The Son of Laughter - by Frederick Buechner (Paperback)

About the Book

Now available in paperback, Buechner's critically acclaimed novel based on the Jacob narratives--a classic family saga. "Buechner has taken these familiar pieces and woven them together into a seamless coat of many colors. His impeccable artistry has created a piece of extended poetry that never loses sight of the characters or the story. . . . An extraordinary novel".--Christian Century.

Book Synopsis

"One of our most original storytellers" ( "USA Today" ) offers a fresh, literate, and dramatic tale based on the Jacob narratives--enduring biblical depictions of fathers, sons, and families.

From the Back Cover

Rich in family drama, passion, and human affinity, critically acclaimed author Frederick Buechner's contemporary retelling of this captivating and timeless biblical saga revitalizes the ancient story of Jacob, delighted our senses and modern sensibilities and gracing us with his exceptional eloquence and wit.

Review Quotes

"This is an extraordinary novel that demonstrates both the truth of fiction and Buechner's superb ability to offer it." - Christian Century
"A masterpiece." - National Catholic Reporter
"With profound intelligence, Buechner's novel does what the finest, most appealing literature does: It displays and illumines the seemingly unrelated mysteries of human character and ultimate ideas." - Annie Dillard in the Boston Globe
"The Bible's account of Jacob is a pungent seed found in a tomb. Frederick Buechner has planted it and the result is this beautiful swaying tree of a book." - James Merrill
"One of our most original storytellers." - USA Today