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The Opposite of Art: A Novel
Art and murder collide in the new novel from Athol Dickson that takes readers on a wild ride of intrigue, mystery, and long-buried secrets. A great artist is cast into the icy Harlem River by a hit-and-run driver. His heart stops, and he sees something that defies description. Presumed dead by all who knew him and obsessed with the desire to paint the inexpressible, he embarks on a pilgrimage to seek help from holy men around the globe. But is it possible to see eternity without becoming lost within it? After a quarter of a century, when the world begins to whisper that he may be alive, two people come looking for the the daughter he never knew existed and the murderer who hit him on the bridge all those years ago.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2011
7 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Athol Dickson
14 books422 followersAthol Dickson's parents were living on the road when he was born. His first bed was a drawer lined with towels in a travel trailer. He has loved road trips ever since. Boating is a passion, too. Athol owns three boats, and once lived aboard a yacht full-time while cruising the Gulf of Mexico and the USA's Atlantic coast. But Athol's nine novels are proof he can sit still and write if he's with his wife of nearly 30 years, The Lovely Sue. They live in Southern California, where Athol is at work on novel number ten, the second in a series call "The Malcolm Cutter Memoirs" about a multi-millionaire chauffeur who would rather solve mysteries for his clients than hang out on his yacht. What bliss: a novel that combines boats and road trips!
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March 30, 2025Reread from March 12-22, 2025
A novel must meet certain criteria to become one of my all-time favorites. I must reread it, and the rereading must feel similar to my first experience reading the novel. I will write upfront that The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson passed my criteria for an all-time favorite novel. My initial review covers the basics of Dickson’s story. This time, rereading it gave me a different perspective.
After seeing Suzanna and Graves in each other's arms, he had lost all interest in that other life. The man he once had been was long dead, in fact if not in body. The question was, could he remain dead?
It was also true that searching for the Glory had its hardships, and hardship changed a person. Even in a tabloid-selling siete y once no recognized him for the hedonistic painter he once was.
Rider had shuddered at the thought, and the sudden shaking of his hands nearly steered him off the road. He could only think of all the damage he had done, the women he had used, his abuse of art collectors, the insults he heaped on Graves, and most of all, his selfish disregard for Suzanna's faith.
He understood why such sums were paid for his old work. He knew he was a genius. But compared to his paintings of the Glory, even though they were all failures, everything he had done before was garbage. To return to a life of painting bowls of fruit and landscape scenes and nudes would be more than he could bear. Having considered all of this, he had resolved very firmly to be dead as long as possible.
These four paragraphs are from the novel’s beginning, where renowned artist Ridler confronts the harm his arrogance and narcissism have inflicted on the art world. He embarked on a worldwide spiritual journey, exploring the three major Western religions in search of his true self and the meaning of life.
Ridler thinks he has seen God's glory and is determined to paint what he saw at a pivotal point in his life. However, he has not been able artistically to capture those visions of glory he witnessed on that day. The great artist thinks his life has been meaningless before that discovery and wants to figure out if he can truly paint what he saw.
The honesty and respect with which Dickson handles religious faith in The Opposite of Art elevates it to one of my all-time favorite novels. He explores the difficulties inherent in living one’s faith, acknowledging the complexities without providing easy answers.
Also, this is one of the most readable novels I have ever read. Dickson is a compelling storyteller; I flew through sixty or seventy pages without realizing it. My only issue with the novel is that the Riddler’s transformation felt too convenient, considering his past actions.
Notwithstanding, The Opposite of Art stands as one of the finest novels I have ever read. This book will become a permanent fixture on my bookshelf, and I encourage all serious readers, regardless of their beliefs, to consider reading this exceptional story. I’ve read three novels by Athol Dickson, and he has proven that Christian fiction can be both high-quality and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect deeply on their spiritual journeys.
A novel must meet certain criteria to become one of my all-time favorites. I must reread it, and the rereading must feel similar to my first experience reading the novel. I will write upfront that The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson passed my criteria for an all-time favorite novel. My initial review covers the basics of Dickson’s story. This time, rereading it gave me a different perspective.
After seeing Suzanna and Graves in each other's arms, he had lost all interest in that other life. The man he once had been was long dead, in fact if not in body. The question was, could he remain dead?
It was also true that searching for the Glory had its hardships, and hardship changed a person. Even in a tabloid-selling siete y once no recognized him for the hedonistic painter he once was.
Rider had shuddered at the thought, and the sudden shaking of his hands nearly steered him off the road. He could only think of all the damage he had done, the women he had used, his abuse of art collectors, the insults he heaped on Graves, and most of all, his selfish disregard for Suzanna's faith.
He understood why such sums were paid for his old work. He knew he was a genius. But compared to his paintings of the Glory, even though they were all failures, everything he had done before was garbage. To return to a life of painting bowls of fruit and landscape scenes and nudes would be more than he could bear. Having considered all of this, he had resolved very firmly to be dead as long as possible.
These four paragraphs are from the novel’s beginning, where renowned artist Ridler confronts the harm his arrogance and narcissism have inflicted on the art world. He embarked on a worldwide spiritual journey, exploring the three major Western religions in search of his true self and the meaning of life.
Ridler thinks he has seen God's glory and is determined to paint what he saw at a pivotal point in his life. However, he has not been able artistically to capture those visions of glory he witnessed on that day. The great artist thinks his life has been meaningless before that discovery and wants to figure out if he can truly paint what he saw.
The honesty and respect with which Dickson handles religious faith in The Opposite of Art elevates it to one of my all-time favorite novels. He explores the difficulties inherent in living one’s faith, acknowledging the complexities without providing easy answers.
Also, this is one of the most readable novels I have ever read. Dickson is a compelling storyteller; I flew through sixty or seventy pages without realizing it. My only issue with the novel is that the Riddler’s transformation felt too convenient, considering his past actions.
Notwithstanding, The Opposite of Art stands as one of the finest novels I have ever read. This book will become a permanent fixture on my bookshelf, and I encourage all serious readers, regardless of their beliefs, to consider reading this exceptional story. I’ve read three novels by Athol Dickson, and he has proven that Christian fiction can be both high-quality and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect deeply on their spiritual journeys.
October 7, 2011
Merge Chaim Potok's Asher Lev with Ralph Ellison's invisible man to get a present yet absent, passionately artistic narrator searching for something ineffable. Place him in an ever-changing landscape with lush juxtapositions of the profound and the absurd that wander into whimsical magical realism. This is THE OPPOSITE OF ART.
While I was initially put off by Athol's brisk sentences and the self-absorbed, misogynistic narrator, by the end of the second chapter I couldn't put the book down. That raw, lick-the-bottom-of-the -ashtray, ugly perspective serves as a contrast for everything that follows.
Questions about the value of art and the purpose of religious artifacts are explored. But at the heart of the story rests questions about redemption which is ultimately found only in relationship. This is a sort of noir Pilgrim's Progress that takes us from Harlem to Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Rome, Thailand, Los Angeles and New Mexico. While the narrator remains the central character, we slide into 4 other viewpoints as the individual's stories collide. And the story-telling keeps us slightly off-balance as time shifts between past and present and locations interchange.
Warning-this is not for the faint of heart. If you want a flat, cautionary tale or a formulaic story, this is not the book for you. If you're interested in being tossed into unpredictable spaces and asking meaningful questions that lack "tied up with a bow" answers, read this.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Athol as his writing continues to mature.
While I was initially put off by Athol's brisk sentences and the self-absorbed, misogynistic narrator, by the end of the second chapter I couldn't put the book down. That raw, lick-the-bottom-of-the -ashtray, ugly perspective serves as a contrast for everything that follows.
Questions about the value of art and the purpose of religious artifacts are explored. But at the heart of the story rests questions about redemption which is ultimately found only in relationship. This is a sort of noir Pilgrim's Progress that takes us from Harlem to Turkey, Israel, Egypt, Rome, Thailand, Los Angeles and New Mexico. While the narrator remains the central character, we slide into 4 other viewpoints as the individual's stories collide. And the story-telling keeps us slightly off-balance as time shifts between past and present and locations interchange.
Warning-this is not for the faint of heart. If you want a flat, cautionary tale or a formulaic story, this is not the book for you. If you're interested in being tossed into unpredictable spaces and asking meaningful questions that lack "tied up with a bow" answers, read this.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Athol as his writing continues to mature.
February 29, 2012
Wow! This book has already been added to my favorites list. Very artistic and spiritual. This was food for my soul. Awesome. This book gets my highest possible recommendation.
It went on my must read list when Athol started talking about it on Novel Rocket. He predicted although probably his best book, it would also be his biggest commercial flop. Why? Well, in addition to being very “edgy” for the CBA market, in other words realistic, it’s also his most literary book.
So of course I had to have it. The very next amazon gift card I received immediately went towards purchasing this book. I mean, even if I hadn’t known much about it, the name and cover themselves would have been enough to intrigue me.
And the contents did not disappoint. I can’t say this is one of those books that kept me riveted, and I didn’t put down. In fact the opposite is true. I found that again and again I had to pause for upwards to a day to digest and reflect upon what I had read. But I will say this, it’s going on my top five all-time favorite novels list. If forced to pick a spot at this very moment, I’d probably put it at number two, but it’s a little early to make that final decision.
Why did I love it? First of all, the main character is a brilliant artist. After a near death experience, he’s determined to paint “the glory” as he calls it. But he can’t quite remember it. He can’t quite grasp it. So he begins a worldwide quest through the major religions of our time in search of it.
Will everyone love this book as much as I do? Maybe, maybe not. If you’re looking for fluff, don’t even bother. But if you love a book that will challenge you and make you grow, then dash immediately over to amazon and buy it, because it’s right up there with the best of the best. It’s not the fastest paced book, although there is ample romance and suspense to keep you interested and provide entertainment value. The structure is sort of odd, and yet it serves the story. At times, it delves into the realms of magical realism in a beautiful and symbolic way that brings to life the wonders of the spiritual world.
In his quest through the world’s religions, Athol uses a delicate hand both in showing the beauty that does exist and the areas where they fall short. Although he never clearly states, “Jesus is the way,” I believe he showed that with gorgeous symbolism that lived up to the theme of the book. For him to have pinned it down and become didactic, would have undermined this book as a great piece of literature. And Lord knows we have few enough of those in Christian fiction.
I simply loved every moment of this novel. But I think what I loved the most was the quest for the ultimate beauty. God is the quintessential beauty. He is beauty personified. Too often I think we overlook that in Christianity. We focus on laws and rules and theologies and forget about the unparalleled bliss of a relationship with the divine
It went on my must read list when Athol started talking about it on Novel Rocket. He predicted although probably his best book, it would also be his biggest commercial flop. Why? Well, in addition to being very “edgy” for the CBA market, in other words realistic, it’s also his most literary book.
So of course I had to have it. The very next amazon gift card I received immediately went towards purchasing this book. I mean, even if I hadn’t known much about it, the name and cover themselves would have been enough to intrigue me.
And the contents did not disappoint. I can’t say this is one of those books that kept me riveted, and I didn’t put down. In fact the opposite is true. I found that again and again I had to pause for upwards to a day to digest and reflect upon what I had read. But I will say this, it’s going on my top five all-time favorite novels list. If forced to pick a spot at this very moment, I’d probably put it at number two, but it’s a little early to make that final decision.
Why did I love it? First of all, the main character is a brilliant artist. After a near death experience, he’s determined to paint “the glory” as he calls it. But he can’t quite remember it. He can’t quite grasp it. So he begins a worldwide quest through the major religions of our time in search of it.
Will everyone love this book as much as I do? Maybe, maybe not. If you’re looking for fluff, don’t even bother. But if you love a book that will challenge you and make you grow, then dash immediately over to amazon and buy it, because it’s right up there with the best of the best. It’s not the fastest paced book, although there is ample romance and suspense to keep you interested and provide entertainment value. The structure is sort of odd, and yet it serves the story. At times, it delves into the realms of magical realism in a beautiful and symbolic way that brings to life the wonders of the spiritual world.
In his quest through the world’s religions, Athol uses a delicate hand both in showing the beauty that does exist and the areas where they fall short. Although he never clearly states, “Jesus is the way,” I believe he showed that with gorgeous symbolism that lived up to the theme of the book. For him to have pinned it down and become didactic, would have undermined this book as a great piece of literature. And Lord knows we have few enough of those in Christian fiction.
I simply loved every moment of this novel. But I think what I loved the most was the quest for the ultimate beauty. God is the quintessential beauty. He is beauty personified. Too often I think we overlook that in Christianity. We focus on laws and rules and theologies and forget about the unparalleled bliss of a relationship with the divine
September 13, 2011
The title intrigues, causing us to think, to wonder. The opening line awakens our imagination.
The opening paragraph lets us know on no uncertain terms that we’re in the hands of an artist.
Perhaps the author is a little like the protagonist, Sheridan Ridler – a genius with oils whose search for the perfection of beauty drives his life. Though only in his twenties, he’s already making his mark on the art world. That is, until the winter’s night he’s thrown into the Harlem River by a hit-and-run driver, and his body is never found.
During his near-death experience, he catches a glimpse of an indescribable beauty, and emerges from the river obsessed with the desire to recreate the Glory in whatever medium he can get his hands on. But it’s too marvelous; he can’t attain it. Just when he thinks he’s getting it, he realizes he can’t approach it. Not sure what’s happened to him, nor even, at first, who he is, he wanders in search of answers. But mostly, in search of the Glory.
Ridler leads the reader on a quest around the world as he seeks help from holy men, traveling from New York to the jungles of Thailand, the bazaars of Istanbul, the desert city of Tel Aviv, the Eternal City of Rome, a massive shrine in Mexico, and finally, to a traveling circus in New Mexico. Wherever his foot falls, he reaches for the Glory, to capture and enshrine it in paint; but in every place he seeks it, it’s just beyond his grasp.
Throughout his quarter-century pilgrimage, he’s unaware that he has a daughter—and she’s unaware that he, the father she never knew but has always idolized, is alive. When fresh Ridler look-alike paintings start showing up, received in the mail by various people whom the artist had formerly known and wronged, she goes on a quest of her own: to find the source of these mysterious new works. She doesn’t know that the man who deliberately knocked Ridler off the bridge twenty-five years ago is pursuing him too. And they’re both gaining on him.
It’s a magnificent tale, rich in symbolism and allegory yet a good story in its own right. If the book weren’t so thick (paperbound, 384 pages long), I’d want to frame it.
The opening paragraph lets us know on no uncertain terms that we’re in the hands of an artist.
Perhaps the author is a little like the protagonist, Sheridan Ridler – a genius with oils whose search for the perfection of beauty drives his life. Though only in his twenties, he’s already making his mark on the art world. That is, until the winter’s night he’s thrown into the Harlem River by a hit-and-run driver, and his body is never found.
During his near-death experience, he catches a glimpse of an indescribable beauty, and emerges from the river obsessed with the desire to recreate the Glory in whatever medium he can get his hands on. But it’s too marvelous; he can’t attain it. Just when he thinks he’s getting it, he realizes he can’t approach it. Not sure what’s happened to him, nor even, at first, who he is, he wanders in search of answers. But mostly, in search of the Glory.
Ridler leads the reader on a quest around the world as he seeks help from holy men, traveling from New York to the jungles of Thailand, the bazaars of Istanbul, the desert city of Tel Aviv, the Eternal City of Rome, a massive shrine in Mexico, and finally, to a traveling circus in New Mexico. Wherever his foot falls, he reaches for the Glory, to capture and enshrine it in paint; but in every place he seeks it, it’s just beyond his grasp.
Throughout his quarter-century pilgrimage, he’s unaware that he has a daughter—and she’s unaware that he, the father she never knew but has always idolized, is alive. When fresh Ridler look-alike paintings start showing up, received in the mail by various people whom the artist had formerly known and wronged, she goes on a quest of her own: to find the source of these mysterious new works. She doesn’t know that the man who deliberately knocked Ridler off the bridge twenty-five years ago is pursuing him too. And they’re both gaining on him.
It’s a magnificent tale, rich in symbolism and allegory yet a good story in its own right. If the book weren’t so thick (paperbound, 384 pages long), I’d want to frame it.
May 18, 2022
2022 Update: I won't add to my previous review other than to say that I loved it as much or more on my second reading. Superb.
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"The Opposite of Art" by Athol Dickson is a splendid journey. To say too much in this space would be to rob potential readers of a quest through time, memory, and art against a backdrop of love and murder.
Content warning: Sensitive readers may find some content objectionable, although I would counter that it is included because it is objectionable and shows the spiritual distance the character must travel.
Highly recommended for readers desiring mold-breaking Christian literary fiction.
----
"The Opposite of Art" by Athol Dickson is a splendid journey. To say too much in this space would be to rob potential readers of a quest through time, memory, and art against a backdrop of love and murder.
Content warning: Sensitive readers may find some content objectionable, although I would counter that it is included because it is objectionable and shows the spiritual distance the character must travel.
Highly recommended for readers desiring mold-breaking Christian literary fiction.
November 13, 2011
Thanks to Goodreads First Reads and Howard Books for my ARC of Athol Dickson's The Opposite of Art. I absolutely loved reading this and could have easily finished it in a day, if life were not so busy! :) This is an incredible story of faith, hope, love and art that is extremely hard to put down. It's hard for me to find words for this book without giving something away to those who haven't read it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great read and I look forward to reading more books from Athol Dickson.
August 2, 2012
An arrogant, unpleasant artist has a vision that changes him forever, causing him to seek the Glory (what he saw and wants to paint) in various places all over the world and in different religious groups: Buddhism, Sufism, Judaism, etc. He ends up traveling with a circus, constantly annoyed by his inability to recreate what he saw. I found the attempts to describe the vision and subsequent paintings very amusing: lots of vague words that just swirled around like the fictitious art. The writing felt contrived to me and I could not connect with the theme, plot, or characters of this book.
December 29, 2014
Christian fiction; first book that I have read by Athol Dickson. This is a book with layers: there is a surface layer and then the many ideas and emotions that accompany the substrata. A reader can take this book at face value or dig deeper into Riddler's search and perhaps their own. Loved the discussion of art in its many forms and the look behind the curtain (so to speak). Mr. Dickson, I am intrigued and will read The Cure next. Recommend.
November 8, 2011
The idea of the story especially intrigued me. I love ideas that are new to me and instrospective. I could even feel some of the "glory" moments.
Alas, I did find myself wanting to put the book down several times. The ending, though satisfactory, felt rather short given the long journey searching for an end.
Alas, I did find myself wanting to put the book down several times. The ending, though satisfactory, felt rather short given the long journey searching for an end.
September 13, 2011
There are few authors who can both craft words with story to create a page turner that's amazing to read. Athol Dickson is just a master at putting a wonderful and redemptive story with paragraphs that stop you in your tracks. Another winner.
Read
July 24, 2012An interesting, literary read. Worthy of being in the Randy Alcorn "Good Christian Fiction" category.
March 5, 2018
I had high hopes, having read rave reviews, that this would be an outstanding literary read by a Christian author. The Art theme intrigued me but the story line was unconvincing and it was impossible to lose sight of the fact that I was just reading an implausible story created to convey the message that Christianity is the only faith with all the right answers. The most marked failure was in convincing the reader that this vision of GLORY seen by the main protagonist was anything remarkable. (I had to go back and try to find the moments when Ridler had this vision of glory in the first place!) These parts in the storyline were not convincingly developed despite the fact that the rest of the narrative depended on them!
Because the novel's scope was far too ambitious (let's look at multiple world religions and show their weaknesses in a natural interpersonal story context), the plot and characterization felt contrived. Great leaps through time and space were unaccounted for and it was impossible to stay enthralled with the storyline. This story not only failed to pull me in but left me feeling confused about what the author intended to convey. It felt more like a rough draft of an interesting idea--what would it look like for a great artist to paint the actual glory of God instead of just painting God's creation, or antiquated anthropomorphisms. I persevered to the end to observe the hero's metamorphosis, which surely should be the outcome of beholding the glory of God. This too was anticlimactic and unsatisfying.
The author Q & A in the end of my Kindle edition of the book shed light on the question Mr. Dickson was trying to answer with the character of Ridler: "I began to wonder what might happen if a great artist--were to devote a lifetime to capturing the spirit of God in his work." But the author's own remarks show little sympathy for the character he has created. Athol's opinion is that the one who really appreciates an awesome sight the most will not attempt to re-create it at all, but simply be willing to be 'taken in' by it. To attempt to re-create it is 'prideful and cowardly' (eg.Ridler). The author's disdain for his own main character is perhaps why the story fails to draw the reader in wholeheartedly. Biblically speaking, what should be a person's response to beholding the glory of God? This question is left oddly unaddressed and we are left wondering what the humbled Ridler will now commence to paint...
Because the novel's scope was far too ambitious (let's look at multiple world religions and show their weaknesses in a natural interpersonal story context), the plot and characterization felt contrived. Great leaps through time and space were unaccounted for and it was impossible to stay enthralled with the storyline. This story not only failed to pull me in but left me feeling confused about what the author intended to convey. It felt more like a rough draft of an interesting idea--what would it look like for a great artist to paint the actual glory of God instead of just painting God's creation, or antiquated anthropomorphisms. I persevered to the end to observe the hero's metamorphosis, which surely should be the outcome of beholding the glory of God. This too was anticlimactic and unsatisfying.
The author Q & A in the end of my Kindle edition of the book shed light on the question Mr. Dickson was trying to answer with the character of Ridler: "I began to wonder what might happen if a great artist--were to devote a lifetime to capturing the spirit of God in his work." But the author's own remarks show little sympathy for the character he has created. Athol's opinion is that the one who really appreciates an awesome sight the most will not attempt to re-create it at all, but simply be willing to be 'taken in' by it. To attempt to re-create it is 'prideful and cowardly' (eg.Ridler). The author's disdain for his own main character is perhaps why the story fails to draw the reader in wholeheartedly. Biblically speaking, what should be a person's response to beholding the glory of God? This question is left oddly unaddressed and we are left wondering what the humbled Ridler will now commence to paint...
March 12, 2017
After making it to chapter four, I had what one could call a realization: torch the book. I was quite excited when I found this book in my bookstore on sale a while back, having loved a previous work by Athol Dickson. This one, however, is more filled with evil than insight.
The writing was actually not too enjoyable, being vague, spontaneous, and wild. It feels as though it was trying to be more deep than it actually is. Sin here was plastered on the pages, filled with vulgarity, crudeness, and lack of thoughtful depth. I needed to pray after even reading the small portion I did of it. I believe we can show goodness and truth, without taking the reader down into the diseased pit of filth.
The only reason I kept trying to read this novel was for the grand reviews I'd seen here. People who called themselves Christians love this book; why, I don't really know.... As Christians, this book is not a genuine story; this is a mixed up aspect of spiritual thought. I believe the writer here thought traveling to horrible sin, other religions (think every religion other than Christianity), and the like would be a good way to show the truth that Jesus is the only way, but in fact, he only seemed to make fun of the truth. He didn't illustrate it, but battered it. It's shocking to me I can have so good of an outlook on one book by Dickson, and then have this disdain for this book; I have to wonder if this is the same guy. Jesus is the only way, and if you read the KJV, you can see all the truths this book didn't show you. This book is the exact 'opposite,' of the Bible.
As a follower of Christ Jesus, I read things that'll lift up His name, and please Him. This book, well...it wasn't it.
2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Jesus loves you!
~M.K.
†
The writing was actually not too enjoyable, being vague, spontaneous, and wild. It feels as though it was trying to be more deep than it actually is. Sin here was plastered on the pages, filled with vulgarity, crudeness, and lack of thoughtful depth. I needed to pray after even reading the small portion I did of it. I believe we can show goodness and truth, without taking the reader down into the diseased pit of filth.
The only reason I kept trying to read this novel was for the grand reviews I'd seen here. People who called themselves Christians love this book; why, I don't really know.... As Christians, this book is not a genuine story; this is a mixed up aspect of spiritual thought. I believe the writer here thought traveling to horrible sin, other religions (think every religion other than Christianity), and the like would be a good way to show the truth that Jesus is the only way, but in fact, he only seemed to make fun of the truth. He didn't illustrate it, but battered it. It's shocking to me I can have so good of an outlook on one book by Dickson, and then have this disdain for this book; I have to wonder if this is the same guy. Jesus is the only way, and if you read the KJV, you can see all the truths this book didn't show you. This book is the exact 'opposite,' of the Bible.
As a follower of Christ Jesus, I read things that'll lift up His name, and please Him. This book, well...it wasn't it.
2 Timothy 2:22 - Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Jesus loves you!
~M.K.
†
December 2, 2019
I’ve been in a season of fasting when I found this book. My recommendation is high because it has been a long time since I felt such deep satisfaction in a novel. It’s a wonderful book of man’s search for God and God’s relentless search for every person on earth.
August 14, 2017
This was good until the end, it left some loose ends and left me confused. All in all, I still found it very worthwhile reading.
April 21, 2020
I didn’t care for this as much as the rest of his books but it still held my attention and I liked the ending. It meandered at times but I would still recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2021
Gosh, what a book.
October 26, 2011
Athol Dickson in his new book, "The Opposite Of Art" published by Howard Books brings us into the life of Sheridan Ridler, a master painter.
Before Athol Dickson became a master storyteller he was a master architect. It takes great creativity, imagination and "smarts" to design a building that will fit within the specified acreage and have all the required components and still be spectacularly beautiful. Now that Mr. Dickson tells stories he utilizes all the skills he developed in building buildings to build stories for us.
Sheridan Ridler, master painter, was also a selfish drug-user until a hit-and-run plunged him into the Harlem River. For several minutes, Ridler's heart stopped beating. While he lay dead, he saw a beauty that for the next twenty-five years he'd wandered the globe trying to capture on canvas. His daughter, Gemma, who he did not know he had, when she heard he might still be alive, begins an active search for him. Gemma is not alone in her search. The man who thought he killed Ridler twenty-five years ago is also looking for him and this time he intends to make sure he succeeds.
When Athol Dickson tells a story he builds it like an architect, start with the foundation and then each floor goes up methodically after the previous floor has been built. When we finish an Athol Dickson novel we are left with a hugely satisfying sigh because we have enjoyed ourselves immensely. But "The Opposite Of Art" also has beautiful themes such as can a person change? What is the importance of a father to a daughter? and the wonder of family. "The Opposite Of Art" is an amazingly beautiful story of how God can take our hurts and turn the bad into things that are good. I liked this book and recommend this highly!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Before Athol Dickson became a master storyteller he was a master architect. It takes great creativity, imagination and "smarts" to design a building that will fit within the specified acreage and have all the required components and still be spectacularly beautiful. Now that Mr. Dickson tells stories he utilizes all the skills he developed in building buildings to build stories for us.
Sheridan Ridler, master painter, was also a selfish drug-user until a hit-and-run plunged him into the Harlem River. For several minutes, Ridler's heart stopped beating. While he lay dead, he saw a beauty that for the next twenty-five years he'd wandered the globe trying to capture on canvas. His daughter, Gemma, who he did not know he had, when she heard he might still be alive, begins an active search for him. Gemma is not alone in her search. The man who thought he killed Ridler twenty-five years ago is also looking for him and this time he intends to make sure he succeeds.
When Athol Dickson tells a story he builds it like an architect, start with the foundation and then each floor goes up methodically after the previous floor has been built. When we finish an Athol Dickson novel we are left with a hugely satisfying sigh because we have enjoyed ourselves immensely. But "The Opposite Of Art" also has beautiful themes such as can a person change? What is the importance of a father to a daughter? and the wonder of family. "The Opposite Of Art" is an amazingly beautiful story of how God can take our hurts and turn the bad into things that are good. I liked this book and recommend this highly!
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and business professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where it is available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station http://www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Glass Road Public Relations. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 25, 2012
Ok... first off, I'd have to say that I struggled with the idea of this book being a 'christian' book. Within the first few pages I found myself debating if I should keep reading. Obviously, I did. I committed to review it... so I continued. It certainly isn't your typical christain novel, but it does accurately portray a person in search of Someone greater than himself. It is true to real life... none of us get 'prettied up' before we are saved and many of us will delve into a myriad of things in search for the Truth. This is the story of one such person. That being said, it was pretty mild. No need for an 'R' rating, it just has more of a secular tone.
The christian issues aside... Athol Dickson did an incredible job of writing with such great detail that I had perfectly vivid images in my mind throughout most of the book. On occasion I felt as if the author has given a bit too much information, but when I reached the end of the scene, I was left with no doubt as to what he was trying to portray. His words were like that of a painter.
The characters are a very colorful cast. Ridler, the tormented painter... Suzanna, the girlfriend he left behind... Graves, the man who sold his paintings while robbing him blind... along with a host of others from many cultures who help to tell about Ridler's journey in search of the Glory.
The story is well written. It becomes very intense at times as you feel the torment and anguish of Ridler as he continues his quest for the Glory even though he isn't quite sure what the Glory is. The story will take you all over the world with action and adventure and gives you a strong sense of what the characters are feeling. It isn't a quick read. At times it seemed a bit much... but it kept me coming back until the end.
I enjoyed it. I think I'm going to try another Athol Dickson novel.
*Thank you, Glass Road Productions, for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to be a part of your review program! :)
The christian issues aside... Athol Dickson did an incredible job of writing with such great detail that I had perfectly vivid images in my mind throughout most of the book. On occasion I felt as if the author has given a bit too much information, but when I reached the end of the scene, I was left with no doubt as to what he was trying to portray. His words were like that of a painter.
The characters are a very colorful cast. Ridler, the tormented painter... Suzanna, the girlfriend he left behind... Graves, the man who sold his paintings while robbing him blind... along with a host of others from many cultures who help to tell about Ridler's journey in search of the Glory.
The story is well written. It becomes very intense at times as you feel the torment and anguish of Ridler as he continues his quest for the Glory even though he isn't quite sure what the Glory is. The story will take you all over the world with action and adventure and gives you a strong sense of what the characters are feeling. It isn't a quick read. At times it seemed a bit much... but it kept me coming back until the end.
I enjoyed it. I think I'm going to try another Athol Dickson novel.
*Thank you, Glass Road Productions, for providing me with a copy of this book and allowing me to be a part of your review program! :)
October 26, 2011
There are books that strive to hit a deeper chord, and it can be a difficult thing to achieve when you're struggling to convey in so many words the complexity of humans. Athol Dickson take on the task of showing the intricate way a man's mind works after losing love, and seeking faith.
A man who is supposedly been declared dead is still alive, but has disappeared in a search for faith. His lover from the past, and an old friend receive messages supposedly from him that lead them in a search for him. This book deals with deep topics from unrequited love, to exploring different faiths.
This book catches you from the beginning, but somewhere along the way it begins to drag. The story itself never becomes boring, but there is so much description, and pondering that you get lost in what exactly the author is trying to convey. The words are beautiful, but I felt the story kept disappearing under them. The circus scenes could have been much better had the descriptions been clearer.
As I said though the underlying story is great. This book, which is based in Christianity, features topics that are still considered taboo to mention. The man in the novel openly explores his faith, and we are exposed to the inner workings of someone who is completely trying to make sense of believing in something. This book doesn't hold back on what it is willing to share. There are a few scenes where the character openly reflects on his sexual escapades, and how much he enjoys the beauty of a woman's body. It's a very honest book for it's genre.
If you are someone who isn't looking to ponder beyond the book too much then this may not be the best read, but if you're looking to evaluate your own life, or a more complex love story then this might be your thing. I felt the book was good, but it left me hoping for more.
This book was provided by Glass Road Public Relations in exchange for a review.
A man who is supposedly been declared dead is still alive, but has disappeared in a search for faith. His lover from the past, and an old friend receive messages supposedly from him that lead them in a search for him. This book deals with deep topics from unrequited love, to exploring different faiths.
This book catches you from the beginning, but somewhere along the way it begins to drag. The story itself never becomes boring, but there is so much description, and pondering that you get lost in what exactly the author is trying to convey. The words are beautiful, but I felt the story kept disappearing under them. The circus scenes could have been much better had the descriptions been clearer.
As I said though the underlying story is great. This book, which is based in Christianity, features topics that are still considered taboo to mention. The man in the novel openly explores his faith, and we are exposed to the inner workings of someone who is completely trying to make sense of believing in something. This book doesn't hold back on what it is willing to share. There are a few scenes where the character openly reflects on his sexual escapades, and how much he enjoys the beauty of a woman's body. It's a very honest book for it's genre.
If you are someone who isn't looking to ponder beyond the book too much then this may not be the best read, but if you're looking to evaluate your own life, or a more complex love story then this might be your thing. I felt the book was good, but it left me hoping for more.
This book was provided by Glass Road Public Relations in exchange for a review.
October 22, 2011
Title: THE OPPOSITE OF ART
Author: Athol Dickson
Publisher: Howard Books
September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4165-8348-6
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary
Ridler loves one woman and one thing. The woman, Suzanna, is from Harlem, and knows she’s wrong being with Ridler, but she can’t stay away. Ridler loves painting and he is good at what he does. But he isn’t so good with money, so the man that shows his art is getting rich, robbing Ridler with every painting he sells.
It all falls apart when Suzanna decides she can’t live with herself anymore. She’s ashamed of her life when she’s with Ridler. So, she refuses to pose nude for him anymore. And then, she walks out. Ridler realizes what he’s lost the moment she leaves of course, so he goes after her. But, instead of finding her, he is hit by a hit and run driver, and presumed dead in the Harlem River.
Fifty years later, rumors begin to circulate that Ridler is still alive…and two people are hunting for him. One is the daughter he never knew existed. And the other is the man who wants him dead.
Althol Dickson writes like no one else. I wasn’t real sure what I’d think of this book, and opening the page to a scene with a stoned hero was kind of a slap in the face. But Mr. Dickson’s writing style is such that whether I liked Ridler or not, I HAD to keep reading. I was sucked into the story, and couldn’t put it down for anything.
Yes, there were a lot of things I didn’t like. Some things I found confusing. Other things disagreed with everything I believed. But Mr. Dickson had me firmly in the grips of this story and I read it start to finish in one day, neglecting my own work. (Don’t tell my husband or my agent.) If you have never read any books by Mr. Dickson, then you must read THE OPPOSITE OF ART or any of his other books. Discussion questions and an author question and answer are included at the end of the book. $15.99. 362 pages.
Author: Athol Dickson
Publisher: Howard Books
September 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4165-8348-6
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary
Ridler loves one woman and one thing. The woman, Suzanna, is from Harlem, and knows she’s wrong being with Ridler, but she can’t stay away. Ridler loves painting and he is good at what he does. But he isn’t so good with money, so the man that shows his art is getting rich, robbing Ridler with every painting he sells.
It all falls apart when Suzanna decides she can’t live with herself anymore. She’s ashamed of her life when she’s with Ridler. So, she refuses to pose nude for him anymore. And then, she walks out. Ridler realizes what he’s lost the moment she leaves of course, so he goes after her. But, instead of finding her, he is hit by a hit and run driver, and presumed dead in the Harlem River.
Fifty years later, rumors begin to circulate that Ridler is still alive…and two people are hunting for him. One is the daughter he never knew existed. And the other is the man who wants him dead.
Althol Dickson writes like no one else. I wasn’t real sure what I’d think of this book, and opening the page to a scene with a stoned hero was kind of a slap in the face. But Mr. Dickson’s writing style is such that whether I liked Ridler or not, I HAD to keep reading. I was sucked into the story, and couldn’t put it down for anything.
Yes, there were a lot of things I didn’t like. Some things I found confusing. Other things disagreed with everything I believed. But Mr. Dickson had me firmly in the grips of this story and I read it start to finish in one day, neglecting my own work. (Don’t tell my husband or my agent.) If you have never read any books by Mr. Dickson, then you must read THE OPPOSITE OF ART or any of his other books. Discussion questions and an author question and answer are included at the end of the book. $15.99. 362 pages.
October 25, 2011
The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson is a thought-provoking look at art, faith, and love. Sheridan Ridler is a great artist, and unfortunately, he knows it. He views the world as created for him and lives only for his art. When his girlfriend Suzanna walks out on him because he refuses to respect her faith, Ridler follows her into the night. During the chase, he is captivated by the image of a building in flames and begins to run to see the image better in order to capture it. But while Ridler chases Suzanna, someone else chases him, and as he crosses the bridge, his pursuer takes the opportunity to hit him with a car, knocking Ridler into the river below. When Ridler emerges from the water, he is desperate to regain the image of Glory he witnessed, and he begins a twenty-year quest chasing it around the globe. He travels from one holy place to another in hopes of capturing this Glory and making it his, but the harder he tries to grasp it, the more elusive it becomes. Finally after twenty-five years, word slips out to the world that Ridler is alive, and his daughter Gemma tries to track him down, but the man who murdered him desires for him to stay dead, so once again while Ridler chases his art, he is pursued. The novel is impossible to classify into genre; it is literary, suspenseful, and romantic. Dickson fills his novel with grotesque characters similar to Flannery O'Connor, and the story is written at times almost like a fairy tale. It feels like a story birthed in the oral tradition of storytelling with a sense of fantasy mixed with realism that makes it impossible to know whether it is true. But it feels true, because Dickson has captured such powerful and real emotions, like the tortured thoughts of a woman first meeting her father. This is a beautifully told story that will captivate readers' senses while making them consider the lesson Ridler finally learns as well.
October 29, 2011
First of all, what a great cover. If you cannot tell, it is the back of a canvas piece of artwork. I didn't pay much attention to it when I first got the book, but when I finally looked at it, I thought it was really clever!
In the book, Sheridan Ridler is a brilliant artist whose life is cut short too early, or at least that is what the world thinks. When Ridler is thrown into the Hudson River, everyone thinks that there is no way he could survive; but he does survive. He just disappears. Over twenty years pass while most of the world thinks he is dead, and he travels the earth searching. He searches for what he calls "the Glory," the image or experience he had when he falls off the bridge into the river. He is desperate to paint or recreate "the Glory," and while all of his attempts fall short of his memory--they never fail to move those who see them.
This is an interesting book. The prose is beautiful with clear and unique imagery. The story is intriguing, and the characters are well-developed. As a Christian who know the Truth, the story made me really think about certain things. For example, I believe the word "glory" can only be used to describe the Lord and His creation (which brings Him glory). I saw in Ridler the searching heart that all of us have. Some of us try to fill it with other things; some search their entire lives, trying other religions, occupations, just as Ridler did. Besides searching, there were other themes, of love, hope, and dying to self. I feel like the book could be confusing to "seekers" in that it never really directly points to Jesus. (I love the one and only scene that Jesus is mentioned though!) I think some of the surrealism could be confusing for someone who does not know the Bible (like Esperanza). Overall though, I would recommend this book to other Christians, but probably not new believers.
I received this book from Glass Roads Public Relations in exchange for my honest review.
In the book, Sheridan Ridler is a brilliant artist whose life is cut short too early, or at least that is what the world thinks. When Ridler is thrown into the Hudson River, everyone thinks that there is no way he could survive; but he does survive. He just disappears. Over twenty years pass while most of the world thinks he is dead, and he travels the earth searching. He searches for what he calls "the Glory," the image or experience he had when he falls off the bridge into the river. He is desperate to paint or recreate "the Glory," and while all of his attempts fall short of his memory--they never fail to move those who see them.
This is an interesting book. The prose is beautiful with clear and unique imagery. The story is intriguing, and the characters are well-developed. As a Christian who know the Truth, the story made me really think about certain things. For example, I believe the word "glory" can only be used to describe the Lord and His creation (which brings Him glory). I saw in Ridler the searching heart that all of us have. Some of us try to fill it with other things; some search their entire lives, trying other religions, occupations, just as Ridler did. Besides searching, there were other themes, of love, hope, and dying to self. I feel like the book could be confusing to "seekers" in that it never really directly points to Jesus. (I love the one and only scene that Jesus is mentioned though!) I think some of the surrealism could be confusing for someone who does not know the Bible (like Esperanza). Overall though, I would recommend this book to other Christians, but probably not new believers.
I received this book from Glass Roads Public Relations in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2011
The Opposite of Art
Anthol Dickson
Howard books
Artist Sheridan Ridler expresses himself in faceless art. In love with Suzanna, he is unable to verbalize how much she means to him. As a Christian she comes back to her relationship with Christ and realizes her relationship with “Danny” is unhealthy. He chases after her and ends up in Harlem. Attentive on his mission Danny doesn’t not see the car driven by his own agent Talbot, intentionally hit him and throw his lifeless body into the river.
Sheridan awakes after being unconscious on the bank of the river, after basically being dead, and see the Glory of God before him.
He never realizes he was hit by a car, let alone by Talbot. Pronounced dead by the world, Ridler paintings skyrocket in value.
Ridler having seen what he calls “Glory” seeks out on a pilgrimage to find Glory again and paint it. Over the years he ends up in a variety of countries, trying to find it within Buddhism, Islam and Judaism and Christianity. All in search of the Glory he saw that he cannot shake.
Excellent descriptions of different religions and how Sheridan was unable to find the Glory in them until he found the True God. It got a little dry for me at times, not as fast paced as I like. Artists will appreciate Sheridan and his internal struggles. Beautiful Ending.
I received a copy of this novel from Glass Road in exchange for an honest review
Anthol Dickson
Howard books
Artist Sheridan Ridler expresses himself in faceless art. In love with Suzanna, he is unable to verbalize how much she means to him. As a Christian she comes back to her relationship with Christ and realizes her relationship with “Danny” is unhealthy. He chases after her and ends up in Harlem. Attentive on his mission Danny doesn’t not see the car driven by his own agent Talbot, intentionally hit him and throw his lifeless body into the river.
Sheridan awakes after being unconscious on the bank of the river, after basically being dead, and see the Glory of God before him.
He never realizes he was hit by a car, let alone by Talbot. Pronounced dead by the world, Ridler paintings skyrocket in value.
Ridler having seen what he calls “Glory” seeks out on a pilgrimage to find Glory again and paint it. Over the years he ends up in a variety of countries, trying to find it within Buddhism, Islam and Judaism and Christianity. All in search of the Glory he saw that he cannot shake.
Excellent descriptions of different religions and how Sheridan was unable to find the Glory in them until he found the True God. It got a little dry for me at times, not as fast paced as I like. Artists will appreciate Sheridan and his internal struggles. Beautiful Ending.
I received a copy of this novel from Glass Road in exchange for an honest review
October 24, 2011
If Jack Kerouac had been a Christian, I believe he would have written a story like The Opposite of Art. Long before I became a Christian I was a big fan of Kerouac’s work, but he just does not suit my tastes any more. I liked being able to read a Christian novel that had some edge to it with writing that was reminiscent of Kerouac without certain themes common in Kerouac’s books.
I was very quickly impressed by Athol Dickson’s writing and the way he developed this story. There were some places in this story that felt a bit slow and rambling, but the story is complex and spans a long time, so I felt like it kept it from feeling rushed. I was fascinated by so much of the story and the place Ridler went and how he came to be where he was. The Opposite of Art is not like any other Christian novel that I have read, at least not that I can recall. I love seeing this type of Christian book because we see a different side of life not often seen in Christian fiction. Athol took some chances with this story and I applaud them because an author who challenges his or her readers is doing them a service. I’m not sure I would recommend this book to everyone, but certainly anyone who likes an edgy book that is bold, but still has a very profound Christian message will take a lot from this book.
I was very quickly impressed by Athol Dickson’s writing and the way he developed this story. There were some places in this story that felt a bit slow and rambling, but the story is complex and spans a long time, so I felt like it kept it from feeling rushed. I was fascinated by so much of the story and the place Ridler went and how he came to be where he was. The Opposite of Art is not like any other Christian novel that I have read, at least not that I can recall. I love seeing this type of Christian book because we see a different side of life not often seen in Christian fiction. Athol took some chances with this story and I applaud them because an author who challenges his or her readers is doing them a service. I’m not sure I would recommend this book to everyone, but certainly anyone who likes an edgy book that is bold, but still has a very profound Christian message will take a lot from this book.
November 5, 2011
I am astounded by this book. First, it really surprised me and made me really apprehensive. *Warning to readers* It has some inappropriate material in the beginning, but never re-occurs. Also, the main character, Sheridan Ridler, travels around the world, exploring religions from Buddhism to Judaism. This is not unlike Solomon's Biblical journey searching for something meaningful. He did many sinful things, indulged in many wrong acts, and found they were empty. Ridler eventually works his way to Christianity as well, the rest being shown meaningless. Thus, take these events with a grain of salt.
In the last few chapters, The Opposite of Art really goes deep. This is what made the book worthy reading to me. I wouldn't put it on a pedestal with Bunyan or C.S. Lewis, but it was good. I had to read it a few times before understanding even relatively well what it was saying.
The characters were well-developed. They were their own style, not reminiscing another author. The villain, especially, was quite unique. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
I consider this a book that may strengthen your faith, actually. Really.
This book was provided free by Glass Road Public Relations and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
In the last few chapters, The Opposite of Art really goes deep. This is what made the book worthy reading to me. I wouldn't put it on a pedestal with Bunyan or C.S. Lewis, but it was good. I had to read it a few times before understanding even relatively well what it was saying.
The characters were well-developed. They were their own style, not reminiscing another author. The villain, especially, was quite unique. You'll have to read the book to find out why.
I consider this a book that may strengthen your faith, actually. Really.
This book was provided free by Glass Road Public Relations and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2011
Wow, excellent! The story is creative and original, the writing is rich and intriguing and the characters were each complicated and real. From the first chapter, I was drawn in and committed. Most importantly, this book got me thinking, philosophizing and feeling my faith...what a truly amazing surprise from a book I only picked up because of the title! :-)
Ridler's great search, need to possess and missing the point all together has been written before, but the pieces of magic thrown in on the sly were like a trail of 'glory' for me. Faith is a powerful thing, a personal thing and there are people in the world (like myself) who try for half their lives to stuff their faith into other peoples religions in order to categorize their faith. Non-believers who have enormous faith, but don't believe in the context of religious dogma and therefore, feel lost in a society or world even, of religion.
The wine on Gemma's sleeve, the sand in her shoes from her painting daydreams. Esperanza and the whole circus...to me, these were magic...to others, these are from god. But, in truth, and in the book, the searching, the need to understand, the need to label, the need to proudly display that label...these are never as important as LOVE. Love is my religion and the magic that falls into our peripheral, are just road signs to love, and I have unshakable faith in that.
Ridler's great search, need to possess and missing the point all together has been written before, but the pieces of magic thrown in on the sly were like a trail of 'glory' for me. Faith is a powerful thing, a personal thing and there are people in the world (like myself) who try for half their lives to stuff their faith into other peoples religions in order to categorize their faith. Non-believers who have enormous faith, but don't believe in the context of religious dogma and therefore, feel lost in a society or world even, of religion.
The wine on Gemma's sleeve, the sand in her shoes from her painting daydreams. Esperanza and the whole circus...to me, these were magic...to others, these are from god. But, in truth, and in the book, the searching, the need to understand, the need to label, the need to proudly display that label...these are never as important as LOVE. Love is my religion and the magic that falls into our peripheral, are just road signs to love, and I have unshakable faith in that.
April 9, 2013
As I said before, this book was not what I expected. Coming from my mother, I knew it would be a Christian novel. As I glanced, for once, at another review, I would have to agree that it certainly doesn't read like a Christian book especially in the first chapter (if not a few of the chapters following). It hits its stride slowly...yeah, slowly.
I cannot say I was in love with this book, but I wanted to finish. I did want to know how it ended. That seems a compliment to any author that something about the book was compelling. Perhaps it is simply because I puzzle over the non-Christian mind works simply because it is not my perspective, and I do want to understand.
As a lover of art and all it evokes, something very beautiful does transpire within the cover of The Opposite of Art. Parts leave something to be desired. Parts certainly made me smile. Having been a traveler of the world, much of what was described as the protagonist's (if you could call him a protagonist, the wimp) issues and observations were familiar to me. Athol Dickson should be affirmed as being able to capture dialogue and natural-seeming human responses, emotions, and reactions despite a colourful array of characters.
Read it or don't. I don't think it is a life-changer by any means, but it was enough for me to say, "Huh."
I cannot say I was in love with this book, but I wanted to finish. I did want to know how it ended. That seems a compliment to any author that something about the book was compelling. Perhaps it is simply because I puzzle over the non-Christian mind works simply because it is not my perspective, and I do want to understand.
As a lover of art and all it evokes, something very beautiful does transpire within the cover of The Opposite of Art. Parts leave something to be desired. Parts certainly made me smile. Having been a traveler of the world, much of what was described as the protagonist's (if you could call him a protagonist, the wimp) issues and observations were familiar to me. Athol Dickson should be affirmed as being able to capture dialogue and natural-seeming human responses, emotions, and reactions despite a colourful array of characters.
Read it or don't. I don't think it is a life-changer by any means, but it was enough for me to say, "Huh."
January 11, 2013
Amazing! -- So I must say I was blown away by this novel. My first Athol Dickson. I really liked the descriptions, but then the cover wasn't much, so I didn't pick it up for forever. But I did. Yesterday, 12 hours ago. And haven't been able to put it down except to do a few life chores!
Now I am in no way, shape or form really one to say really literal things about books. Deep, me not so much. This book is not to be read lightly, just skimming through. You will want to read, ingest, reread each sentence, savoring it. Some of the descriptions, like the sky was being pregnant, bloody brilliant in my book!
Once I really got into the book, I enjoyed each chapter, viewing the world from a different person's eyes. Some good, some bad, all enjoyabled!
I was so outraged when Talbot Graves hits Ridler with his van and then gets greedy and wants all the paintings and Ridler's woman, Suzanna, on top of it. But be careful, what goes around comes around!
I am sad this book is over, way too quickly for me! Please, if you haven't read this book, get it. You won't be sorry!
I received a copy of this book from the First Reads program on Goodreads, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Now I am in no way, shape or form really one to say really literal things about books. Deep, me not so much. This book is not to be read lightly, just skimming through. You will want to read, ingest, reread each sentence, savoring it. Some of the descriptions, like the sky was being pregnant, bloody brilliant in my book!
Once I really got into the book, I enjoyed each chapter, viewing the world from a different person's eyes. Some good, some bad, all enjoyabled!
I was so outraged when Talbot Graves hits Ridler with his van and then gets greedy and wants all the paintings and Ridler's woman, Suzanna, on top of it. But be careful, what goes around comes around!
I am sad this book is over, way too quickly for me! Please, if you haven't read this book, get it. You won't be sorry!
I received a copy of this book from the First Reads program on Goodreads, in exchange for my honest opinion.
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June 29, 2015I'm always on the lookout for literary fiction with a Christian theme. To see the world through the eyes of a painter intrigued me. Dissatisfaction with his work and a quest for artistic perfection send the artist on an intense spiritual journey that ultimately brings him to "the poverty of self-awareness."
At once a spiritual travelogue and a sophisticated fable, the story line grounds us in the everyday (people have to eat), whisks us to exotic locations, and veers into magical realism. The literal circus of characters is highly entertaining and heartbreakingly poignant. Is that how God sees us?
Any spiritually-themed book worth its salt will employ the element of mystery. Dickson gives us layers of mystery, especially in his chilling portrait of a polite killer. The lovely language is only occasionally dense. Gems of realization sparkle that much clearer when the artist manages to unearth meaning in the forest of confusion that grows in his mind.
At once a spiritual travelogue and a sophisticated fable, the story line grounds us in the everyday (people have to eat), whisks us to exotic locations, and veers into magical realism. The literal circus of characters is highly entertaining and heartbreakingly poignant. Is that how God sees us?
Any spiritually-themed book worth its salt will employ the element of mystery. Dickson gives us layers of mystery, especially in his chilling portrait of a polite killer. The lovely language is only occasionally dense. Gems of realization sparkle that much clearer when the artist manages to unearth meaning in the forest of confusion that grows in his mind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews