It is 1963, and newly divorced Julian Carter leaves Atlanta, Georgia with her two year old son Stephen headed for the South Pacific. While sailing off the coast, they are caught in a freak storm and Julian believes she is the sole survivor. She is fished out of the sea by the primitive Tulim tribe who brings her deep into the Indonesian jungle. Julian does not understand their language and struggles through terror-filled days to adapt to their customs. She quickly learns her value to the tribe lies in her ability to bear a son to one of two warring princes. When Julian learns that Stephen is alive, everything about her fragile existence is thrown into a quandary.
Stephen has been raised in the jungle by a single man who teaches him to see beyond the outer “costume” of all men into their spiritual essence. Stephen’s very existence will propel the Tulim into war and death.
Themes of forgiveness and hope in the midst of unthinkable darkness are presented amidst the sweeping violence of the jungle. Dekker reveals the human quest for power that runs through all cultures in this parable of life. His hauntingly raw portrayal of walking in truth and light through unthinkable darkness will challenge readers to deeper spiritual understanding.