OUR TOWN ATHEIST by Victoria
Buck
Victoria Buck, who always
writes a page-turning novel, has changed genres it seems. She does an excellent
job of drawing us into the story of a small, Southern town banker, who turns
into a hero, but his “secret” of being an atheist is outed. He is one of the
most likeable, moral people around and there are wonderful sub-plots, (even one
in Iraq concerning terrorists) that will keep your interest in this book.
Adam Bender, a man brought
up by a Jewish father and a Christian mother left faith of any kind behind when
he became an adult. He said it was a conclusion, not a choice. Yet, he seems drawn
to religious people. He was happy with his life until he thinks he sees an
angel, a ghost wearing a pork pie hat, a phantom dog and perhaps hell-fire? His
permission for a writer to interview him ended with a column called, “What the
Atheist Saw,” that should’ve satisfied even the most inquiring citizens of the
small town.
There is a lot of mystery,
drama and even a budding love story to look forward to as you read this book.
One quote that is interesting
from the book by the town preacher is “People are going to believe what they
want, even if they have to deny the evidence.”
The other paragraph that was
beautifully crafted included these words, “They laughed and held each other. He
left her side only long enough to bring her a cup of hot chocolate. After a few
too many yawns, she knew it was time to say good night to the man she loved.
She wasn’t ready to slide out of her moral comfort zone, and he was too much a
gentleman to ask her to. But she couldn’t help but dream.”
I think you will find Our
Town Atheist will have you wanting more of this genre from Victoria Buck.
Donna Collins Tinsley
