Hugh Nissenson (1933–2013)

it's interesting that i put this on my list around a time when i was trying to get more deeply involved in my religion, and i read it at a time when i renounce all religion, because the characters in this book have a similarly conflicting relationship with religion (both christian and jewish). this is largely a book about religion, which i freely admit isn't something i generally want to read about these days, but it's also about family and everyday relationships to life itself, about mortality and end of life.

he made strange point of view choices - switching perspective mid paragraph - that sometimes worked and sometimes read strangely. (Ex: "After church, Sutton smoked a joint at home. I got the munchies. He ate two teaspoonfuls of sugar.")

it was ok, nothing stand out in either direction for me.

"'I have this fantasy that if I lie in bed, without moving, I'll live.'"… (more)

Charles Wentworth is a young Puritan struggling to be “regenerated” by God’s presence. Finding this an impossible task in England of the time, he sails with other like-minded ”separatists” for Plymouth. There he aspires to live a godly life among a community dedicated to the “pure” faith of the Puritans.
Hugh Nissenson writes as a contemporary with “spake” and “digged” etc. I’m not quite sure of his purpose. These English emigrants seeking freedom of worship became the “founding fathers” of America. Is Mr. Nissenson reminding Americans that the roots of their nation were planted in the soil of religious fervour? I think there must be something more to it.

In England of the 17th century, religion and state were inextricably united so that breaking a biblical law (not observing the Sabbath for example) was punishable by law: from fines to flogging. The modern day parallel that came to my mind as I read was Islam. Is that the author’s intention or just me? An interesting read for history and theology enthusiasts.

7 out of 10.… (more)