Yes, this is blatant marketing. But that’s the nice thing about blogging. You don’t have to do any face-to-face explaining. Just feel free to delete.
“5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and rich storytelling and character development
ByCourtney April 15, 2017
“Figs & Pomegranates & Special Cheeses: A Love Story” is a beautiful novel unlike anything I’ve read before. I am a spiritual person as well as a lover of literature, and I have a special appreciation for the rich literary elements of Biblical narratives. I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this work, yet I didn’t know quite what to expect from this particular vantage point of the trials of Job. In retrospect, I don’t think I could have imagined just how rich and moving Dara’s story would be. While the reader is most likely to assume that the relationship between Dara and Job is the love story referenced in the book’s title, I believe that what makes this book so special is that Mona Gustafson Affinito has provided us with two other love stories. Those love stories are the long-running and often-tested friendship between Dara and Adah, and most importantly in my opinion, the story of how Dara learns to love the woman she becomes. Dara acknowledges the different and connected identities she has as a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, and a mother. Yet what I enjoyed the most was the experience of Dara owning her identity as a questioner, and acknowledging both the strengths and faults that come along with that identity. I love that Dara never abandons her own personal growth. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the complexity of Biblical narratives, interesting interpretations and depictions of early feminism, and an in-depth look into the concept of unconditional love.”
may you have tons of new readers, Mona!
Thanks for the good wishes. It won’t happen, though. No matter what I do, sales are flatlined. I mean 0, zilch, none. But heck, I keep trying.
Forty (40) and still kicking! Now watch the sales jump!!! What a thoughtful review. Happy Easter Monday to you and Dara.
Thanks for this, Gordon. The truth is, there will be no new sales. Flat lined is the rule, no matter how much the book may be appreciated.
This is so hard on the spirit! Flat lines are not meant for the living. The same fate awaits Be Still! Unless there is a miraculous intervention by the Practical Resources for Churches’s advocacy at two NY conferences and/or the owner of Hearts and Minds Books who is managing two major conferences in PA in May. We have to stick together whether we call ourselves optimistic or hopeful.
Oh Gordon, I am very optimistic for “Be Still.” I hope the places you’ve mentioned pick up on it. And, to tell the truth, I expect to write a review. Right now I am just plain swamped with wanting to finish the skeleton of “My Father’s House” before I die. (Not until 104, I expect. But then, I did roll my car without anticipating it. You never know.)
Most lovely and well crafted review for a lovely and well crafted novel. 👍
As usual, you are so kind — makes me feel good.
Great review of a wonderful book!
You are so kind! Thanks