The Beautiful Madness of Martin Bonham: A Tale About Loving God

by Robert Hudson

Hilarious, Heart-Warming, Faith-Enlarging ...

“I don’t love God.” Little did Gen-Z seminarian Katie Westcott know that when she made that confession to English professor Martin Bonham one fine summer day it would throw the quiet campus of Cupperton University into an uproar. Nothing would be the same again.

Together, this unlikely pair of oddballs poses this What if students could major in “loving God”—not religion or theology, but in the daily challenge of loving the Creator with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength? Well, now they can … in the new and innovative Department of Theophily—the department of loving God.

Yet, strangely enough, not everyone is happy about the new department, and they will stop at nothing to see it shut down. …

Part sitcom, part inspiration, this thoughtful theological comedy is like a Venn diagram in which C. S. Lewis and P. G. Wodehouse intersect.

Genres: Fiction

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, how do we love God? What might it involve? What are the challenges we face? Those are some of the questions raised in this very enjoyable novel by Robert Hudson. Reviewing a book of fiction is challenging because I don't want to give away too much of the plot, and especially the ending. But while loving God is a key theme (the subtitle gives that much away), it's also about personal dynamics in an educational setting. That means personal rivalries that can get in the way of truly loving God and loving others.

I can tell you this much---the book is largely told through personal narrative of the primary character. That would be Martin Bonham, a middle-aged English professor at a fictional college, who is known for having created an annotated collection of works by 15th-century English mystics, as well as teaching a course on English mystics in the English Department. When one of his students, who is a seminarian, comes to him seeking counsel, a journey of discovery begins, which leads to the creation of a Department of Theophily (I'll let the reader figure out what that signifies), that draws on the resources of the college to teach courses that reflect on ways we love God. Now, this gets the attention of the curmudgeonly chair of the university's seminary, who doesn't think much of a department that lacks theological sophistication.

The result is hijinks and more as a rivalry develops, even as the department takes shape. As a seminary graduate, I might wince at the portrayal of the seminary and its chair, but it's all in good fun. Ultimately, there is a word here that is rather hopeful.

I truly enjoyed the book, largely because of the characters that Hudson has created. It is a reminder that we can all be a bit petty at times, especially when we become protective of our turf. However, we may have other issues and concerns that influence the way we respond.

I can't say much more without revealing too much of the plot, but if you enjoy reading novels that include theological discussions and faculty rivalries, then you will enjoy this book. I don't read a lot of fiction, but this one kept my attention throughout.

[Gregg Koskela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the perspective and thoughts but did not love the writing. Too contrived

[Kj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant and witty read! Had me smiling on almost every page.

[Jessie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Robert Hudson's poetry or nonfiction will find themselves drawn to this first foray into fiction--it has all the Robert Hudson you know and love in a new light. I'll explain.

The story of this novel is a cup of hot cocoa (ideally purchased from the fictional CupperTea Cafe!), you enjoy it best by sipping--not zipping. There are beautiful allusions throughout that remind you of the artful way Hudson narrates his nonfictive works--but each line is diligently crafted (the poet's hand at work) to provide a literary experience that is not unlike nursing your favorite warm beverage. Sip by sip, the story unfolds itself before you, and you cannot help but fall in love with the characters that Hudson creates, each a piece of his own heart. I am particularly drawn to Katie. She is a wildfire, a force to be reckoned with, complex, thoughtful, and unafraid to speak for herself.

If you, like me, went to a small, religious university in the Midwest, you will find your experience perfectly mirrored on the page. From the life-changing conversations over a cup of coffee to the hilarious hijinks that ensue regularly on such campuses, you'll be pleased to find yourself among the pages.

And then, there is the story. I won't spoil it for you, but this story has some teeth! As the end draws near, you'll find yourself moved. Moved by the question of loving God. Moved by powerful characters sharing the life-altering conversations you've doubtless had yourself as you've navigated the twists and turns of your own complex and beautiful life.

I am grateful to have this book on my shelf, and will weather the pages proudly in years to come. If you need a book for a friend (or yourself) this Christmas season, look no further!

[Peter Swanberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly don't remember the last time I had so much fun reading a book. My wife kept grinning at me as I chuckled out loud at the comical yet spiritually rich happenings of the characters at Cupperton University.

Here are some of the things I liked:
The characters are authentic and lovable. The main character is someone with whom I'd love to spend time. The antagonist is not just a one-sided difficult man; he grows throughout the book and provides some surprising and satisfying moments by the end.
The well-read protagonists introduce many great ideas and quotes through their conversations. These are some very smart people who enjoy the art of sharpening one another's thinking.
I am enjoying reading slowly through the Notes at the end, where the author gives attributions and suggestions for future readings.
There are, as I said, laugh out loud moments, but also Cheer Out Loud moments. One scene involves a prophetic confrontation between a black pastor and a congregation of extreme fundamentalists. What the pastor says to the teenagers in the church is a message for our times.
But not to worry! There is also some slapstick involving water balloons, corduroy pants catching on fire, and young vandals being caught in the act.
I sincerely hope Mr. Hudson writes a sequel. As in many great books, the characters have become like friends. I look forward to visiting Cupperton again and again.

[Vicki Holmsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking the labyrinth of a faith journey

The rivalry between two academics is humorous, occasionally painful in how it echoes what does happen in institutions of higher learning. English professor Martin Bonham is a charmer who is not afraid of honest self-evaluation as he bumps up against the head of the seminary in his Christian college. Bonham is challenged by a student with her profound question about loving God, and he sets out on a quest to look for answers. Feathers are ruffled, adventures happen in this engaging story. But this story carries profound insights about the nature of faith, and challenged me to consider these questions, too. Highly recommended.

[Mark VanderWerf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A “novel of ideas” that teases out the questions: What does it really mean to love God with all our mind? What if we could major in ‘loving God?’”

Quirky and light (and, a bit surprisingly, just a fun read), the book is set on a university and seminary campus with sparring academics — the charismatic Dr. Martin Bontham of the English department and the curmudgeonly Rev. Dr. Cornelius Dunwoody of the School of Theology — along with a smart young mentee, Katie Westcott. Through their many antics their understanding of loving God is enriched and stretched in wonderfully good ways.

A lighthearted novel that is gracious and wise.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book charmingly tells the story set on an imaginary college campus with all its typically academically predisposed quirky characters and organizational dynamics of the genesis of the new department of Theophily, loving God. Robert Hudson writes as his character full of similes and quotes from a multitude of diverse sources. I wondered mid way if the frustrations within the plot would be resolved successfully and yes, they were. I smiled at the ending and I hope that the tales of Martin Bonham, the main character and Theophily professor, will continue to embrace a sequel.

[Rona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely tall tale about a made-up little college, founded by Protestants in the middle of nowhere, America.
In this novel, the new department of Theophilly - an interdisciplinary department that teaches how to love God through the study of science, literature…is being thwarted by the Theology department. Surprise, surprise.

Each chapter is a standalone story about how to love God.

Very sweet. Very Christian.

[Benjamin Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a little like the academic satire of Kingsley Amis or David Lodge, but the story is also in the tradition of philosophical novels, like Johnson's Rasselas. The main character, however, is developed well beyond a mere philosophical mouthpiece. The narration is lively, and the atmosphere is cozy. It is rare for a book to be both deep and pleasant, but The Beautiful Madness of Martin Bonham is certainly both.

[Virginia Wieringa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fun and smart. The characters are charming and well drawn. The dilemmas that face them get resolved in hilarious ways. It has the feel of Ronald Dahl or Masterpiece Theatre, even Bertie and Jeeves at times. All the while, philosophical questions of God’s Love and loving God are pondered. It was a joyous book. It was an easy read, and I mean that in the best way possible.

[William Weld-Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, thoughtful, sometimes funny novel about theology, mystics, philosophy, ethics, and more. Tons of quotes/conversations about life, meaning, and more, in the midst of the politics of a small college dealing with the question of how one loves God. Fairly intellectual, not an "action" novel, but it does make one think, for sure.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A hilarious, delightful, and deeply profound parable about the tension between loving God and loving your unloveable "neighbor." Hudson's best book yet!

[Jocelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent . Thoughtful and really made me think. Also humorous

[Teresa Markoski]

Friends Book Club

[Beth Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bob Hudson has captured the inner mind of Christian College culture and church culture with humor, grace, and a sharp zing of critique. Loved it.

[Don Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beautiful Madness of Martin Bonham is a heartwarming tale about an English professor who is also a mystic, for whom the religious poetry of a 17th-century English poet provides the key to heavenly happiness. This is an "academic novel" in that it is set in a university and charts the inter-departmental rivalry of professors with an interest in religion, but different perspectives on it. Martin Bonham--whose last name appears to be a version of "Bonhomme" or "Good man"--has a student whose fervent belief is under pressure from a crisis of faith, and which is attributable to some of the intolerant attitudes some zealots have about other peoples, other cultures, and other religions. Martin Bonham's understanding of matters religious is direct and is capable of reaching children, as opposed to highly sophisticated or polarized adults. For those who spent too many years in grad school, there is an appendix at the end which will appeal to that subgroup's sense of humor!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the most creative novels, stylistically and thematically, that I’ve encountered in Christian fiction. To say it deeply moved me, made me laugh, cry and think, is an understatement. Since reading it I have not stopped recommending it to others.