Rating: 4 out of 5.

Readability

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Original Sources

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Devotional Quality

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Avoids Hagiography

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Biblical Clarity

FieldChina
MissionaryGladys Aylward
AuthorPhyllis Thompson
Era1930s–1950s

Overview

A London Sparrow: The Inspiring and True Story of Gladys Aylward stands at the top of the list of biographies of this unusual parlourmaid-turned-missionary. Early biographers exalted Aylward as a hero. Screenwriters twisted her life story into a wartime romance in the 1958 movie, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness. Just months before she passed away in 1970, Aylward with the help of Christine Hunter tried to set the record right by writing her own autobiography, A Small Woman. However, this endearing book rambles in generalities, leaving out key details. In A London Sparrow, Phyllis Thompson does her research and puts together a compelling account of how God used the most unlikely of believers beyond all expectations.

Like with every book, I would recommend discernment as you read. Aylward’s decision-making methods and ways of discerning God’s will, at times, seem not as biblical as they could be. Perhaps this is a result of her minimal biblical training before leaving for the mission field. What is worthy of emulation is her simple yet daring trust in God. She truly took God at His Word and then took action.

Other Sources

Gladys Aylward is also highlighted in Daring Dependence, Day 22.