Review of Noah's Vintage Wine

[Hazel Arnaiz]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Noah's Vintage Wine" by Edward Patterson.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Was the universe made out of nothing? Why was the moon created, and how was it named? Did Noah's Ark include dinosaurs and unicorns? Who was the first to discover fermentation and develop the first alcoholic beverage? What exactly are the Canaanites, and how did they get such publicity? How did Israel get its name? Discover the amusing and unusual origin stories in this daring and unconventional retelling of the Book of Genesis.

Noah's Vintage Wine by Edward Patterson is a one-of-a-kind book about origins. It retells the biblical creation of the universe, humanity's ancestors, and its struggles. It is best to keep an open mind to appreciate and enjoy the fresh take on this retelling. Understanding the context requires prior knowledge of the conventional Genesis version. The chronology follows the biblical Genesis version. The book begins with the creation story and concludes with Joseph, the dreamer. Contemporary elements deftly incorporate into character portrayal, language, and world-building. Those familiar with the traditional Genesis story will find the modern references hilarious. It also helps sustain the interest of the readers. I eagerly anticipate the chapters to discover how the contemporary elements will add a new twist to the traditional characters and events. The anticipation for the clever and hilarious portrayal kept the story from dragging.

Another distinguishing feature of this work is the absence of scriptural passages. Instead, quotations appear after each chapter. The serious tone of the quotes contrasts with the hilarious storytelling. They provoke thought and summarize the messages. This approach addresses the concern of some readers about the doctrinal feel of scripture excerpts. Likewise, these quotations come from a diverse range of people. They represent expressions of faith that transcend ethnicity, gender, politics, race, and religion. These are my favorites, especially the one at the beginning.

I found nothing to dislike about this book. Deconstructing the traditional version through clever humor and contemporary elements draws attention to and revives interest in the Genesis story. It piques enough interest to revisit the conventional version. It caught enough attention to prompt me to conduct additional research on unfamiliar characters and events. Additionally, the contemporary elements show that the themes of the Genesis story are still relevant today. Humanity is confronting similar issues but in a different era. Concerns include the separation of nations, the treatment of women in society, deception and trickery, famine, marriage, and sexuality.

The author created a few illustrations for the book. They appear to favor the conventional interpretation of the story. I think cartoons will be more appropriate to match the tone and mood of the story. Also, the contrast will emphasize the seriousness of the quotations. It is not a disadvantage and has no bearing on enjoyment. It is a matter of personal preference.

The story spans several generations and traces humanity's ancestry. There are many names in it. To track their relationships, I propose including a family tree. Given the complex family structures, it will help keep track of the personalities, particularly those of the wives and sons.

The direct words and conversational language contribute to the story's steady flow and pace. There are several editing issues. The majority of sexual references are implied rather than explicit. The content is not offensive to any religious group. To appreciate this book, I recommend familiarizing yourself with the conventional Genesis version and keeping an open mind. It is appropriate for an adult audience seeking new insights into the Genesis story. Those who want to read about faith-based books but find direct scriptural excerpts overwhelming may want to try this. This work may appeal to those who enjoy retellings of classic stories. Look for faith-based books with scriptural passages elsewhere.

The book is notable for its unique take on a familiar story. It takes a bold approach that draws attention and piques interest. It intends to revisit rather than revise to gain new insights and explore the relevance of the traditional story to the present day. Because of these factors, the book deserves a perfect score. However, due to editing issues, I must deduct a star. As a result, I rate it four out of five.

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Noah's Vintage Wine
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[Ogechi Okonkwo]

This is an interesting and a fascinating review. I loved how you captured every aspect of the book. I did enjoy reading your review. This is an interesting one.

[Mhiz Vyi Vyan]

Noah’s ark story never gets old to me as I am eager to read different versions of it. From your review this book will do justice to my curiosity. Well done.

[Hazel Arnaiz]

This is an interesting and a fascinating review. I loved how you captured every aspect of the book. I did enjoy reading your review. This is an interesting one.

If you like something different, try this one. Thanks for dropping by.

[Hazel Arnaiz]

Noah’s ark story never gets old to me as I am eager to read different versions of it. From your review this book will do justice to my curiosity. Well done.

The version in this book might interest you. Thanks for the comment.