Title: The Preservationist: A Novel
Author: David Maine
First published July 1, 2004
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312328481 (ISBN10: 0312328486)
Rating: 3.61
Overview
In David Maine’s riveting novel, The Preservationist, Noe is a man touched by God, determined to build an ark to save his family and the animals of the world from a great flood. But his family struggles to understand his vision and the impossible task ahead of them.
As they gather the animals and face the unrelenting rain, they grapple with their faith and their ability to survive. Told through the voices of Noe’s wife, sons, and daughters-in-law, this captivating debut offers a fresh perspective on an ancient Biblical tale, filled with tension, humanity, and unexpected moments of humor.
The Preservationist is an unforgettable journey of faith, family, and survival.
About the Author
I was born and raised in Connecticut, but I’ve also lived in other parts of the world for most of my adult life. I lived in Morocco from 1995 to 1998 and in Lahore, Pakistan from 1998 to 2008.
Since then, I’ve been teaching and residing in Honolulu. I started getting published in 2004 with The Preservationist, which retells the story of Noah from Genesis.
This was followed by Fallen, a reimagining of Eve/Adam and Abel/Cain’s stories. In 2006, my novel The Book of Samson was released.
All three books were published by St Martin’s Press in the US and Canongate in the UK.
In February 2008, my first non-Biblical story was published, generating a mix of responses. My next “literary fiction” novel will be titled and will be published in 2012 by Red Hen Press.
I have an eBook coming out in the summer of 2011 through my agent at Folio Literary Management, which will be available at all the usual places (Amazon, B&N, the Apple store, etc). The book is called and is an epic fantasy with sorcerers, talking animals, telepathic owls, drug-addicted cheetahs, and a threat to the entire known world.
It’s a new direction for my publishing career, but it’s actually a return to the type of books I loved reading growing up.
I appreciate all the responses I’ve received from readers and reviewers, even the negative ones. As a writer, I prefer negative responses to no response at all.
Thanks for your support! You can find more information about me, my life, my writing, and much more at davidmaine.blogspot.com. Add me as a friend on Facebook, too.
Cheers!
Editoral Review
David Maine’s The Preservationist is a historical novel that explores the biblical story of Noah’s Ark from a fresh perspective. Published on July 1, 2004, the novel is set in the Middle East during ancient times when the world was on the brink of a great flood.
The author is known for his ability to blend history and fiction to create unique takes on classic stories. Maine’s novel is a masterful work of historical fiction that delves deeply into the themes of faith, family, and the power of the human spirit.
The Preservationist follows the story of Noah, his wife, and his three sons as they prepare to build an ark to withstand the impending flood. The novel’s main protagonist is Noah, a righteous man who has been chosen by God to save humanity and all animal species by building an enormous boat to weather the coming flood.
The story is set against a backdrop of chaos and destruction, as people riot and rebel against Noah’s prophetic warnings. The author skillfully weaves together elements of the biblical account with his own imagination to create a compelling narrative.
The novel is told from the perspectives of several characters, allowing readers to gain insight into the complex dynamics within Noah’s family and the society around them. The setting is vividly portrayed, showcasing the harshness of ancient life as the characters grapple with the challenges of building an enormous vessel.
One of the strengths of The Preservationist is its vivid depiction of the struggles and challenges faced by Noah and his family as they undertake the seemingly impossible task of building the ark. Maine’s prose is rich and evocative, capturing the sensory details of the setting with great skill.
The characters are well-developed and exhibit realistic flaws and doubts, making them relatable and engaging. The novel also provides important cultural and historical context, shedding light on the significance of the biblical story and its relevance to contemporary issues.
It explores themes such as environmentalism, the importance of family, the nature of faith, and the struggle for survival in the face of adversity. The Preservationist’s exploration of these themes is timely and thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to the genre of historical fiction.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing slow at times, as the story is primarily character-driven and lacks the fast-paced action of some adventure novels.
Additionally, some might argue that the novel is overly reverential to the biblical account, lacking the critical distance that would allow for a more nuanced interpretation. Despite its limitations, The Preservationist is a beautifully written novel that offers a fresh and compelling take on a familiar story.
It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, biblical narratives or anyone seeking an engaging and thought-provoking book. Overall, I give it a rating of 4.5 out of 5, due to its expertly crafted prose, strong characterization, and themes that resonate with contemporary readers.
