What do you think?
Rate this book
Singer Trilogy #1
The Singer
Calvin Miller retells the story of Christ in this heartwarming allegorical poem.
152 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
About the author
Calvin Miller
182 books54 followersCalvin Miller has written over 40 books of popular theology and inspiration. A former pastor, he is professor of preaching and pastoral ministry at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Joyce, have two grown children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
November 28, 2017
Tremendously beautiful! 😊
April 25, 2013
I think the worst thing this book did to itself was compare its unique storytelling to JRR Tolkien & CS Lewis. It is not of the same caliber.
But the book does start off well; its description is the focus and the story is almost an afterthought. I loved it.
But then I got a few chapters in, and the lyrical tale wasn't as well written. I felt like the beginning was amazingly deep and poignant; but I felt like rest was rushed, and the story became more literal than figurative.
This is an allegorical retelling of the life of Jesus Christ; while I enjoyed the book, I think the less-than subtle tilt to a literal telling of Christ is actually what ruins it. To establish a vein of storytelling then change it makes this rendition aloof and itchy. Its almost too close a call to have incorrect information & events. It makes it seem like another testament; which detracts from the message.
If the figurative language of the first section was sustained throughout this piece, it would probably get those last stars from me.
But the book does start off well; its description is the focus and the story is almost an afterthought. I loved it.
But then I got a few chapters in, and the lyrical tale wasn't as well written. I felt like the beginning was amazingly deep and poignant; but I felt like rest was rushed, and the story became more literal than figurative.
This is an allegorical retelling of the life of Jesus Christ; while I enjoyed the book, I think the less-than subtle tilt to a literal telling of Christ is actually what ruins it. To establish a vein of storytelling then change it makes this rendition aloof and itchy. Its almost too close a call to have incorrect information & events. It makes it seem like another testament; which detracts from the message.
If the figurative language of the first section was sustained throughout this piece, it would probably get those last stars from me.
September 1, 2020
I liked this book more at the beginning than at the end. I really loved some parts, poetic as it is in places, and I was keen to see the development of the idea of the Song. However, there were three real issues for me:
• As an allegory, it ended up too similar to the story it was trying to retell. There’s little point in an allegory where what it entails is (almost) a direct substitution of one phrase for another in a very similar narrative. I would not have created an allegory of the Gospels were I to replace Jesus’ name with ‘Bob’ and refer to salvation as ‘getting your hair cut’, but left much of the rest as is.
• In other places, the allegory didn’t go far enough - it’s not really clear how the Singer’s death accomplishes what it is said to.
• I had some theological differences with it. The text is distinctly Arminian in tone, keen to focus on man’s effort for salvation and the Earthmaker’s inability to save those that don’t make enough of an effort. Also, it appears to obliterate the existence of the Holy Spirit as part of the Godhead.
An interesting idea with beautiful parts, but ultimately failing to carry the idea to a satisfying completion.
• As an allegory, it ended up too similar to the story it was trying to retell. There’s little point in an allegory where what it entails is (almost) a direct substitution of one phrase for another in a very similar narrative. I would not have created an allegory of the Gospels were I to replace Jesus’ name with ‘Bob’ and refer to salvation as ‘getting your hair cut’, but left much of the rest as is.
• In other places, the allegory didn’t go far enough - it’s not really clear how the Singer’s death accomplishes what it is said to.
• I had some theological differences with it. The text is distinctly Arminian in tone, keen to focus on man’s effort for salvation and the Earthmaker’s inability to save those that don’t make enough of an effort. Also, it appears to obliterate the existence of the Holy Spirit as part of the Godhead.
An interesting idea with beautiful parts, but ultimately failing to carry the idea to a satisfying completion.
Read
January 6, 2009I asked my husband for this book as a gift after I read a simple quote of Calvin Miller's in a book by Max Lucado. His writing is unique and poignant. When I saw the cover of this book and glanced through the poetic pages, I thought it would be one I had to force my way through. However, it is an amazing book, worth every second. I was in tears multiple times feeling and "watching" the Jesus of the Scripture and the God of universe and the Holy Spirit of God walk through the incomparable story of redemption. God's unmatched plan of sacrifice, salvation, and sanctification was breathed freshly upon me through the pages of this book. It is devotional, praise and reality mixed together in a truthful, Scriptural way. READ IT! This time between Christmas and Easter is a perfect time to enjoy it.
November 12, 2023
Your next favorite allegory of Jesus, similar to Hinds Feet on High places but mainly derived straight from the gospels.
April 13, 2025
3.5 stars
September 23, 2013
I first read this book more than 30 years ago, and just re-read it for the first time, with great enjoyment. In the intervening years, the late Calvin Miller became a dear friend as we worked on several books together. "The Singer" is an artful allegorical poem that does justice to the "larger story" which served as Calvin's inspiration through numerous late-night/early-morning writing sessions that gave birth to "The Singer." His is a voice in publishing and I truly miss.
May 15, 2015
Quick and enjoyable read but it lacks the subtleties of Lewis or Tolkien that made them so great.
December 30, 2023
It’s a beautiful allegory of the life of Christ, but at times feels like a retelling of the story but with all of the names changed. I would love to see this as a fully illustrated kids book, as it does a really great job of fully explaining the gospel without needing to understand the context of ancient Judaea. I love the songs metaphor 7.5/10
May 17, 2022
A fantastic allegorical poem! It was so simple in story, but the Gospel is simple! And beautiful! And even being a simple poem of heartfelt prose, it was so rich in theology, and painted a breathtaking picture of Christ’s love and the gift of life He offers the world.
January 10, 2024
A mythical and prosaic take on the story of Christ/Gospels of the New Testament. You have to accept that there is some license and that this isn't 1:1 - and that's OK! I really appreciated the story telling and pacing/formatting of it. There are lines that are so poignant I was moved to tears due to the illustrative ways the love and work of Christ is described or the brokenness of humanity and the healing power of forgiveness.
If you enjoy Narnia and the Space Trilogy of Lewis - or the cosmic struggle of good and evil in Tolkien...you will enjoy this. It's a very quick read but very rewarding.
If you enjoy Narnia and the Space Trilogy of Lewis - or the cosmic struggle of good and evil in Tolkien...you will enjoy this. It's a very quick read but very rewarding.
December 16, 2024
This was a fun read, but I wouldn't say the writing blew me away. I went into this blind, so it was a nice surprise to discover it was a retelling of Jesus Christ's life. It was a nice rekindle of faith; I recommend it if you want to read a Christian text. There were some lines I found exceptionally beautiful, but other than that, the writing was just nice. I liked the poem-to-story format; it is what made this book unique. It started at 2-3/5 stars but ended at a solid 3 stars. So, it's not bad at all it's pretty good. Plus it's a very light read so if you're looking for something short and sweet, read The Singer!
January 29, 2009
The first chapter of this book is the most compelling call to create, to create beautiful things, to not hold back one's creativity for fear of anything. It made me want to pull out my charcoals and find a model. It made me want to dance. It made me want to sing. The call is direct and powerful.
If the whole book was like this, I would have given it 5 stars. But as I continued, I felt that while creative and beautiful, the Christ-life allegory was almost too strong. I *LIKE* this retelling, this fresh (from nearly 40 years ago) perspective, coming at the story we all know in a different way. I like the poetry-that's-almost-but-not-quite-prose, especially since it is my opinion that the best of prose is almost-but-not-quite-poetry anyways. Honestly, a wonderful book. Short, easy to read, yet with depth not found in other "Christian Fiction", such as that tribulation series that was so popular in the late nineties and those romance novels that are all exactly the same and yeah I could go on.
I recommend the book even if you have trouble finding a copy (they had it at Powell's but I only saw one on the shelf), the second paragraph really was only a small caveat, as with the way this book started, I felt I had to explain why I couldn't give it 5 stars.
If the whole book was like this, I would have given it 5 stars. But as I continued, I felt that while creative and beautiful, the Christ-life allegory was almost too strong. I *LIKE* this retelling, this fresh (from nearly 40 years ago) perspective, coming at the story we all know in a different way. I like the poetry-that's-almost-but-not-quite-prose, especially since it is my opinion that the best of prose is almost-but-not-quite-poetry anyways. Honestly, a wonderful book. Short, easy to read, yet with depth not found in other "Christian Fiction", such as that tribulation series that was so popular in the late nineties and those romance novels that are all exactly the same and yeah I could go on.
I recommend the book even if you have trouble finding a copy (they had it at Powell's but I only saw one on the shelf), the second paragraph really was only a small caveat, as with the way this book started, I felt I had to explain why I couldn't give it 5 stars.
February 28, 2012
This excitingly poetic allegory of the life of Christ by Calvin Miller started out very beautiful, but didn't live up to its expectations. This is not because of its beautiful poetic language that Miller put on paper. My main disappointment was with the in-your-face nature of the allegory. Though it started subtle and engaging, it soon is no more than a quite literal retelling of important events in the life of Jesus, only with some of the elements replaced by more allegorical elements that are are actually more often than not too direct a reference. This makes the allegory at points crude instead of subtle.
Read this book for its poetic language and fresh look on Jesus's life, not for a subtle allegory on His life.
Read this book for its poetic language and fresh look on Jesus's life, not for a subtle allegory on His life.
May 14, 2020
SUCH a beautiful story and analogy.
“Two artists met one time within a little wood. Each brought his finest painting stroked by his complete uniqueness. When each revealed his canvas to the other — they were identical. So once in every solar system there are two fingerprints alike. But only once.”
“When God loses his beloved, habeas corpus is a weak and futile law. But Earthlings never seem to learn that it is futile to dredge the graveyards for messiahs. No matter how intently you may man the cables, the grappling hooks will always come up empty.”
“Two artists met one time within a little wood. Each brought his finest painting stroked by his complete uniqueness. When each revealed his canvas to the other — they were identical. So once in every solar system there are two fingerprints alike. But only once.”
“When God loses his beloved, habeas corpus is a weak and futile law. But Earthlings never seem to learn that it is futile to dredge the graveyards for messiahs. No matter how intently you may man the cables, the grappling hooks will always come up empty.”
April 29, 2013
It's poetic prose, an allegory of Christ. It is beautifully written. It reminded me a little of Tolkien's Silmarillian in the song of creation. I love the words Miller uses for God: Earthmaker and Father-Spirit. The song singer is called Troubadour. It's a short read. It moves fast and carries the reader along. If you are familiar with the New Testament, you will recognize the few characters in the story. If you aren't familiar with the New Testament, you are in for a great surprise!
April 29, 2012
I was expecting a creative allegory, but I was disappointed. The book didn't surprise me as I hoped it would. Most importantly, every move Miller made was painfully obvious; there was no subtlety or sense of mystery and wonder. Miller took the narrative in intriguing directions, but I guess I was just hoping to be more impressed. Maybe I was expecting Lewis.
June 12, 2016
Absolutely stunning allegorical retelling of the gospel story.
March 31, 2026
I'm giving this four stars because it was so wild, I need other people to read it.
This read like a forgotten prog rock album, the Gospel according to Yes, long lost in the shadow of Jesus Christ Superstar. I happen to like my media with a dose of psychedelia so ultimately this retelling of the life of Christ worked for me. It's in verse and Jesus dies tied to a giant gear? Groovy.
I'm going to speak more theologically than I have in my reviews of the other "Jesus Books" I've ready lately (I like to imagine I have followers who keep up with what I'm reading).
Here's what worked for this Gay Episcopalian Church Cantor. One, the idea that there's an ancient song of love fills the universe tickles at something in my soul in a satisfying way. There was an emphasis on God as love, which I find important. Finally, the idea that this Christ-figure came to close the "canyon of death" speaks to the idea that Christ came to obliterate hell and conquer death. All strong theological points, compelling enough that I'll keep reading the rest of this series.
Now, this retelling puts the central tension between the trappings of Orthodoxy and the Song of love the Singer (Jesus) sings. It's a criticism of the Church well-received. I often worry in my own parish that we get a little to caught up on the liturgy and the incense at the expense of actually helping the poor. However, the fact that this is published by InterVarsity, an Evangelical organization, really points to the hollowness of this Criticism. Simply leaving behind Orthodoxy/praxy doesn't make your church more loving, it just means you'll find new ways to be prejudiced.
This telling of the Gospel story also removes the action from ancient Roman Judea, and by extension removes it from the themes of occupation, resistance, and abusive power systems. Those are compelling pieces of world-building in a telling of the life of Jesus, and the story feels empty without them. It also points to another failing of Evangelicalism broadly. Without the messy earthiness of ancient Israel, this story becomes over focused only on the more cosmic side of the Christian story. It doesn't allow the gospel to speak to earthly, geo-political, or systemic matters.
This retelling was also absent of any of Jesus' parables. In some ways it was almost of the opposite of "The Goodman Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ," as it put the emphasis on Christ's miracles, his death, and his resurrection, and yet they both carry a criticism of organized religion that I'm simply not convinced is fleshed out enough.
This read like a forgotten prog rock album, the Gospel according to Yes, long lost in the shadow of Jesus Christ Superstar. I happen to like my media with a dose of psychedelia so ultimately this retelling of the life of Christ worked for me. It's in verse and Jesus dies tied to a giant gear? Groovy.
I'm going to speak more theologically than I have in my reviews of the other "Jesus Books" I've ready lately (I like to imagine I have followers who keep up with what I'm reading).
Here's what worked for this Gay Episcopalian Church Cantor. One, the idea that there's an ancient song of love fills the universe tickles at something in my soul in a satisfying way. There was an emphasis on God as love, which I find important. Finally, the idea that this Christ-figure came to close the "canyon of death" speaks to the idea that Christ came to obliterate hell and conquer death. All strong theological points, compelling enough that I'll keep reading the rest of this series.
Now, this retelling puts the central tension between the trappings of Orthodoxy and the Song of love the Singer (Jesus) sings. It's a criticism of the Church well-received. I often worry in my own parish that we get a little to caught up on the liturgy and the incense at the expense of actually helping the poor. However, the fact that this is published by InterVarsity, an Evangelical organization, really points to the hollowness of this Criticism. Simply leaving behind Orthodoxy/praxy doesn't make your church more loving, it just means you'll find new ways to be prejudiced.
This telling of the Gospel story also removes the action from ancient Roman Judea, and by extension removes it from the themes of occupation, resistance, and abusive power systems. Those are compelling pieces of world-building in a telling of the life of Jesus, and the story feels empty without them. It also points to another failing of Evangelicalism broadly. Without the messy earthiness of ancient Israel, this story becomes over focused only on the more cosmic side of the Christian story. It doesn't allow the gospel to speak to earthly, geo-political, or systemic matters.
This retelling was also absent of any of Jesus' parables. In some ways it was almost of the opposite of "The Goodman Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ," as it put the emphasis on Christ's miracles, his death, and his resurrection, and yet they both carry a criticism of organized religion that I'm simply not convinced is fleshed out enough.
December 28, 2017
3.5 stars.
This is an interesting allegorical story of the gospels, written in verse. Because it's in verse it's a rather quick read. It's also fairly condensed. "The Singer" represents Jesus, while God is occasionally called "Earthmaker" and the devil is "World Hater." Quite a bit is made of the rivalry between the Singer and World Hater.
I'd agree with reviewers who think this should not be marketed as being "in the tradition of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien." It may be allegory, but Lewis and Tolkien were not nearly this direct about their allegories (and even Tolkien would not have agreed that "allegory" was the word to describe his writing). Lewis was subtle, and didn't seem to go out of his way to "reveal" most of his allegorical elements. The Singer, on the other hand, is very direct. There are no characters that are not allegorical representations of someone in the gospels (or of groups or types of people). That means this is probably not going to appeal to someone who hasn't already read and enjoyed the gospels.
I'd consider this closer to a mash-up of Godspell and the Pilgrim's Progress. In a sense I felt like I was missing an important element of the story since so much is made of the Singer, and the Song, and instruments and melodies. Still, translating something that feels so musical to words is not easy, and while the story felt a bit uneven to me, it was a nice "epic poem" of sorts that put a different context to an ancient story.
This is an interesting allegorical story of the gospels, written in verse. Because it's in verse it's a rather quick read. It's also fairly condensed. "The Singer" represents Jesus, while God is occasionally called "Earthmaker" and the devil is "World Hater." Quite a bit is made of the rivalry between the Singer and World Hater.
I'd agree with reviewers who think this should not be marketed as being "in the tradition of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien." It may be allegory, but Lewis and Tolkien were not nearly this direct about their allegories (and even Tolkien would not have agreed that "allegory" was the word to describe his writing). Lewis was subtle, and didn't seem to go out of his way to "reveal" most of his allegorical elements. The Singer, on the other hand, is very direct. There are no characters that are not allegorical representations of someone in the gospels (or of groups or types of people). That means this is probably not going to appeal to someone who hasn't already read and enjoyed the gospels.
I'd consider this closer to a mash-up of Godspell and the Pilgrim's Progress. In a sense I felt like I was missing an important element of the story since so much is made of the Singer, and the Song, and instruments and melodies. Still, translating something that feels so musical to words is not easy, and while the story felt a bit uneven to me, it was a nice "epic poem" of sorts that put a different context to an ancient story.
February 22, 2020
The Singer is a beautiful allegorical almost operatic retelling of the Gospels set in a mystical science-fiction fantasy version of the world rendered in epic verse. It is absolutely beautiful with profoundly deep truths rendered in simple short verses such as these:
I'm glad to have this book and its sequels on my shelf and will definitely be immersing myself in this song again in the future.
She seemed to understand, and because
he loved her childish eyes so much
he made her ready for the future.
“Do you love me, child?” he asked.
“With all my heart,” she answered.
“And would you give me anything I
asked of you?” he said.
“Anything!” she answered.
“It may be hard to give me all I
ask. Not long ago, in the name of love,
I gave you legs. Yesterday
that very love demanded mine. But
the Song is all that matters. It
may be you will have to sing it
where the crowd will shout you
down and demand your legs or life.
But it would be far better to give
them both than to surrender up the
music in your soul. Some will
hate you for the song you love.
They will seek to stop your singing.
But no matter how they treat you,
remember that I suffered everything
before you. And it they should
brand you with a name across
your face…”
“It cannot stay, if heaven disagrees,”
she finished up his statement.
I'm glad to have this book and its sequels on my shelf and will definitely be immersing myself in this song again in the future.
May 22, 2020
This is my 2nd reading of Calvin Miller's classic re-telling of the Gospel narrative in poetic free form. It's been 30+ years since I last read it, so was refreshing to read through & see its creativity. There was nothing like this before Miller--in 1975--got the inspiration in the middle of the nights and started writing down what flowed through him. Miller wrote this while a pastor of a rather small church in Omaha, Nebraska; it exploded on the Christian publishing scene and Miller never looked back. I'm looking forward to reading the other 2 parts of what become The Singer Trilogy--The Song, and The Finale. I was inspired to read this after recently working through Miller's excellent memoir, Life is Mostly Edges. We've carried this paperback trilogy bookset around the world with us since 1987, as it has our old book stamp with my wife's childhood IL address in it. Amazing. Both that little tidbit--and the book itself.
March 6, 2024
I never fully settled into this book. The style was magnetic but detached, and every time I thought I had my feet under me, Miller pulled out the rug again.
But I kept reading, finished it, then aimed to go on with life. . . and somehow couldn't.
Little phrases kept popping up in my mind. Something else I would read or hear or think about would pull back a scene from The Singer. I found that the way Miller had laid out this story was digging deeper and deeper into my mind with each day that I tried not to think about it.
I still don't fully know what to think about it, but if an allegory's role is to convey truth in a new and unforgettable way, then Miller absolutely succeeded.
At the very least, give it a read. . . then wait and see what happens.
But I kept reading, finished it, then aimed to go on with life. . . and somehow couldn't.
Little phrases kept popping up in my mind. Something else I would read or hear or think about would pull back a scene from The Singer. I found that the way Miller had laid out this story was digging deeper and deeper into my mind with each day that I tried not to think about it.
I still don't fully know what to think about it, but if an allegory's role is to convey truth in a new and unforgettable way, then Miller absolutely succeeded.
At the very least, give it a read. . . then wait and see what happens.
October 6, 2018
Whimsical, poetic, and delightful retelling of an old, old story.
"And those who know the Ancient Star-
Song watch with singing for the
sign of footprints in the galaxies
through which the little planet
rides in routine cycles of despair.
But Joy seldom sleeps for long.
And someday in a lonely moment man-
kind will shake an unfamiliar hand
and find it wounded." p. 151
"'Some will hate you for the song you love.
They will seek to stop your singing.
But no matter how they treat you,
remember that I suffered everything
before you. And if they should
brand you with a name across
your face . . . '
'It cannot stay, if heaven disagrees.'" p. 143
"And those who know the Ancient Star-
Song watch with singing for the
sign of footprints in the galaxies
through which the little planet
rides in routine cycles of despair.
But Joy seldom sleeps for long.
And someday in a lonely moment man-
kind will shake an unfamiliar hand
and find it wounded." p. 151
"'Some will hate you for the song you love.
They will seek to stop your singing.
But no matter how they treat you,
remember that I suffered everything
before you. And if they should
brand you with a name across
your face . . . '
'It cannot stay, if heaven disagrees.'" p. 143
November 28, 2017
What a beautiful book.
What beautiful images.
This is an allegory or prose poem written about the life and death of Christ.
A very fitting Christmas present for me.
What beautiful images.
This is an allegory or prose poem written about the life and death of Christ.
A very fitting Christmas present for me.
August 30, 2022
It's hard to rate a book that seems to be a poem but I found myself with goosebumps a couple of times.
December 25, 2023
This book depicts the story of Jesus in a beautifully poetic and other worldly sense. Very well written
April 12, 2024
I read this so many years ago! Sooo good!
Read
July 9, 2026Allegory loses much of its power when it is so transparent. Like a gossamer garment, this narrative does almost nothing to cloak what lies beneath or create a new silhouette.
This feels like a partially realized concept, not a fully fleshed thing with legs of its own, let alone wings with which to soar.
Also, the approach results in muddied theological implications that are difficult to ignore.
This feels like a partially realized concept, not a fully fleshed thing with legs of its own, let alone wings with which to soar.
Also, the approach results in muddied theological implications that are difficult to ignore.
October 24, 2017
In the simple poetry of his thoughts, I find profundity.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews