Obedience


Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
330 Pages
Reviewed on 07/19/2016
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

Author Biography

V. G. Kilgore's father suggested she write a bible story about family, though the finished product wasn't exactly what he had in mind. She consulted biblical and rabbinical texts and people of different religions about Ark legends and teachings in writing a hopefully thought-provoking story.
A former reporter and state bureaucrat, she spends her days at the pool, on her laptop or on the road, and as far away from a desk as she can manage.
She lives in an empty nest in Kentucky with her husband and pit bull and claims four children and three grands.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Hilary Hawkes for Readers' Favorite

Obedience by V.G. Kilgore builds on the Old Testament story of Noah’s Ark. Each chapter begins with a sentence from the biblical story, and the chapters then unfold in the light of those words. Ham doubts his father Noah’s wisdom in building an ark, but he takes refuge on board when the rains begin, along with his brothers and their families. His wife Lita is his love and friend, and he had had to stand up to his father (who believed marriage was a mere arranged union where men are obeyed and women lead a subservient existence) in order to marry her. Livi, Ham’s daughter, seeks a better way and a happier relationship too, but Noah’s patriarchal authority causes nothing but fear, secrets, and rebellion. Will Noah’s vision of a better land and life after the flood really happen or will what he sees as disobedience to his rules and El (God) result in an irreversible family split?

V.G. Kilgore’s Obedience is a thought-provoking and well written biblically based story that ponders the reasons and motivations, the relationships, the hopes and fears of characters caught up in saving themselves from the flood. The story explores the need for and the consequences of patriarchal authority through Noah, and how his belief in his God causes his strict and unyielding treatment of his family. The reader is given insights into how life would have been in Old Testament times – the desire to obey family rules which, though seemingly unreasonable, were there in order to ensure survival and the continuation of the human race. However, we see how, without compassion, choice and individual freedom, people become resentful, frustrated and belittled, and how this then shapes their minds and their lives.

The author depicts vivid and very believable characters and the narrative moves from their many points of view. So the reader has insight into the thoughts and desires of each and the impact they have on one another. I got a real sense of how hard life was for the families and it is easy to identify with Livi and the others' desire for freedom i.e. a desire for more. Noah’s obedience to El/God results in the ark and the survival of animals and people. But I felt it also showed how unquestioned adherence to one man’s interpretation may cause too narrow a view of their Creator and end in unfair ruling of one type of people over another. An intricate story with a compelling message.

Katie Kaleski (Goodreads)

it was amazing

Such a wonderfully written story. The sentences are gems in themselves and the imagery is stellar. Such a unique story with a special perspective. Kudos Wow, the author of this story has such wonderful writing. She is definitely a wordsmith of the utmost quality. She evokes beautiful imagery and parts of the story are written very sensually. And the dialogue seems perfect for the time period the story takes place in.


K Borden


This is a lovely story that actually makes the tale of Noah's Ark seem like plausible historical fiction. There's much to recommend here: careful attention to historical detail; the dynamics of a somewhat dysfunctional family; forbidden love; rebellious children, and even a little steamy sex. Kilgore's writing is gorgeous, breathing new and vibrant life into a story we all thought we knew so well.

gracieprince

"Obedience" is such a wonderful read, with vivid descriptions that helped me to escape into the life and time of Noah and the building of the arc. And yet, it was so much more than Noah's tale! I was hooked with the romantic story lines, and found it very hard to put this book down, especially towards the end - very suspenseful the way everything comes to a close :) I would highly recommend this book to fans of Francine River's "A Voice in the Wind."

A.A.R.D

Beautiful Story!
Beautifully written!

Deborah H

The depth of character development and the richness of your scene illustrations have made a fascinating narrative of this story that I thought I knew well. The characters are real people with human emotions, flaws and desires. No good guys vs bad guys, just people seeking to serve their God based on the varied natures with which He created them. You have given me, and I suppose all readers, so much to think about. All of our history flows from this event. Totally overwhelmed and will be reviewing this in mind for some time, simultaneously looking forward with great expectation to your next work.

JeneanM

First, I like the Bible. Whether or not people believe it is the words of God is irrelevant. It has something for everyone---sin, sex and soul, love, forgiveness, and redemption. And I've often thought what a shame it is that we didn't get a Harvey with it, as in Paul Harvey's The Rest of the Story. What about the folks who didn't fare so well? (Did Lillith ever find a nice Jewish doctor to settle down with?) When I read the premise of Obedience, then, I was intrigued. So Ham got his wife pregnant on the Ark. At least they were married! Still, orders are orders. I especially like the way persevera handles the time frame without sounding stilted. She has a talent for keeping in the moment. This is a story that makes you want to keep reading.

Ice Winifredd

i liked how unique and original this story is. I happen to be a fan of this time period so it was nice to read a story taking place of Noah's Ark and how mankind was living afterwards...The mood was great, the flow amazing, the characters were so realistic, and the traditions I would say are on point and fascinating to read about. I think you did a lovely job with this one. I'm loving your writing style as well. Well done! I hope more people have chance to read this! It is truly a wonderful deed.

Spencer

V.G.'s writing leaves me wanting more! Her ability to write interpretations and retellings leaves me awestruck.