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Tobit's Dog
Despite the ever-present oppression of the Jim Crow South around him, Tobit Messager had become a prosperous and well-respected man. Then one day forces beyond his control start a cascade of misfortune that leaves him blind and nearly destitute. It is then that an affable travelling musician, who calls himself Ace Redbone, shows up on his doorstep claiming to be a distant relative. In an effort to alleviate his family's dire situation, Tobit allows his son, Tobias, to accompany Ace Redbone on a quest to collect a long overdue debt. Together, Ace, Tobias, and a most peculiar dog named Okra set off on a journey that will lead to unexpected consequences. Currents of grace begin rippling through not only Tobit's family but his entire community as hidden crimes are revealed and justice, which had almost been despaired of, is served. This retelling of the biblical story of Tobit, set in North Carolina during the Depression, brings to life in surprising ways the beloved Old Testament characters, including the important but often overlooked family dog.
190 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 15, 2014
If you're familiar with the Book of Tobit, I think you'll find this book brings the story even closer to home. The Biblical book of Tobit is about an oppressed Jewish family living under Assyrian rule who chooses to follow God and finds that it brings down a whole lot of trouble on their heads, but their faithfulness to God is rewarded in the end. This fictional account is about an oppressed black Catholic family living in the Great Depression era south whose decision to follow God brings down a whole lot of trouble on their heads, but finds their faithfulness to God in the midst of their troubles is rewarded with greater blessings.
It avoids the two traps most often found when writing fiction that centers on black families living in the pre-Civil Rights era south: It is not a book that focuses on how evil whites are, and it is not a book that presents the black families as needing the protection or rescue of their white neighbors to get out of trouble. In fact, Tobit and his family are more often than not the ones rescuing both the blacks and whites around them.
I found the book very engaging and a fairly quick read, taking me just about 3 hours to read. Others might find it takes them longer, but I think it could easily be finished in two days for even the slowest reader.
It avoids the two traps most often found when writing fiction that centers on black families living in the pre-Civil Rights era south: It is not a book that focuses on how evil whites are, and it is not a book that presents the black families as needing the protection or rescue of their white neighbors to get out of trouble. In fact, Tobit and his family are more often than not the ones rescuing both the blacks and whites around them.
I found the book very engaging and a fairly quick read, taking me just about 3 hours to read. Others might find it takes them longer, but I think it could easily be finished in two days for even the slowest reader.
April 20, 2014
I have to start by saying that I don't understand why there isn't more buzz about this book.
Tobit’s Dog is a work of fiction. I had to remind myself of that several times because it reads like a true story. I was about half-way through the book before I began to realize that while the plot seems simple, there are many layers to the story. I will be reading it again soon to see what else is there for me to discover. It is an exquisitely written book.
Set in North Carolina after World War I, it is the fictional portrayal of the adventurous and sometimes mysterious works of God in the lives of his believers. I suspect that one day it will be considered a spiritual classic, and if you are a believer, you will find the events in this novel right up your alley.
And if you have your spiritual doubts, as I often do, I think you will still like this little work of art because it is beautifully written and because the dog in Tobit’s dog is so subtly portrayed and so fascinating.
I’m giving it 5 stars because I can’t imagine giving it anything less.
Tobit’s Dog is a work of fiction. I had to remind myself of that several times because it reads like a true story. I was about half-way through the book before I began to realize that while the plot seems simple, there are many layers to the story. I will be reading it again soon to see what else is there for me to discover. It is an exquisitely written book.
Set in North Carolina after World War I, it is the fictional portrayal of the adventurous and sometimes mysterious works of God in the lives of his believers. I suspect that one day it will be considered a spiritual classic, and if you are a believer, you will find the events in this novel right up your alley.
And if you have your spiritual doubts, as I often do, I think you will still like this little work of art because it is beautifully written and because the dog in Tobit’s dog is so subtly portrayed and so fascinating.
I’m giving it 5 stars because I can’t imagine giving it anything less.
August 12, 2016
The Old Testament book of Tobit, a book which is not included in most Protestant bibles but can be found in what is known as the Apocrypha, is a story which concerns a devout man named Tobit and his family, Israelites living in exile in Nineveh around 722 BC. Michael Nicholas Richard, author of Bogfoke and several short stories has recently published a novel with Ignatius Press entitled Tobit’s Dog. This adaptation recounts the biblical story of Tobit by placing it in a different, and perhaps more relatable context. While Richard carries the essential aspects of the biblical account in this new version, Tobit’s Dog is set in the framework of America’s south during the Depression and told from the vantage point of the American Negro before the civil rights movement. Comparatively, the exiled and oppressed family of the Old Testament is congruent with the plight of the ostracized and mistreated African-American family during heated racial tensions and injustices in America’s history. In contrast, the similarly ethnic Jewish people of the ancient Assyrian Empire are in this story characterized by racially diverse Catholic African-Americans. Racism becomes a predominant character of this novel.
From the very first pages, the tone of Tobit’s Dog is stretched to tightly strained levels of tension which transports the reader into the fearsome environment of pervasive evil. These tensions snap at various intervals throughout the story with more intensity than its biblical counterpart. Racism is a knife that cuts in both directions and the experiences of Tobit, his son Tobias, his neighbors and his kinfolk are augmented on each side of this dangerous tale by white people of both righteous and evil traits which are either out to help this family or set upon destroying them. As the story progresses several questions come to light:
• When you owe your life to someone you hate how does this affect your actions and attitudes toward them?
• Can sin be considered as the perpetual idea of seeing just how much we can get away with without consequences, and is goodness often limited by fear?
• When we “choose sides” in a deeply emotional and controversial struggle are we free from doubt and blinded to other options?
“Perceptions have a way of sneaking up so that people forget what is real is not always what is perceived,” writes Richard. In reading the biblical account of Tobit we recognize an ancient story told without the emotional attachment to the predicament of our spiritual ancestors. In Tobit’s Dog an emotional attachment is forged within the shame of racism in American history and the connection to our Catholic brothers and sisters despite our racial differences. Our perceptions lie somewhere within these two forms of attachment.
Most people experience a level of inner conflict between choosing what is right and what is wrong, but it is the dog in the modern story that has very little difficulty distinguishing between the two as is often the case with dogs. Okra, Tobit’s dog is the ever-present best friend that stays close to his people and assures their safety during their most difficult times. As the story winds down Richard ties up possible conflicts using tidy conclusions which may or may not have surfaced in the biblical counterpart. Flashbacks of struggles appear without prelude and tangential issues make their debut at the end of the story.
However, Richard often quotes directly from Scripture which lends strength to the retelling of this often-overlooked biblical story, and the smoothness with which he guides the reader into a dark era of history is brightened by the palpable presence of angels and the loyalty of man’s best friend.
To experience the essence of a biblical story come-to-life, order a copy of Tobit’s Dog at http://www.ignatius.com/Products/TOBD...
From the very first pages, the tone of Tobit’s Dog is stretched to tightly strained levels of tension which transports the reader into the fearsome environment of pervasive evil. These tensions snap at various intervals throughout the story with more intensity than its biblical counterpart. Racism is a knife that cuts in both directions and the experiences of Tobit, his son Tobias, his neighbors and his kinfolk are augmented on each side of this dangerous tale by white people of both righteous and evil traits which are either out to help this family or set upon destroying them. As the story progresses several questions come to light:
• When you owe your life to someone you hate how does this affect your actions and attitudes toward them?
• Can sin be considered as the perpetual idea of seeing just how much we can get away with without consequences, and is goodness often limited by fear?
• When we “choose sides” in a deeply emotional and controversial struggle are we free from doubt and blinded to other options?
“Perceptions have a way of sneaking up so that people forget what is real is not always what is perceived,” writes Richard. In reading the biblical account of Tobit we recognize an ancient story told without the emotional attachment to the predicament of our spiritual ancestors. In Tobit’s Dog an emotional attachment is forged within the shame of racism in American history and the connection to our Catholic brothers and sisters despite our racial differences. Our perceptions lie somewhere within these two forms of attachment.
Most people experience a level of inner conflict between choosing what is right and what is wrong, but it is the dog in the modern story that has very little difficulty distinguishing between the two as is often the case with dogs. Okra, Tobit’s dog is the ever-present best friend that stays close to his people and assures their safety during their most difficult times. As the story winds down Richard ties up possible conflicts using tidy conclusions which may or may not have surfaced in the biblical counterpart. Flashbacks of struggles appear without prelude and tangential issues make their debut at the end of the story.
However, Richard often quotes directly from Scripture which lends strength to the retelling of this often-overlooked biblical story, and the smoothness with which he guides the reader into a dark era of history is brightened by the palpable presence of angels and the loyalty of man’s best friend.
To experience the essence of a biblical story come-to-life, order a copy of Tobit’s Dog at http://www.ignatius.com/Products/TOBD...
April 9, 2014
A wonderful story! Couldn't put it down. Richard describes the pain of racism in the Jim Crow South beautifully. It's a great adventure that tests your heart and faith.
June 6, 2014
At the beginning of 2014, I decided to set the goal of 25 books to have completed by the end of the year. I say completed because I suffer from what my husband affectionately refers to as 'shiny ball syndrome.' In other words, I am easily distracted like a dog who is focused on something, only to catch a glimpse of a ball out of he corner of her eye and chase the ball, completely forgetting about the last object of interest. I love reading and keep track of my book collection and progress using Goodreads. Goodreads reminds me today that I am currently reading three books at the same time, down from four due to a late-night finish of a novel yesterday. It takes a REALLY good book to keep my interest and Tobit's Dog is that book.
Tobit Messager is a black man living in the U.S. south during the Great Depression. As if being poor and struggling to care for his family were not enough, he had to face the many horrors of persecution so common during that dark time in our history. Due to nothing other than the color of his skin, Tobit was treated like a pariah.As a Catholic, he was unable to attend Mass because of the great distance between churches in an area where Protestantism was commonplace. Though unable to be part of the larger Catholic community, Tobit kept the faith alive and never gave into despair. In the novel, he faces unbelievable hardships, yet he never succumbs. Always doing the right thing, even when doing wrong would be easier and less painful to him and his family, Tobit chooses a path of charity and honor. The dog? Okra is a mutt who was discarded along with his littermates. Like Tobit, he is always faithful and can be relied upon in the most dire of circumstances. The rest of the characters in the book are well fleshed-out. Some characters you fall in love with; others you can't help hoping that God will mete out His punishment - now.
This novel is a message of charity in the face of hatred; trusting in God's will despite being thrust into the the worst situations imaginable. This is not a light-hearted read, so if you are looking for a fluffy inspirational story, this book is not it. The horrors that people like Tobit faced are on full display in all of their ugliness. Violence within the storyline plays a vital role, and it is within those gut-wrenching moments that I found tears streaming down my cheeks. I was touched to the core by the strength and honor of the main characters in the book. Tobit never considers himself a victim, a trait that often appears to be non-existent today.
Delightfully written, Tobit's Dog is the rare book that left an indelible stamp on my heart. The descriptions of people, settings, and situations paint just enough in your mind. I felt like I was right there with the Messagers as they faced life, though the book is never heavily weighed down with unnecessary words. There are clear Catholic undertones throughout the book, yet never preachy, and is equally approachable for people of any background. My only suggestion (after you get your hands on this book!) is that if you don't remember much about the book of Tobit in Sacred Scripture, read it AFTER you read Tobit's Dog.
Tobit Messager is a black man living in the U.S. south during the Great Depression. As if being poor and struggling to care for his family were not enough, he had to face the many horrors of persecution so common during that dark time in our history. Due to nothing other than the color of his skin, Tobit was treated like a pariah.As a Catholic, he was unable to attend Mass because of the great distance between churches in an area where Protestantism was commonplace. Though unable to be part of the larger Catholic community, Tobit kept the faith alive and never gave into despair. In the novel, he faces unbelievable hardships, yet he never succumbs. Always doing the right thing, even when doing wrong would be easier and less painful to him and his family, Tobit chooses a path of charity and honor. The dog? Okra is a mutt who was discarded along with his littermates. Like Tobit, he is always faithful and can be relied upon in the most dire of circumstances. The rest of the characters in the book are well fleshed-out. Some characters you fall in love with; others you can't help hoping that God will mete out His punishment - now.
This novel is a message of charity in the face of hatred; trusting in God's will despite being thrust into the the worst situations imaginable. This is not a light-hearted read, so if you are looking for a fluffy inspirational story, this book is not it. The horrors that people like Tobit faced are on full display in all of their ugliness. Violence within the storyline plays a vital role, and it is within those gut-wrenching moments that I found tears streaming down my cheeks. I was touched to the core by the strength and honor of the main characters in the book. Tobit never considers himself a victim, a trait that often appears to be non-existent today.
Delightfully written, Tobit's Dog is the rare book that left an indelible stamp on my heart. The descriptions of people, settings, and situations paint just enough in your mind. I felt like I was right there with the Messagers as they faced life, though the book is never heavily weighed down with unnecessary words. There are clear Catholic undertones throughout the book, yet never preachy, and is equally approachable for people of any background. My only suggestion (after you get your hands on this book!) is that if you don't remember much about the book of Tobit in Sacred Scripture, read it AFTER you read Tobit's Dog.
June 2, 2014
Review of Tobit’s Dog
Jaye Procure
Tobit’s Dog, written by Michael Nicholas Richard, is a fascinating book. It is a re-telling of the Book of Tobit from the Old Testament. This time, the story of Tobit is set in the southern United States between the two World Wars.
The book deals deftly with difficult issues such as racism. At the same time, its well-developed characters illustrate human nature: good, bad and sometimes in-between. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, humor pops up from time-to-time and always seems natural to the characters involved.
The Book of Tobit is absent from many bibles. Its use as the basis of this novel identifies it as a “Catholic” novel. One of the story’s very compelling qualities is that when a Catholic teaching appears, it has no feeling of being superimposed; the Catholicism is integral to the story.
That said, I do feel that this book could have been edited a bit more carefully. There was more than one instance of a quotation mark left open. Chapter Eight had what appeared to me to be a word placement (“Almost he…”) error.
This book deals with some dark subject matter: racism, murder and rape, which might make it unsuitable reading for young teenagers. These topics are discussed in a manner that is unlikely to upset sensitive adult readers.
This is a book which might well raise awareness of the Book of Tobit in scripture. Even if it does not do that, it serves as an enjoyable piece of summer reading.
Disclaimer: This book was supplied to me for review by Ignatius Press
Jaye Procure
Tobit’s Dog, written by Michael Nicholas Richard, is a fascinating book. It is a re-telling of the Book of Tobit from the Old Testament. This time, the story of Tobit is set in the southern United States between the two World Wars.
The book deals deftly with difficult issues such as racism. At the same time, its well-developed characters illustrate human nature: good, bad and sometimes in-between. Despite the seriousness of the subject matter, humor pops up from time-to-time and always seems natural to the characters involved.
The Book of Tobit is absent from many bibles. Its use as the basis of this novel identifies it as a “Catholic” novel. One of the story’s very compelling qualities is that when a Catholic teaching appears, it has no feeling of being superimposed; the Catholicism is integral to the story.
That said, I do feel that this book could have been edited a bit more carefully. There was more than one instance of a quotation mark left open. Chapter Eight had what appeared to me to be a word placement (“Almost he…”) error.
This book deals with some dark subject matter: racism, murder and rape, which might make it unsuitable reading for young teenagers. These topics are discussed in a manner that is unlikely to upset sensitive adult readers.
This is a book which might well raise awareness of the Book of Tobit in scripture. Even if it does not do that, it serves as an enjoyable piece of summer reading.
Disclaimer: This book was supplied to me for review by Ignatius Press
October 24, 2014
A beautiful story that will expand your love for people because you will meet good people you'll love and people you will strive NOT to emulate because of their ugliness. But even they have stories that needed telling. Mostly, you will wish that these characters were real because you will want to sit on a porch and listen to them, listen to their wisdom, their jokes, their sorrows, their music. Read and share this book!
December 14, 2015
A lovely retelling of the book of Tobit, beautifully evocative of the American South during the depression era. My only quibble is with the cover art--although the chosen photograph beautifully suits the tone of the novel, Tobit's dog in the novel is nothing like a bloodhound! ;)
My recommendation: read the book of Tobit first, if you haven't (or if it has been awhile). It is quite short, and you will better appreciate the subtle and rich resonances that Richard orchestrates in his work.
My recommendation: read the book of Tobit first, if you haven't (or if it has been awhile). It is quite short, and you will better appreciate the subtle and rich resonances that Richard orchestrates in his work.
June 11, 2014
Book Review: Tobit's Dog by Michael Nicholas Richard
Although I am familiar with writers such as Flannery O'Connor, whose work is infused with and informed by her Catholicism, but is not overtly Catholic, I was only moderately aware of a growing genre of writing for Catholic audiences by Catholic writers that is more overtly Catholic. So, it has been an extremely happy opportunity to read and review Tobit's Dog by Michael Nicholas Richard for Ignatius Press.
Tobit's Dog parallels the biblical Book of Tobit, a book commonly excluded from non-Catholic Bibles as non-canonical. The Book of Tobit offers a parallel story of Sarah, a young woman whose fiancés each mysteriously die, labeling her a cursed woman, and Tobit's son Tobiah, who is sent to collect a debt owed to his father. Catholics consider the Book of Tobit a precursor to the wisdom books, and support for the Church's teachings of the purity of marriage and the intercession of angels (809).
Set in the Jim-Crow south, Tobit's Dog chronicles the Messager family's experiences through the patriarch Tobit and his sole son Tobias as they attempt to seek justice for a brutally murdered boy from their community. Okra, Tobit's rescued dog companion, accompanies both men as they do their parts in pursuing justice for Jamie. Police corruption, domestic violence, homophobia, and racism provide the backdrop, which allows faith, hope, and love to ultimately transcend and lead to a modicum of justice for Jamie, but also for Tobias, Tobit, the deputy sheriff Del, and the mechanic Crafty.
Things I Loved:
1. Layering the ugliness in with the beauty of this world: As Catholics, we know that the things of our earthly world are not ultimately worthwhile or lasting. We know that our earthly world is neither fair, nor kind. We know that justice often is skewed during our lifetimes. However, we also know that our God has given us beautiful, awe-inspiring moments in our lives. We know that the beautiful things are ways we can see God's presence. We also know that the ugliness is evidence of man's sinfulness, our choices to turn our back on Him. There are so many beautiful moments in this story and they are juxtaposed against a story of brutal degradation, and, like our real lives, these beautiful moments are invitations to see God's work in our lives not as a puppet-master, but as our loving Father providing a shoulder to lean on in the hard times. Although we work hard to make our world better, we also must acknowledge that our world will never be perfect, and Richard's novel gets at the heart of this paradox.
2. Unapologetically Catholic moments: Discussions of the outward signs of our faith abound in this novel. Holy water, incense, mass, Eucharist, burial of the dead, and angels are all integral components of the story. Emphasizing these outward signs is the understanding we Catholics have that we are imperfect in everything we do, but we persevere in our love for our God and, through Him, our love for our fellow man. What I think is wonderful about this element is that these concepts are not fully explained in this text; it is not a teaching text after all but a novel. However, if a non-Catholic reads this novel, he or she will become intrigued by the mention of these things, hopefully interested enough to ask questions and not rest in uninformed presumptions, to investigate further the beauty of our Catholic faith. And, Catholics who read this novel will be reminded of the beautiful elements of our faith that we too often take for granted.
3. Tobit's willingness to do the right thing: From the beginning, when Tobit rescues Okra and his siblings from drowning, Tobit exhibits strength of character that is inspiring. Tobit faces significant challenges--a crooked sheriff, blindness, persecution, and incarceration--and never opts for the easy way out. Tobit's prayers remind us that God is not a wish granter, but we can rely on God to walk with us in our troubles. This reminds me what I have always told my children: the right thing to do is often the most difficult thing to do, and that is how you know it is the right thing to do. Tobit's humanity shows through, too. He is a man of faith, but he is also a man. He wishes his blindness would go away; he wishes his son did not have to leave him; he wishes the white deputy sheriff had more backbone. He doesn't doubt God's presence or justice; more correctly, he questions other men's actions. Tobit's actions throughout the story are a constant reminder that "Thy will be done" even though he never once iterates that phrase.
4. Infusing of biblical narrative into contemporary fiction: One of my favorite subgenres is novels that take on the stories of Biblical characters, especially lesser-known characters, and fill in their backstories or provide new perspectives on the events in their story. Tobit's Dog reminds me of a class I took at CSUSM by Dr. Madeline Marshall (The Bible as Literature) for which I wrote a paper about the women "missing" in the narratives of the Bible. The women are mentioned, but we rarely hear directly from them, and I always want to know more about them. Although Tobit's Dog does not attempt to retell the Biblical story of Tobit, Tobias, and Sarah, it does use those characters and elements of the Biblical story to create a new narrative infused with the model of the Book of Tobit. Additionally, the nominal focus on Tobit’s dog (Okra) provides something for dog-loving America to connect with. This all combines to create an interesting, engaging original narrative.
One Thing I Liked Less:
Not enough of the title character: Okra is a wonderful character, but there is simply not enough of him in the story. Perhaps it is my recent rereading of The Art of Racing in the Rain and my familiarity with Marley and Me that have led me to expect more from a dog in a story. However, Okra is a great character, but his role is too limited. I would have loved to see more of Okra as an agent of action, especially given that he is the title character, but perhaps that would be imposing an element of “untruth” that Richard did not want to play with. True, there is an element of realism in Okra as he is, and there is a beautiful homage to Okra at the end when Tobias reminisces that Okra's eyes were always a reminder of his father's (Tobit's, but also God the heavenly father) presence. I can’t help but feel that developing Okra's presence in the novel more throughout the text would have reinforced and enriched a beautiful message.
Tobit’s Dog is a moving look at how a man’s faith sustains him. Tobit’s Dog reminds us that in an era of blatant racism, there are those who ignore the social customs and pursue decency in spite of the repercussions. Tobit’s Dog also shows that a just man’s involvement is justified in helping to see that a young boy’s cruelly motivated murder. Despite the sadness surrounding the story, there is an incredible light that emanates from the story, and this truly does imitate many of our own personal stories, making this novel a very good read.
Sources:
Richard, Michael Nicholas. Tobit's Dog. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2014. eBook.
Tobit. New American Bible. Revised Version. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ed. Harper Collins Publishers, 2012. eBook.
Although I am familiar with writers such as Flannery O'Connor, whose work is infused with and informed by her Catholicism, but is not overtly Catholic, I was only moderately aware of a growing genre of writing for Catholic audiences by Catholic writers that is more overtly Catholic. So, it has been an extremely happy opportunity to read and review Tobit's Dog by Michael Nicholas Richard for Ignatius Press.
Tobit's Dog parallels the biblical Book of Tobit, a book commonly excluded from non-Catholic Bibles as non-canonical. The Book of Tobit offers a parallel story of Sarah, a young woman whose fiancés each mysteriously die, labeling her a cursed woman, and Tobit's son Tobiah, who is sent to collect a debt owed to his father. Catholics consider the Book of Tobit a precursor to the wisdom books, and support for the Church's teachings of the purity of marriage and the intercession of angels (809).
Set in the Jim-Crow south, Tobit's Dog chronicles the Messager family's experiences through the patriarch Tobit and his sole son Tobias as they attempt to seek justice for a brutally murdered boy from their community. Okra, Tobit's rescued dog companion, accompanies both men as they do their parts in pursuing justice for Jamie. Police corruption, domestic violence, homophobia, and racism provide the backdrop, which allows faith, hope, and love to ultimately transcend and lead to a modicum of justice for Jamie, but also for Tobias, Tobit, the deputy sheriff Del, and the mechanic Crafty.
Things I Loved:
1. Layering the ugliness in with the beauty of this world: As Catholics, we know that the things of our earthly world are not ultimately worthwhile or lasting. We know that our earthly world is neither fair, nor kind. We know that justice often is skewed during our lifetimes. However, we also know that our God has given us beautiful, awe-inspiring moments in our lives. We know that the beautiful things are ways we can see God's presence. We also know that the ugliness is evidence of man's sinfulness, our choices to turn our back on Him. There are so many beautiful moments in this story and they are juxtaposed against a story of brutal degradation, and, like our real lives, these beautiful moments are invitations to see God's work in our lives not as a puppet-master, but as our loving Father providing a shoulder to lean on in the hard times. Although we work hard to make our world better, we also must acknowledge that our world will never be perfect, and Richard's novel gets at the heart of this paradox.
2. Unapologetically Catholic moments: Discussions of the outward signs of our faith abound in this novel. Holy water, incense, mass, Eucharist, burial of the dead, and angels are all integral components of the story. Emphasizing these outward signs is the understanding we Catholics have that we are imperfect in everything we do, but we persevere in our love for our God and, through Him, our love for our fellow man. What I think is wonderful about this element is that these concepts are not fully explained in this text; it is not a teaching text after all but a novel. However, if a non-Catholic reads this novel, he or she will become intrigued by the mention of these things, hopefully interested enough to ask questions and not rest in uninformed presumptions, to investigate further the beauty of our Catholic faith. And, Catholics who read this novel will be reminded of the beautiful elements of our faith that we too often take for granted.
3. Tobit's willingness to do the right thing: From the beginning, when Tobit rescues Okra and his siblings from drowning, Tobit exhibits strength of character that is inspiring. Tobit faces significant challenges--a crooked sheriff, blindness, persecution, and incarceration--and never opts for the easy way out. Tobit's prayers remind us that God is not a wish granter, but we can rely on God to walk with us in our troubles. This reminds me what I have always told my children: the right thing to do is often the most difficult thing to do, and that is how you know it is the right thing to do. Tobit's humanity shows through, too. He is a man of faith, but he is also a man. He wishes his blindness would go away; he wishes his son did not have to leave him; he wishes the white deputy sheriff had more backbone. He doesn't doubt God's presence or justice; more correctly, he questions other men's actions. Tobit's actions throughout the story are a constant reminder that "Thy will be done" even though he never once iterates that phrase.
4. Infusing of biblical narrative into contemporary fiction: One of my favorite subgenres is novels that take on the stories of Biblical characters, especially lesser-known characters, and fill in their backstories or provide new perspectives on the events in their story. Tobit's Dog reminds me of a class I took at CSUSM by Dr. Madeline Marshall (The Bible as Literature) for which I wrote a paper about the women "missing" in the narratives of the Bible. The women are mentioned, but we rarely hear directly from them, and I always want to know more about them. Although Tobit's Dog does not attempt to retell the Biblical story of Tobit, Tobias, and Sarah, it does use those characters and elements of the Biblical story to create a new narrative infused with the model of the Book of Tobit. Additionally, the nominal focus on Tobit’s dog (Okra) provides something for dog-loving America to connect with. This all combines to create an interesting, engaging original narrative.
One Thing I Liked Less:
Not enough of the title character: Okra is a wonderful character, but there is simply not enough of him in the story. Perhaps it is my recent rereading of The Art of Racing in the Rain and my familiarity with Marley and Me that have led me to expect more from a dog in a story. However, Okra is a great character, but his role is too limited. I would have loved to see more of Okra as an agent of action, especially given that he is the title character, but perhaps that would be imposing an element of “untruth” that Richard did not want to play with. True, there is an element of realism in Okra as he is, and there is a beautiful homage to Okra at the end when Tobias reminisces that Okra's eyes were always a reminder of his father's (Tobit's, but also God the heavenly father) presence. I can’t help but feel that developing Okra's presence in the novel more throughout the text would have reinforced and enriched a beautiful message.
Tobit’s Dog is a moving look at how a man’s faith sustains him. Tobit’s Dog reminds us that in an era of blatant racism, there are those who ignore the social customs and pursue decency in spite of the repercussions. Tobit’s Dog also shows that a just man’s involvement is justified in helping to see that a young boy’s cruelly motivated murder. Despite the sadness surrounding the story, there is an incredible light that emanates from the story, and this truly does imitate many of our own personal stories, making this novel a very good read.
Sources:
Richard, Michael Nicholas. Tobit's Dog. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2014. eBook.
Tobit. New American Bible. Revised Version. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Ed. Harper Collins Publishers, 2012. eBook.
August 27, 2016
Josh's Review -- without having read the Book of Tobit
This novel is set in the South during Depression-times. In this story, Tobit Messager is cast as black men of modest means and the story centers around his son Tobias’s quest to collect a debt from a distant relation. Tobias is accompanied by a long-lost cousin named Ace Redbone, who seems to have a knack for staying out of trouble in such a tumultuous setting.
Despite taking a painfully long time to get going, the establishment of the setting and the depth of the characters was very profound in this book. The author does an excellent job of telling this story in a way that feels very natural. The more providential and miraculous aspects of the story happen in very organic ways. Tobit is made to suffer in a way that a poor black family in the South might have suffered in North Carolina prior to World War II. Tobias and Ace decide to travel carefully due to the tension between the races at the time. Folk superstitions were used to evoke the original Bible narrative concerning Sarah’s tribulations. I was excited to see parts of the storyline weaving together and the Tobias/Sarah relationship was beautifully done.
My favorite part of the entire story was the interplay between Tobit’s dog, Okra, and his long-lost distant cousin Ace Redbone. There were several surprising moments where the author uses these two characters to pull back the veil to let you glimpse how God’s hand is at work. Ace Redbone was hands-down the most compelling character in the story for me. The way his affable charm and savvy navigated Tobias through his trek was inspirational, and it was done in a light handed and surprising way. Ultimately, what begins as a sad and depressing story for Tobit ends in a wonderfully crafted narrative of how God can bless through adversity and how one man’s life can ripple out to affect others. I became very invested in the characters by the end and was very relieved to see the words “Epilogue” near the end… which provided excellent closure and a few more of those wonderful illustrative moments showing God’s hand at work.
I can provide a small warning to the reader: give this story at least three chapters to get going. I found the opening of the book slow, and the initial character establishment somewhat difficult to get through. By chapter four, the threads of the story are beginning to mesh in an interesting way and it really becomes great after that point. The author sometimes repeats aspects of a characters mannerisms or personality in a way that becomes unnecessary after the midway point through the book.
That being said, I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book. I have found myself thinking about this story in the days since finishing the book, leaving me to ponder the ways that God may be testing me through adversity. It truly enlivened the Old Testament characters and made me excited to reread the Book of Tobit. I feel this story reinforced that there are really no coincidences, trials can also be blessings, and to never underestimate the power of God to bring good out of adversity. It is a powerful and true message.
Tasha’s Review
Before reading Tobit’s Dog, I read the Old Testament Book of Tobit; I wanted to be familiar with the story before reading the novel. I found Tobit’s Dog to be a wonderful retelling of the Book of Tobit. Because it’s a retelling, there are differences to some of the plot elements; these differences are minor and really help the story development in the novel. Variations aside, at its heart, this is a story about being true to your faith in God despite adversity.
Changing Tobit the Israelite living in exile in Nineveh to Tobit Messenger living in North Carolina during the Depression perfectly emphasizes that Tobit is an outsider living in an hostile land. A man of faith, Tobit always tries to do what’s right, even when he knows it will bring him trouble. And when he finds himself blinded, he still lives his faith in his actions and with his words. As we might expect, though, being blinded is a trial for Tobit, and he prays to God for release, to die instead of living in misery.
At the same time (and true to the Book of Tobit), Sarah is praying to God for the release of death to free her from her own difficult situation: her three fiancés have all died mysteriously and everyone considers her to be cursed.
Tobit is visited by a previously-unknown cousin, Ace Redbone. Ace brings news of an old acquaintance who owes Tobit money, and Ace convinces Tobit to send his son, Tobias, to collect the debt. So Ace and Tobias, accompanied by Tobit’s dog, Okra, embark on the journey.
Along the journey, Ace offers Tobias advice to help both Sarah and Tobit. Some elements of the story vary from the Book of Tobit, but the end results are the same: Sarah is freed of her curse, and Tobit’s eyes are healed. God has answered their prayers, not in the way they requested but according to His will.
I found the first chapter of Tobit’s Dog to be a little tedious as the characters and background are established. After that, the pace of the story picked up, and I was easily immersed. Best of all, I loved reading this novel and comparing the story elements to the Book of Tobit. Without giving too much away, I want to share my thoughts on three of my favorite elements of the novel. The story of the catfish was beautifully adapted to fit the novel’s setting without removing the essential plot development. The snippets about Ace Redbone were perfectly timed in the story to help us better understand him and the essential role he played. And true to the Book of Tobit, the plot lines intersect to show how God answers prayers by bringing together those who need help and those who can provide it.
I want to close by sharing my favorite quote from the book. I feel like this sums up the story perfectly, and it really resonates with me as I continue to heal emotionally after my miscarriage a year and a half ago. Ace Redbone says: “For whatever reason, be it the work of evil or pure chance, misfortune comes, but even with such misfortune God will knit something from which we might learn and be blessed. Of that you can be sure.”
This novel is set in the South during Depression-times. In this story, Tobit Messager is cast as black men of modest means and the story centers around his son Tobias’s quest to collect a debt from a distant relation. Tobias is accompanied by a long-lost cousin named Ace Redbone, who seems to have a knack for staying out of trouble in such a tumultuous setting.
Despite taking a painfully long time to get going, the establishment of the setting and the depth of the characters was very profound in this book. The author does an excellent job of telling this story in a way that feels very natural. The more providential and miraculous aspects of the story happen in very organic ways. Tobit is made to suffer in a way that a poor black family in the South might have suffered in North Carolina prior to World War II. Tobias and Ace decide to travel carefully due to the tension between the races at the time. Folk superstitions were used to evoke the original Bible narrative concerning Sarah’s tribulations. I was excited to see parts of the storyline weaving together and the Tobias/Sarah relationship was beautifully done.
My favorite part of the entire story was the interplay between Tobit’s dog, Okra, and his long-lost distant cousin Ace Redbone. There were several surprising moments where the author uses these two characters to pull back the veil to let you glimpse how God’s hand is at work. Ace Redbone was hands-down the most compelling character in the story for me. The way his affable charm and savvy navigated Tobias through his trek was inspirational, and it was done in a light handed and surprising way. Ultimately, what begins as a sad and depressing story for Tobit ends in a wonderfully crafted narrative of how God can bless through adversity and how one man’s life can ripple out to affect others. I became very invested in the characters by the end and was very relieved to see the words “Epilogue” near the end… which provided excellent closure and a few more of those wonderful illustrative moments showing God’s hand at work.
I can provide a small warning to the reader: give this story at least three chapters to get going. I found the opening of the book slow, and the initial character establishment somewhat difficult to get through. By chapter four, the threads of the story are beginning to mesh in an interesting way and it really becomes great after that point. The author sometimes repeats aspects of a characters mannerisms or personality in a way that becomes unnecessary after the midway point through the book.
That being said, I can honestly say that I enjoyed this book. I have found myself thinking about this story in the days since finishing the book, leaving me to ponder the ways that God may be testing me through adversity. It truly enlivened the Old Testament characters and made me excited to reread the Book of Tobit. I feel this story reinforced that there are really no coincidences, trials can also be blessings, and to never underestimate the power of God to bring good out of adversity. It is a powerful and true message.
Tasha’s Review
Before reading Tobit’s Dog, I read the Old Testament Book of Tobit; I wanted to be familiar with the story before reading the novel. I found Tobit’s Dog to be a wonderful retelling of the Book of Tobit. Because it’s a retelling, there are differences to some of the plot elements; these differences are minor and really help the story development in the novel. Variations aside, at its heart, this is a story about being true to your faith in God despite adversity.
Changing Tobit the Israelite living in exile in Nineveh to Tobit Messenger living in North Carolina during the Depression perfectly emphasizes that Tobit is an outsider living in an hostile land. A man of faith, Tobit always tries to do what’s right, even when he knows it will bring him trouble. And when he finds himself blinded, he still lives his faith in his actions and with his words. As we might expect, though, being blinded is a trial for Tobit, and he prays to God for release, to die instead of living in misery.
At the same time (and true to the Book of Tobit), Sarah is praying to God for the release of death to free her from her own difficult situation: her three fiancés have all died mysteriously and everyone considers her to be cursed.
Tobit is visited by a previously-unknown cousin, Ace Redbone. Ace brings news of an old acquaintance who owes Tobit money, and Ace convinces Tobit to send his son, Tobias, to collect the debt. So Ace and Tobias, accompanied by Tobit’s dog, Okra, embark on the journey.
Along the journey, Ace offers Tobias advice to help both Sarah and Tobit. Some elements of the story vary from the Book of Tobit, but the end results are the same: Sarah is freed of her curse, and Tobit’s eyes are healed. God has answered their prayers, not in the way they requested but according to His will.
I found the first chapter of Tobit’s Dog to be a little tedious as the characters and background are established. After that, the pace of the story picked up, and I was easily immersed. Best of all, I loved reading this novel and comparing the story elements to the Book of Tobit. Without giving too much away, I want to share my thoughts on three of my favorite elements of the novel. The story of the catfish was beautifully adapted to fit the novel’s setting without removing the essential plot development. The snippets about Ace Redbone were perfectly timed in the story to help us better understand him and the essential role he played. And true to the Book of Tobit, the plot lines intersect to show how God answers prayers by bringing together those who need help and those who can provide it.
I want to close by sharing my favorite quote from the book. I feel like this sums up the story perfectly, and it really resonates with me as I continue to heal emotionally after my miscarriage a year and a half ago. Ace Redbone says: “For whatever reason, be it the work of evil or pure chance, misfortune comes, but even with such misfortune God will knit something from which we might learn and be blessed. Of that you can be sure.”
April 21, 2021
Tobit' Dog is a retelling of the Old Testament bible story of Tobit. This story is set in North Carolina during the depression. Tobit Messanger, a well respected black Catholic man, lives with his wife Anne and son, Tobias. A series of misfortunes happen upon Tobit including the losing of his sight. An unexpected visitor claiming to be a distant relative, Alex Redbone, stops in and Tobit allows his son, Tobias and dog, Okra to travel with him to collect a debt long overdue. During this travel interesting people are met, hidden crimes are revealed, justice served and Tobias meets a woman of whom he falls in love with.
Beautiful story that rights all wrong bestowed on those who trust and wait on the Lord. Reminder again, for me, how everything turns out just as it should for those who love, trust and honor our Lord.
Beautiful story that rights all wrong bestowed on those who trust and wait on the Lord. Reminder again, for me, how everything turns out just as it should for those who love, trust and honor our Lord.
August 23, 2025
When I first started to read this book, I was upset on how the black community was treated in the deep south. Even though I spent five years in South Carolina, I am not oblivious to their plights, however, my feelings led me to pick up my Bible and actually read The Book of Tobit to bet a better understanding of what mirrored this story. I was glad that I did this. I understood the battles both Tobit's had in front of them and their future days and families which kept me intrigued until the very end. Even though I finished the book, I am still trying to figure the relationship of the dog "Okra" had to do with the main characters, but I guess I just might read this book again and gain a better insight to the relationship between Tobit, Tobias and Okra.
December 1, 2017
Having read the Biblical book of Tobit, I could not imagine how it could be set in the Depression-era southern U.S., but I'm certainly glad Michael Richard could! Discovering how the events and people came alive in his novel was a delight. I was totally engrossed in his storytelling.
I truly cared about the characters in the novel. They were all complex "real people", not simplistic cut-outs. The events were believable--very important in historical fiction--even with an angel involved!
And my next dog shall be named Okra. ;)
I truly cared about the characters in the novel. They were all complex "real people", not simplistic cut-outs. The events were believable--very important in historical fiction--even with an angel involved!
And my next dog shall be named Okra. ;)
October 10, 2019
3.5 stars. I hadn't read Tobit in a couple of years so some of the structure didn't make sense to me until I re-read Tobit after finishing this novel. I liked it but feel like it falls a little short. I get that it's for a Catholic audience, and while I can appreciate that, it sometimes feels more like a bludgeon in the hands of the author (the busload of religious sisters was my moment of this is too much). That said, I think the author did a good job with his reimagining of Tobit using Depression-era North Carolina and I enjoyed it.
November 26, 2024
Okay, so this book started out a little slow. I was kind of surprised it had such good reviews. Then it became a little disturbing - I still was not a huge fan. However, the last third or so of the book was total redemption and I am giving it 5 stars if for nothing else, for the feeling I came away with after finishing it. If you are having questions about this book in the beginning, stick it out - you won't regret it. Also, I followed somebody's advice to read the bible version -book of Tobit - after reading the book, and I am glad I waited.
February 22, 2022
The book of Tobit from the Bible brings unusual events that occur to Tobit, Tobias and Anna. This author did an amazing job of writing a story placed in the late 1930's in the south of the United States that mirrors the story of Tobit from the Bible. There were very heavy topics and situations that often were so hard to read. This book really affected me. I would recommend it very much.
July 11, 2023
Mr. Richard's gets four stars for writing a story about racism in North Carolina decades ago. It was an important account in that it included white characters who befriended Black farmers. While they couldn't negate the overall impact of Jim Crow, they made life for Black families a little more tolerable.
August 4, 2021
I loved this book from start to finish! The book of Tobit is one of my favorite books of the Bible (make sure you're familiar with it before you read this book so you can appreciate this book more) and this semi-modern retelling of it did such a great job of adapting and retelling the story.
August 11, 2021
This book will move even the most hardhearted person. One you just can't put down!
June 4, 2022
Beautiful!
November 5, 2022
Between 3 and 4. A fun and easy read while I’ve been home sick. The story is cleverly written and filled with uplifting relationship and acts of kindness.
November 24, 2023
A beautiful story.
December 30, 2023
I modern day story, based on the book of Tobit from the Old Testament. It illustrates the predjuice existing in the southern US in the early 1990's.
December 10, 2024
This book got better and deeper as it progressed!
March 11, 2026
Great story of the book of Tobit to more recent times. I truely enjoyed the story and the characters.
August 11, 2024
This is such a beautiful story. I loved this book. Short, sweet, and powerful.
October 1, 2023
Refreshing,hopeful and bright in spite of the times depicted in the story
Awesome
Awesome
June 19, 2014
Michael Nicolas Richard presents a creative retelling of the story of Tobit that brings this canine companion to the forefront and even gives him a mystical role in the action. Richard's love for dogs is apparent in the way he describes the thoughts and mannerisms of Okra, the dog Tobit rescued from being drowned as a puppy. Ignatius Press recently sent me a copy of this book to review.
The 1930s North Carolina setting seemed strange at first, but was more relevant once I looked back at scripture and recalled that the original Tobit was a civil servant during the Babylonian exile. The sharp racial divisions and prejudices of the Jim Crow South mimic the Israelites' struggle to flourish in a foreign land. Translating Tobit's charitable burying the dead into taking down the victim of an apparent lynching is a particularly powerful analogy.
I particularly enjoyed how Richard placed his Depression-era setting within its wider historical context, not a racist sheriff vacuum. The Philippine revolts, Spanish Civil War, and WWI all come up as formative past experiences for some characters. There is much discussion of immigration and the plight of Catholics in the Bible Belt. Young Tobias' mechanic skills and discussion of vehicles describe the material culture of an era where trucks and mule carts shared the road. Richard's narration avoids spelling out accents and dialect in a patronizing manner.
At its heart, the story of Tobit is about dealing with the difficulties of life and about good overcoming evil. That is evident not just in Tobit's family, but also in the lives of many supporting characters. Even the villains have graphic struggles with sin, weakness, and violence that flesh out the fable.
Tobit's Dog reminded me of other Southern odysseys, particularly O Brother Where Art Thou, Lilies of the Field, and Walker Percy's The Last Gentlemen. Its narration is mostly plot driven, though, and lacks the lush lyricism of Percy or Flannery O'Connor. The first chapters of background information tend to drag. It's not clear why Richard takes great pains to explain how Tobit's ancestors were Berbers, not enslaved Africans. Other than a family trait of "Egyptian eyes" this unique back story doesn't serve much purpose. Once the initial exposition is done though, the pace picks up and pulls the reader into the fate of Tobit and his family. This may not be the next great Southern Catholic novel, but it's an exciting adventure.
This book is written for a Catholic audience, with many references to Stuff Catholics Like: nuns, Lourdes water, the Eucharist, and even anti-abortion sentiment. It's unlikely that the story would appeal or relate to a non-Catholic reader as well. Of course, the book of Tobit only appears in Catholic bibles, so maybe the point is moot. If you are a Catholic looking for a suspenseful read that helps you look at an Old Testament story in a new light, Tobit's Dog could be a good addition to your summer reading list.
The 1930s North Carolina setting seemed strange at first, but was more relevant once I looked back at scripture and recalled that the original Tobit was a civil servant during the Babylonian exile. The sharp racial divisions and prejudices of the Jim Crow South mimic the Israelites' struggle to flourish in a foreign land. Translating Tobit's charitable burying the dead into taking down the victim of an apparent lynching is a particularly powerful analogy.
I particularly enjoyed how Richard placed his Depression-era setting within its wider historical context, not a racist sheriff vacuum. The Philippine revolts, Spanish Civil War, and WWI all come up as formative past experiences for some characters. There is much discussion of immigration and the plight of Catholics in the Bible Belt. Young Tobias' mechanic skills and discussion of vehicles describe the material culture of an era where trucks and mule carts shared the road. Richard's narration avoids spelling out accents and dialect in a patronizing manner.
At its heart, the story of Tobit is about dealing with the difficulties of life and about good overcoming evil. That is evident not just in Tobit's family, but also in the lives of many supporting characters. Even the villains have graphic struggles with sin, weakness, and violence that flesh out the fable.
Tobit's Dog reminded me of other Southern odysseys, particularly O Brother Where Art Thou, Lilies of the Field, and Walker Percy's The Last Gentlemen. Its narration is mostly plot driven, though, and lacks the lush lyricism of Percy or Flannery O'Connor. The first chapters of background information tend to drag. It's not clear why Richard takes great pains to explain how Tobit's ancestors were Berbers, not enslaved Africans. Other than a family trait of "Egyptian eyes" this unique back story doesn't serve much purpose. Once the initial exposition is done though, the pace picks up and pulls the reader into the fate of Tobit and his family. This may not be the next great Southern Catholic novel, but it's an exciting adventure.
This book is written for a Catholic audience, with many references to Stuff Catholics Like: nuns, Lourdes water, the Eucharist, and even anti-abortion sentiment. It's unlikely that the story would appeal or relate to a non-Catholic reader as well. Of course, the book of Tobit only appears in Catholic bibles, so maybe the point is moot. If you are a Catholic looking for a suspenseful read that helps you look at an Old Testament story in a new light, Tobit's Dog could be a good addition to your summer reading list.
July 24, 2021
I've always loved the story of Tobit in the Old Testament and the author did such an excellent retelling in his novel. He didn't leave out a single detail, including Tobit's blindness from bird poop.
Tobit is a righteous, beleaguered black man living in North Carolina during the depression. The archangel Raphael is an itinerant guitar player named Ace Redbone. The one character addition, Okra, the beloved dog, only serves to enhance the story.
I was definitely sorry to see the story end!
Tobit is a righteous, beleaguered black man living in North Carolina during the depression. The archangel Raphael is an itinerant guitar player named Ace Redbone. The one character addition, Okra, the beloved dog, only serves to enhance the story.
I was definitely sorry to see the story end!
September 22, 2016
Good story, especially when given the relation to the biblical story of Tobit. Just enforces that I do not know enough about the bible.
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