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Cover of Peradventure; or, The Silence of God

Peradventure; or, The Silence of God

Written by Robert Keable

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ReligionYoung menChurch of England

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About this book

"Peradventure; or, The Silence of God" by Robert Keable is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Paul Kestern, a young and passionate evangelical who seeks to bring love and salvation to the underprivileged in Lambeth Court, a gritty and impoverished area. As he embarks on his mission, the narrative explores themes of faith, social justice, and the complexities of human relationships in the context of early 20th-century Christianity. The opening of the novel introduces us to Paul Kestern as he makes his first foray into Lambeth Court, where he witnesses the harsh realities of life for its residents, including poverty and sickness. Amid his observations, Paul’s fervent desire to spread the gospel leads him to devise plans for an open-air meeting to reach out to the community. His interactions with his family and peers reveal his idealism and strong convictions about faith and duty, setting the stage for deeper spiritual and moral challenges as the story unfolds. The initial chapters establish not only Paul’s character but also hint at the conflicts and transformations he will face as he navigates between his evangelical zeal and the complexities of a changing world.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Peradventure; or, The Silence of God, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • contemplative
  • somber
  • challenging

Robert Keable's "Peradventure; or, The Silence of God" is an early 20th-century novel chronicling the spiritual and social journey of Paul Kestern, a fervent young evangelical. Paul embarks on a mission to bring salvation and love to the impoverished residents of Lambeth Court, confronting the harsh realities of poverty, sickness, and human suffering. As his idealism clashes with the complexities of the world and the limitations of his initial evangelical approach, Paul faces profound spiritual challenges, questioning the very nature of his faith and the perceived 'silence of God.' The narrative explores his transformation as he grapples with social justice, the intricacies of human relationships, and the evolving landscape of early 20th-century Christianity.

“"The silence of God in the face of such suffering is the loudest sermon I have ever heard."”

Key themes

Faith and Doubt
This is the central theme, exploring the profound spiritual journey of Paul Kestern as his fervent evangelical faith is confronted by the stark realities of suffering. The novel delves into the crisis of belief when traditional answers fail to explain or alleviate human misery, leading Paul to question the very foundations of his faith and the nature of God.
Social Justice and Poverty
The novel vividly portrays the grim realities of early 20th-century poverty in Lambeth Court, using it as a stark contrast to Paul's spiritual aspirations. It examines the ethical imperative for social action and critiques religious approaches that prioritize spiritual salvation over addressing tangible human needs, raising questions about systemic injustice.
The Nature of God and Divine Intervention
Directly linked to the subtitle, this theme questions the traditional understanding of an all-powerful, all-loving God who actively intervenes in human affairs. Paul's struggle with 'The Silence of God' forces him to ponder if God is absent, indifferent, or if divine presence manifests in ways beyond human comprehension or expectation, particularly in suffering.

Worth discussing

How does Paul Kestern's understanding of faith evolve throughout the novel, and what specific events or encounters catalyze these changes?

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