Inspiring account of an extraordinary life

Enthralling and Inspiring account of an extraordinary life and faith. Here and there it seemed a little repetitive but a fascinating study. I enjoyed it very much, learned a lot, and was encouraged hugely by the quotations from Newtons letters, diaries and other work confirming Bible truths and his confidence in God and His amazing grace. Wonderful!

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Best account of John Newton

Jonathan Aitken is a wonderful narrator. Found it difficult to stop listening to the Audible bookvbut I've done it!! Perhaps Jonathan's own experience of fall from grace and his subsequent restoration and minister in the Church of England reflect his handling of John Newton. Buy the Audible book and see for yourself!!

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What a story!

Jonathan Aitken ,has surpassed himself in writing and reading this wonderful book. I enjoyed it very much .

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Extraordinary man with profound story

Would you listen to John Newton again? Why?

This is a story you will want to come back to again and again. It is a message for all of us, not least as an example of God's redemptive powers.

Who was your favorite character and why?

John Newton was a remarkable hero in many ways. Little recognised and understood. Normally just seen as a converted slave trader and nothing more. He was far, far more. Poet, preacher, scholar, great shepherd of his flocks and remarkable husband.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Probably not tried to read when he was tired and over several chapters when he clearly had a chest infection. A shame really but he has a clear voice and enunciates well.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, the chapters are well managed with good cliff hangers.

Any additional comments?

Marvellous biographical work and an interesting picture of the Church at the time.

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1 person found this helpful

The remarkable story of Gods grace and guidance

His life will both encourage and challenge the reader/listener to live by Gods Amazing Grace

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Revelatory story

Excellent biography. Jonathan Aitkens extensive life experience makes him an apt chronicler of John Newtons life.

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An amazing and very inspiring story

This book is worth listening to....esp in this format! It could be hard going on paper, but it is, i found, so interesting and listening to it makes that possible to 'read'.
It is narrated by the author too, which makes it all that more special, esp when you know his story.

Some of of the content is from Newton's own diary, and he wrote beautifully...eg, the way he wrote about and loved his wife!.
It takes you away to another time, where they loved in a different way...where most people were hard working, and had respect and honour, and knew what it was to sacrifice and give.

The author/narrator, at times, does sound as if he has been reading for too long, but this didnt actually bother me, as i felt like i had a private reading session with the author, and him reading it aloud must have been hard going! So he did well!

But all in all, a beautiful, inspiring story and worth listening to!

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4 people found this helpful

Superb account of a remarkable life

Accounts of Newton's life often begin and end with his youthful adventures and eventual conversion but treat the remaining decades of his life as almost incidental. This is understandable given the extraordinary events of his early days - fact really is stranger than fiction here! But Aitken has done a superb job of relating Newton's magnificent contribution to English church life (which didn't begin and end with the composition of 'Amazing Grace') as well has his indispensable role in the abolitionist movement.
Aitken is not a professional narrator and that shows at times. However, knowing that he is the author, and has had personal experience of 'disgrace to grace', means that this enhances rather than distracts from the listeners experience. The biggest irritation is the ghastly American voice that introduces each chapter and the nauseous music that accompanies it. However, not even that can detract from a magnificent story magnificently told.

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4 people found this helpful

Incredible Story

long, but exceptional in the way the story glorifies God, his faithfulness and his amazing salvation displayed in John Newton.

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