Saturday, May 24, 2014

Review: The Prodigal Son by Kimberla Lawson Roby




The Prodigal Son is drama from the beginning. DRAMA!!!!! For those aware of Kimberla Lawson Roby's Reverend Curtis Black series, it comes as no surprise that this latest addition continues with the trend.

The Prodigal Son follows the lives of Matthew and Dillion. Both are connected only by the blood they share courtesy of their promiscuous father Rev. Black... and that's about all they share. Matthew seems like a genuinely nice guy who's between a rock and a hard place. He's torn between loyalty to his wife after his mother attempts to break up their "happy" home, and the people who raised him. Matthew hasn't spoken to his parents since Charlotte told DCFS that his wife, Racquel, was abusive towards their infant son causing a brief period where they were not even able to see their child outside of protective custody. Like I said... DRAMA!!!

Dillon on the other hand is Rev. Black's first born. He's also the only one of the Black's who was raised outside of the luxury afforded a mega-pastor. Dillon is bitter, vindictive, conniving, and explosive. I haven't come across a character I've detested more in a long time. The only problem I have with him (besides all the above mentioned flaws) is that I feel bad for him. He just wants his father's love and attention. After being ignored your whole life from someone who makes up 50% of your DNA, being a little crazy is the least of your worries.

On to the writing. This novel, The Prodigal Son is written simply. It's not the highest form of literature but honestly, I could care less how philosophical a book is so long as it grabs my attention. Roby grabbed my attention and never let go. It's a great beach read when you need your fill of craziness.

The Prodigal Son reminds me of the days of my youth. I was raised in my family's church, although small, it had it's drama. I am often reminded of how contradicting church folk can be. Roby cautions that no matter what church, the size of its congregation, or the "righteousness" of the saints, there is no human walking on Earth that is perfect. Certainly not any of the characters in this book. Characters who all seem to have an ulterior motive. 

In conclusion, although I haven't read any of the preceding novels in this series, I don't feel like I've missed much. She sets the stage well and recaps the previous novels in a way that makes me only want to move forward. Fans of the Rev. Curtis Black series will love this latest installment.   ****

Copy provided by Grand Central Publishing via Netgalley

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