tom's mother that he would do his
best to take care of his friend, but in spite of all his efforts, Tom
had fallen in with bad companions and taken to gambling. He was
convinced that he could make his fortune quicker by attempting to
increase it at the dice or card table, and all his friend's attempts
to make him see his errors were unavailing. Finally, after being
cheated out of all he owned, he stole the money back from the camp
bully, Gashford, who had taken it from him, and had to flee for his
life from the camp, before “Judge Lynch” could catch up to him.
After being captured by the irate miners, and released by another
friend, he managed to almost escape, but was caught again, this time
near the cabin inhabited by an older prospector and his daughter,
whom Tom loved with his whole heart. There was a difficulty though
in his way- Betty, (otherwise known as the “Rose of Oregon”) was
a devout Christian, and would never give her heart to one who wasn't. She did give him some excellent advice though, at a time when he
most needed it.
After being captured the second time, and confined
in the mining camp, Tom gives up all hope of escape, and even when
his friends buy him off he refuses to escape. Circumstances force
him to flee a second time though, and this time his two friends go
with him. After various other adventures, and several very close
calls with death, matters are eventually worked out, and Tom, Fred,
Paddy Flinders (a hilarious Irishman) and Betty live “happily ever
after”, and are also a powerful witness to the rough gold-mining
population of Oregon, before going back to England.
My
thoughts:
Personally,
this is my favorite book by Ballantyne. While Ballantyne's writing
style is not my absolute favorite, I do really like it, especially
his humor. He generally manages to include a good bit, and often at
the most unexpected times, such as Gashford getting stuck in a hole
while hot on Tom's trail. The balance of action, suspense, romance,
and the characters' thoughts is good, and although he did not spend
too much time on it, the reader gets a glimpse into the life of an
Oregon gold miner.
But
the element which really makes this such a great book, is the strong
Gospel message communicated through it. Ballantyne takes great care
to show that no man is too low for God to save if he truly repents
and comes to Him in simple faith. He also touches on the doctrine of
God's sovereignty in salvation, but balances it out with that of
man's free will. Altogether it is a well- written, interesting,
excellent book to read. (My age recommendation would be from about
10-12 years old up, because of the intense nature of some parts, and
the strong (though not inordinate) element of romance, but of course
every parent will have to decide what is best for their child.)
Links
Project
Gutenberg version: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/21706/21706-h/21706-h.htm
Internet
Archive version 1(with illustrations): http://archive.org/details/twiceboughttaleo00ball
Internet
Archive version 2 (with illustrations): http://archive.org/details/cihm_07479
And... Twice Bought is on Librivox!
Twice Bought Librivox
And... Twice Bought is on Librivox!
Twice Bought Librivox
What an excellent review! It was almost as if I was able to step into that scene for a brief moment... being able to see the journey unfold. I enjoyed your thoughts and shall now look forward to the next opportunity I receive to read this exciting and encouraging novel!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
~Shannon~