The Bible Salesman
by Clyde Edgerton
Published by Little, Brown and Company (August 11 release)
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Reviewed by Andrea Sisco
Henry Dampier is a twenty-year old smart but naïve Southern boy. He ponders scripture, questions Biblical stories and he’s making his way in the world selling Bibles. The young Christian is flexible—meaning he’s not above scamming the system to make it work for him. Yes, he’s a flawed, self doubting, self centered Christian—much like most folks.
While hitchhiking, Henry meets Preston Clearwater, an attractive and worldly man who seems to have it all: a great car, plenty of money and a mysterious job.
Clearwater sees potential in the naïve Henry and offers him a job driving cars to designated locations where they will be repainted. Clearwater says he works undercover for the FBI, breaking up a car theft ring. Henry isn’t the least bit suspicious. He’s going to work hard and make a name for himself and perhaps the FBI will offer him a permanent job.
Henry’s job with Clearwater takes him ‘here and there’ and that provides Henry with the opportunity to romance Marleen Green (the girl at the fruit stand).
Alas, we learn that Clearwater is not an FBI agent, he’s a criminal. As Clearwater’s crimes become more serious you begin to worry about Henry. He could be killed, land in jail and/or lose Marleen. What will be Henry’s fate?
Edgerton deftly moves between the front and back story in The Bible Salesman. Learning Henry’s history makes the novel richer and more layered. The quirky, colorful family who make up the tattered patchwork quilt that is Henry’s life has religion, strong feelings about justifying behavior and they also have a neighbor, Mrs. Albright, who provides some comic relief.
The Bible Salesman is darker than Edgerton’s previous novels and I didn’t like it as much as Rainey or Walking Across Egypt, at first. Then I had my Ah ha moment. The plot may be darker, but Edgerton’s talent is in the subtle humor, his ability to pepper the book with quirky characters and situations that don’t diminish the seriousness but casually invite the reader to continue the journey as the story unfolds.
Edgerton is a master. I would read cereal boxes if he wrote them. His easygoing manner makes the reader want to pull up a chair and visit with his characters awhile. His prose is delicious. It paints word pictures that grab a hold of you and won’t let go.
Armchair Interviews says: The Bible Salesman is a must read.
Author’s Web site: http://www.ClydeEdgerton.com