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One of the brightest lights in late-twentieth-century literature, Frederick Buechner has published more than twenty-five works of fiction and nonfiction that continue to dazzle critics and readers alike, adding continuously to the ranks of his fiercely loyal following. On the Road with the Archangel is sure to continue this tradition with its powerful blend of humor, artistry, and insight into the nature of the human and the divine. Inspired by events in the apocryphal Book of Tobit, from the second century B.C., this is the magical tale of two families brought together, as no mere coincidence, by the devilishly clever archangel Raphael. One is the family of Tobit, a virtuous man who can no longer support his wife and son because of Raguel, the quiet, devoted father of Sarah whose pact with the demon Asmodeus has left her life in tragic shambles. Assuming human form, Raphael appears before Tabias, Tobit's devoted son, to help him retrieve his father's fortune hidden in a faraway city. Together, they embark on a miraculous journey in search of the answers to both families' prayers--a journey that is made challenging and delightful by Rapheal's artful efficiency. On the Road with the Archangel is a masterful combination of fluid writing, lyrical storytelling, and ancient truth blended with modern wisdom. And beneath it all lies a subtle, glowing meditation on the nature of the Holy. Hailed as "one of our most original storytellers" (USA Today), Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Frederick Buechner has written an extraordinary new novel that shines with the mystery and wonder of the divine.Drawn from the ancient apocryphal Book of Tobit, On the Road with the Archangel unravels the tale of a eccentric blind father and his somewhat bumbling song who journeys to seek his family's lost treasure. Narrated by the wry and resourceful archangel Raphael, Buencher's tale is a pure delight, alive with vivid characters, delightful adventures and wondrous revelations.… (more)
User reviews
Hundreds of miles away, at the same moment, a young woman named Sarah offers up a similar prayer for death. Years ago she was betrothed to a man she didn’t love, and in hopes of avoiding the marriage she made a pact with the demon Asmodeus to help her escape. Unfortunately she neglected to be specific about the means of escape and on the night of her wedding Asmodeus shows up and kills her new husband. Over the course of six more attempted marriages Asmodeus appears on the wedding night and kills each new husband in turn. Feeling ashamed for her role in their deaths and stung by the accusing glances of the community who have assumed she is a black widow, Sarah contemplates suicide. Her concern for how a suicide would break her father’s heart and shame her family dissuades her however and instead prays instead that the God would take her life.
Up in the heavenly realms, the archangel Raphael diligently carries the prayers from earth to the throne of the Holy One. As God listens to the prayers of Tobit and Sarah His heart is filled with mercy and He sends Raphael himself down on a special assignment to make things right for Sarah and Tobit.
What happens over the course of the rest of the story is a fascinating and funny imagining of the hand of the Holy One at work weaving fishing gut, marriage, and too many fortuitous meetings into the restoration and blessing of Sarah, Tobit, and their respective families.
The difference between the original and this retelling was the difference between the sound of a single horn player and the roar of the imaginary symphony in Tobit’s mind. The characters and situations are all so relatable and funny that the reader can’t help but be drawn into the story.
The e-book version I read was only 115 pages and could easily be read in one long sitting or over a few days. It’s a fun, engaging, and lighthearted story that I highly recommend.