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The Order of Dirt

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In a world sculpted from earth and clay, a strange "little brown man" named Hopeful awakens under the care of an enigmatic and imposing figure called Pa. In a bizarre, handcrafted realm populated by earthy beings, Hopeful quickly learns the rules and tensions of his peculiar new world. As Hopeful discovers his identity, he encounters a society on the brink of revolution, driven by discontent and the promise of freedom from their creator's dominion. Innocence, the firstborn and fiery leader, spearheads the uprising against Pa. What begins as an exploration of a vibrant miniature civilization soon descends into chaos, as Hopeful and his peers confront their limitations and the mysteries of the world beyond their walls.

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2025

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About the author

David J. Mitchell

2 books2 followers

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Basil Sparks.
Author 5 books39 followers
July 10, 2025
The Order of Dirt: Masterful

Everything about David Mitchell's The Order of Dirt: A Redemptive Allegory of Rebellion and Grace is compelling. His allegorical idea is born out of his own profession, giving such rich texture and beauty to his story.

His development of the various characters is filled with suspense—you simply don’t know until the final pages how it will turn out for them. There were numerous turning points in the story, each taking you in different directions until the final 100 pages, where it culminates in one big turning point. The end is magnificent.

The spiritual message in this allegory is poignant and revealing and in no way clichéd. So many thoughts raced through my mind. And, as in C.S. Lewis's Narnia, the book climaxes in ultimate victory. But let me not give too much away. You need to read it.

I loved the book, and, as an author, it has inspired me in my writing. David is a gifted writer. I look forward to what comes next. It was a privilege to read The Order of Dirt.
76 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2025
The Order of Dirt: A Redemptive Allegory of Rebellion and Grace" is an absolute masterwork that I believe could genuinely rival, and in some aspects even surpass, the enduring legacy of Pilgrim's Progress. As a lover of dioramas, from the opening pages, I was utterly captivated by the strange, tactile world sculpted from earth and clay.

What truly elevates this allegory is its remarkable character development. Unlike some allegorical works where figures can feel two-dimensional, the inhabitants of this handcrafted realm—Hopeful, Innocence, Prudence, Wisdom, and Justice—are incredibly personable, relatable, and likeable. Their struggles, their desires for freedom, and the simmering tensions felt deeply authentic, making their journey of rebellion and discovery profoundly engaging. This isn't just a story; it's an experience that resonates deeply, offering fresh insights into timeless themes of identity, dominion, and grace. A must-read!
Profile Image for Tajammul Kothari.
Author 3 books49 followers
July 20, 2025
The Order of Dirt is a delightful read with its well developed storyline and its marvelous setting. Written in a form of an Allegory, the story is laden with suspense and twists that makes the book an intriguing read.

The character development is spot on where the reader can easily relate to. The book is hard to put down as the pages keep on flying until it reaches a satisfying climax with a moral message put across.

Highly recommended read for fans of dioramas.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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