The Fool of God: A Novel Based on the Life of Alexander Campbell

by Louis Cochran

Book by Cochran, Louis

Genres: Christian

407 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Ryan Dufoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does what he sets out to do: create a heavily historical fiction on the life of Alexander Campbell. This was one of the most enjoyable books on restoration movement history that I had to read for my undergrad and I really enjoyed it. My only two grievances are that you do see the author's personal background occasionally come through the interpretation of the historical events, although I totally understand that in the quest to flesh out a novel-style biography of a man from over a century ago, it is impossible to get around. My other complaint is that Cochran does a lot of describing of places and meals and clothing that, while telling of his research for the book, gets a little old after a hundred pages or so of not adding to the story line very much. Overall, a great read!

[Brandon Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I have read of Campbell (co-founder of the "Restoration Movement" of Christian Church, Churches of Christ, and Disciples of Christ) was from textbooks. This books is a work of historical fiction, but does a nice job of putting a human dimension to the man we see only in paintings. I was not much aware of Campbell's early life and almost completely unaware of his later life (marked by the founding of Bethany College). Campbell was jailed in Scotland, met a United States president, and lived to see the Civil War start and end. An interesting life for which we should all feel gratitude. Book well written, perhaps a-third too long, recently republished by renew.org

[Jennifer Robb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend recommended reading this book which is loosely about the founder of the Christian Church/Church of Christ. I don't know enough about Alexander Campbell to know which parts of the book are fact and which are fictionalized. I did find it harder to read at the beginning but it got easier as the story established itself.

[Graham Bates · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the storytelling. It's definitely hagiography, so critical readers beware. As a member of the Restoration Movement I appreciated knowing more about Alexander Campbell. It makes me want to read more of his writings, the mark of a good biography.