Thursday, March 25, 2010

Lamb Bright Saviors-Robert Vivian

Lamb Bright Saviors
Robert Vivian
Bison Books, Mar 2010, $22.95
www.bisonbooks.com
ISBN: 9780803213807

Mr. Gene and his assistant young Mady travel across Nebraska preaching the Lord’s word and distributing bibles. However, Mr. Gene takes ill and knows he is dying. He stops at the home of an elderly blind woman while word spreads of the preacher’s imminent demise which leads to many folks arriving.

As he babbles about God, four people are invited to hear his final confession. Each is euphoric with the chance because they seek redemption. Living inside a baseball dugout, Oly prays that one day he will coach school sports. Former convict Yarborough sought revenge against someone who betrayed him, but forgave the person after he took a pound of flesh. Tattooed all over his body, Gus uses body art to display his ire at the world. Finally Iraqi war veteran Munoz carries the head of his brother in arms killed in theater.

This profound character study is a terrific look into the souls of six people seeking redemption; ironically that includes the rambling preacher who believes if he delivers the four strangers to God he will have atoned for his sins. The novella contains a stark Nebraska atmosphere that enhances the story line for those readers will appreciate an austere reflection on the foibles of atoning for one’s life even in death.

Harriet Klausner

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