Rich in family drama, passion, and human affinity, critically acclaimed author Frederick Buechner's contemporary retelling of this captivating a... read full description
reviews
Jan 11, 2010
Daniel
rated it: 
I think that Buechner is an amazing author.
While I was disappointed with THE STORM (and I realize that I'm in the minority on that), this book was quite exceptional.
First, I didn't realize, before reading it, that it would be an historical fiction account of Jabob (of Jacob and Esau notariety). I have to admit that I might not have been as eager to read it, had I been aware of that. There's something about historical biblical fiction that has not held a great deal of a More...
While I was disappointed with THE STORM (and I realize that I'm in the minority on that), this book was quite exceptional.
First, I didn't realize, before reading it, that it would be an historical fiction account of Jabob (of Jacob and Esau notariety). I have to admit that I might not have been as eager to read it, had I been aware of that. There's something about historical biblical fiction that has not held a great deal of a More...
Jul 11, 2010
gabrielle
rated it:
I often stay away from novels that elaborate on Biblical stories because I don't want to an untrue image/characterization to stick with me as I read the Bible. BUT, I am glad I read The Son of Laughter -- the story of Jacob and the covenant family that he sprang from and gave birth to. Buechner gave blood and sweat and flesh to the Biblical patriarchs. He showed God to be the fierce, mysterious, and faithful being that He is, calling Him "the Fear". I saw the pain and tenderness o
More...
Mar 23, 2009
Jacki
rated it: 
I really enjoyed the story in this book, but the style was not great for me.
This a major part of Genesis told from Jacob's point of view. This has long been one of my favorite parts of the Bible- I love the story of Jacob working fourteen years for Rachel, of him & his brother, and of course the story of Joseph, Jacob's 11th son is probably my all time fave. So. I was super excited when a friend let me borrow this.
And I did like it. But the writing just wasn't my style More...
This a major part of Genesis told from Jacob's point of view. This has long been one of my favorite parts of the Bible- I love the story of Jacob working fourteen years for Rachel, of him & his brother, and of course the story of Joseph, Jacob's 11th son is probably my all time fave. So. I was super excited when a friend let me borrow this.
And I did like it. But the writing just wasn't my style More...
Jan 06, 2010
Dylan
rated it: 
When another person puts into words what I want to say better than I ever could on my own, I have no qualms quoting them. And so here is Joel's review:
"Whenever he applies his re-imagination to the story of a saint or of characters in the Bible, Buechner always manages in his own way to (1) capture how radically foreign these characters are to my own perspective, experience and sensibilities, and (2) to work out in a ramshackle way what it could look like to embody what it mean More...
"Whenever he applies his re-imagination to the story of a saint or of characters in the Bible, Buechner always manages in his own way to (1) capture how radically foreign these characters are to my own perspective, experience and sensibilities, and (2) to work out in a ramshackle way what it could look like to embody what it mean More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 15, 2009
Marvin
rated it:
An imaginative retelling of the biblical story of Jacob & his family. It was certainly more satisfying than the other book by Buechner that I have read, and more satisfying, too, than Norman Mailer's retelling of the Jesus narrative. Mailer seemed bound by the biblical narrative, except at certain odd points he rejected (NOT the miracles, however); Buechner, on the other hand, seemed inspired by Jacob's story. He went well beyond it in creating details & interpreting events, though when I questi
More...
Dec 08, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Got this for Christmas. It's one of Buechner's sad, earthy fictions, this time about the Biblical character of Jacob.
Buechner writes so immediately about being human. There are few writers I enjoy reading more. His work is entirely free of frivolity and distraction, and offers a sublime view of people completely engaged in living their lives, a wonder no matter what they suffer. Like Tolstoy, he writes about individuals in all their glorious individual strangeness, like they're your f More...
Buechner writes so immediately about being human. There are few writers I enjoy reading more. His work is entirely free of frivolity and distraction, and offers a sublime view of people completely engaged in living their lives, a wonder no matter what they suffer. Like Tolstoy, he writes about individuals in all their glorious individual strangeness, like they're your f More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jun 15, 2010
Dave
rated it:
Buechner does a marvelous job of humanizing the patriarchs without losing the redemptive purpose. My one complaint would be that the 'earthiness' of the story, which is at first a bit startling and refreshing, by the end seems a bit like a parlor trick.
Still, this is a minor complaint for an otherwise powerful book.
Still, this is a minor complaint for an otherwise powerful book.
Aug 02, 2011
One of the best religious fiction books I have ever read. Based on the life of Jacob (Heels) and his relationships with Esau (Hairy) and other members of his family. So incredibly poetic and insightful, yet an easy read for someone just getting into Buechner. A must for pastors.
Nov 27, 2010
Derek
rated it:
Buechner has a realistic, earthly understanding of our faith which helps offset the sanctified versions we too often read. His story of Jacob holds true to the Biblical version of course, but he adds the dirt and sand into the mix. Similar to what Kazantzakis did earlier, but with a far more theologically sound basis.
Feb 21, 2011
Jaylorenzen
rated it:
My "spiritual director" suggested that I read more novels. I'm a Buechner fan, having read Godric, etc. Jacob is coming alive as I experience the Genesis account in this "personal" narrative.
Jan 27, 2012
Hilary
rated it:
Read it for Contrats. It was pretty good for a biblical era story (which is usually not my fave), also reading for school usually puts a damper on things.
Mar 13, 2011
Ron
rated it:
A fictionalized contemporary retelling of the timeless biblical saga of the life of Jacob.
Mar 16, 2010
Emily
rated it:
Interesting book telling the story of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from Jacob's view.
Apr 30, 2010
Dave
rated it:
Incredible story. Buechner is a master of creating earthy, real characters.
Apr 17, 2007
Heather
rated it:
A very forthright, crude re-telling of the adventures of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and their families. It can open your eyes to the messiness that is life with God. The people in the Bible are not saints, and their lives were not rainbow-colored picture books, but smelly, messy, sinful bumblings. Although I have liked other fictional incarnations of Bible stories better (like The Robe by Lloyd Douglas!), this book was thought-provoking especially since we are reading Genesis in Sunday School.
Jul 03, 2010
Linda
rated it:
This book is a great, thought-provoking read. The first half is some of the best fiction I've read in some time. The end flounders a bit, but this is highly recommended.
Jul 18, 2008
Joel
rated it:
Whenever he applies his re-imagination to the story of a saint or of characters in the Bible, Buechner always manages in his own way to (1) capture how radically foreign these characters are to my own perspective, experience and sensibilities, and (2) to work out in a ramshackle way what it could look like to embody what it means to be God's blessing to the world.
This re-crafting of Jacob's story from the book of Genesis is a shining example.
This re-crafting of Jacob's story from the book of Genesis is a shining example.
Feb 01, 2011
Terri
rated it:
Excellent read. Not "sanitized" as most Biblical stories are often related. If you have an aversion to biological / sexual references in Bible stories, this may not be for you. Keep in mind that this is a fictional work based on the story of Jacob.
Jan 12, 2012
Anna
rated it:
This book is so much better than the dust-jacket blurb they picked to describe it.
Jan 31, 2009
Isaac
rated it:
Strange.
Insightful.
Heartbreaking.
And makes me want to read more of Buechner's work.
Insightful.
Heartbreaking.
And makes me want to read more of Buechner's work.
Sep 29, 2008
Ricky
rated it:
Although Buechner provides interesting perspective on the humaness of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, I don't enjoy his existentialist style of writing. His style is much toned down in "Son of Laughter" compared to his "Godric", which I started and had to return after a few pages.
Jan 23, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Interesting read on Jacob. I think I liked The Red Tent better, but it was still good. It ended a little weird, that section on dreams...
Feb 02, 2008
Beth
rated it:
I remember Aaron read this aloud to me, while I was cooking suppers or something. I must admit to being somewhat scandalized by some of his thoughts, but in a good way. I think it's important to see Biblical characters in a real and personal light.
Jul 14, 2008
Jody
rated it:
I love Frederick Beuchner! This story is about the biblical character Jacob who becomes a contemporary when you hear Beuchner's version of his life. An intriguing and captivating read.
Jan 26, 2008
Greg
rated it:
I really enjoyed this. I could just smell the sweat and the stench of ancient times. This book really fleshed out Jacob, Rachel, Esau, et cetera. It's a great take on the Biblical story.
Jun 26, 2007
Sneha
rated it:
buechner is in a realm of his own -- one of the best biblical novels i've read. earthy, gritty -- captures well the mystery of god -- if i recall god is called "the fear."
May 07, 2007
Leon
rated it:
My favorite Buechner book. I am not a big fan of stories that flesh out Bible stories but this one made me laugh and cry- both are hard to do.
