By Shelbi LeMeilleur
Steps of the Callejon by Jane Zhang Joyce Chen is far from home and the comforts she is used to in Steps of the Callejon. Although a fictional account of missionary work in Caracas, Venezuela, Steps of the Callejon is based on author Jane Zhang’s own experience. Joyce is lonely, broken, at times conflicted in what she believes, and often wonders if she is making a difference. Joyce and the team of missionaries work in the barrios — slums on the hillsides surrounding the city. For the people who live in these areas, the callejones — footpaths that weave up and down the hill — are hope for a brighter future.
Zhang uses poignant vignettes to describe Joyce’s time as a missionary in a struggling community. She shares the good and fruitful blessings that come with being a missionary, but she also shares the hard truths — the messiest, most vulnerable times of struggle and self-doubt. Over the course of the book, Zhang clearly presents Joyce’s growth and accomplishments, both personally and as a missionary.
Steps of the Callejon is available as an ebook or in paperback through Amazon.
Are you a local author? Would you like your book to be featured in INSITE Magazine? Email shelbi@insitebrazosvalley.com for more information.
