by Shalyn Yuen
TLDR: An encouraging and uplifting read about God’s hope and His unfailing faithfulness. Reading this book will remind you of God’s redemptive and unconditional love for those who seek Him.
Set in Malaysia, a single mother betrayed by the man trusted; Iris Kristiyana Chyouwas desperate not only to provide for her two young children but also to find validation in life. She became perfect prey to the criminal and money laundering enterprises as they enticed her to take part in a credit card scamming ring. Blinded by the monetary gains, she did not realise she would also soon be used to transport drugs across countries. On one fateful trip, Iris ended up being caught with drugs in her possession at an international border.
You will have to read on to grasp the pain and torment Iris had to endure, having received a life sentence of 25 years. More than just the loss of freedom, but the living in fear and being abandoned to fend for yourself can take a toll on one’s body and mind – this is exactly how Iris spent her days imprisoned. But in her anguish, she found God in her life. With many instances of deliverance and miraculous encounters, God truly availed Himself in Iris’ life. Her testimony of God’s goodness encouraged me spiritually as I was reminded that God never forsakes us even though many a times, we fail and forsake Him.
Right from the start, the book is a page-turner. The writer, Carson Hong, manages to capture one’s imagination with the fast-paced narrative. The experience is like watching a crime movie but this time, it’s not a fictional character or plot but a real person’s encounter with a dark, ruthless syndicate of scammers, loan sharks and drug dealers.
Each time I thought Iris’ life journey had turned for the better, she stumbled upon yet another roadblock. It was disheartening to follow her trepidatious life but at each hurdle, God never failed to carry her through and that reminded me of God’s promises. Iris’ story also revealed God’s unchanging character and how wise it is to put our trust in Him. As an all-knowing God, we can trust that in His limitless knowledge, He can work everything — even the worst, seemingly impossible-to-save situations — out for our good if we love Him.
At the same time, this book humbles us before God’s throne of mercy. We realise how compassionate, merciful and gracious He is to rescue us from ourselves. Just as Iris acknowledged her foolishness and God’s saving grace, her story reminds us of God’s unfailing love for us, even when we are at our worst.
In the span of just about 150 pages, Carson takes us on a roller-coaster ride following Iris’ life journey. I was anticipating the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ moment, but there are quite a few twists and turns before the sliver of light appears. Carson’s easy-to-follow concise writing style made the book very readable. In all likelihood, you’ll be able to finish it at one sitting.
Personally, the last chapter ended quite abruptly for me, almost as if the book snaps shut. I’m sure it was a more arduous journey for Iris, escaping the pursuit of the loan sharks and clearing the unreasonable compounded debts. However, without a doubt, it is a story that needs to be told not only to give glory to God but also to shed light on the sad reality of the existence of malice in our society preying on and destroying the lives of those who are vulnerable.
The loss of hope is what makes suffering unbearable. But Iris’ story is a powerful testimony of God’s life-transforming and living hope that transcends our impossible circumstances.
Reader’s Rating: ★★★⯪☆
Contending With The Sharks: A Quest for A Fulfilled Life by Carson Hong is available for purchase at Glad Sounds in Petaling Jaya (Physical Edition) and on Amazon (Kindle Edition) here. For direct purchases, you may contact Asher Ang at +60194148336.
