The Rapture of Canaan

infobox Book |
name = The Rapture of Canaan
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author = Sheri Reynolds
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country = United States
language = English
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genre = Novel
publisher = Diane Pub
release_date = June 1995
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
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isbn = ISBN 0-7881-6169-5 (paperback first edition)
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"The Rapture of Canaan" is a novel by Sheri Reynolds, which was chosen as an Oprah's Book Club selection in April 1997.

The Rapture of Canaan is gypsy-like novel about the little girl Ninah who lives in a strict community led by her grandpa. Every sin is punished with treatments such as nettles in the bed, sleeping in a grave or dunking. Soon Ninah cannot stop thinking about her prayer partner James, her nephew from position. Praying, for Jesus to speak and lead through the other one, Ninah gets pregnant in Jesus’ will. James confused and fearing the punishment that would follow if Ninah’s grandpa finds out, he takes his life in the lake. Sooner or later Ninah’s loving and storytelling Nanna finds out about her baby and takes care of her until she gives birth. Her dad and Nanna are the only ones that are still standing by her at the end of her pregnancy because of their fear of telling her that her baby will be given away to her brother. The baby is born and is attached by his hands which leads the religious community to believe he is the new Messiah. Grampa Herman loses his mind after a terrible stroke and changes drastically. He runs away and everybody goes looking for him, they find his clothes and think that the rapture has happened. While everyone is thinking they had gotten left behind, Ninah takes Canaan and cuts his hands so he can be free.