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Conflicting Pull of Our Inner Emotions
The Varieties of Religious Experience follows a crow trying to eat some Vienna sausages who gets his head stuck in the can and hits it on the concrete causing him to realize he has lived before. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As you can imagine, this one pretty much came from real life. I was sitting in traffic, waiting for the bridge to come down, and saw this crow masterfully opening an aluminum can. Seattle is pretty much ground zero for crow behavior research (U of Wa), so there’s a lot of interest in these birds. As always in fiction, you try to take a situation to its extreme. Who would be most shocked at discovering they were reincarnated? A Catholic priest. Couple that with the never-ending sexual abuse scandal and; Voila.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
No matter which paradigm you use; Old Testament, New Testament, Freud, Jung, and my current jag-Robert Sapolosky, on the neurobiology of behavior; The conflicting pull of our inner emotions (and demons) with our moral compass and our desire to “do the right thing.” The one thing I’ve learned over the years is that it is entirely possible for a human being to believe two entirely opposite things at the same time.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The persistence of deep inner faith is often coupled with ambivalence.
The irremediable power of shame, as opposed to “guilt.”
Does any notion of our after-death make any consistent sense?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Satan’s Vermeer. The devil has amassed one of the world’s greatest art collections. All the ‘whereabouts unknown’ are in his private museum. When news of an undiscovered Vermeer looted in WWII reaches him, he sends one of his minions, the reluctant soul of 15th-century artist, Pietro Tocca, to buy it before the Mossad reclaims it for the Jewish family that owned it before the war. Hilarity ensues…
If Varieties generates a fan base I’ll push it though.
Author Links: Amazon
The Varieties of Religious Experience
Stephen Tobias’ novel, The Varieties of Religious Experience, delves into profound existential questions such as the nature of life after death, the mechanics of karma, and the symbolic meanings of religions. This intriguing narrative is woven around two central characters: a crow gradually recalling its past life and a priest facing a tumultuous present. As the crow strives to navigate the moral landscape despite its inherent instincts, it ponders the similarities between human and animal souls, offering a unique perspective on identity and morality.
Tobias’ storytelling is nuanced and multifaceted, inviting readers to engage deeply with the text and draw personal insights. The interlinked stories are skillfully crafted, showcasing Tobias’ exceptional writing skills and his ability to use language effectively. His straightforward tone enhances the narrative’s complexity as it shifts between various viewpoints, maintaining suspense and reader engagement. The novel does approach some sensitive topics, notably the issue of sexual abuse within the church. Tobias skillfully balances the weight of the novel’s more challenging themes with his characteristic dark humor, making it a deeply engaging read. While some readers might find certain topics intense, the narrative is thoughtfully interspersed with lighter moments. These include fascinating insights into crow behavior and amusing interactions between various cultures and religions, adding layers of intrigue and enjoyment to the experience.
Stephen Tobias’ The Varieties of Religious Experience is a thought-provoking exploration of the intertwining of animal and human experiences, addressing profound questions about life, death, and morality. Its rich narrative, punctuated by moments of dark humor and poignant reflections, offers a unique reading experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. This novel is a compelling choice for readers seeking a deep and reflective journey into the realms of spirituality and ethics, wrapped in a story that is as engaging as it is enlightening.
Pages: 256 | ASIN : B0CBQL58TL
LITERARY TITAN 