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Take the First Step
Dinner at God’s House follows a recently deceased man who is given the opportunity to have dinner with and talk to God. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the course of a conversation (twenty-five years ago), I mentioned that Fate must be God’s court jester. If God had this big, heavy job, maybe Fate created entertainment by putting people together who had no business being together (and then some). I wrote a terrible draft that was wholly fiction and included the idea that when we die, we get invited to a dinner where Fate shows us where he had intervened in our lives. My wife suggested I weave more personal experiences into the narrative. At that point, the story really took on a life of its own, including the conversation with God. I still didn’t have an ending I believed… until I finally did a year or so ago.
Erik explores the choices he made in life and where they led him. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Is everything an answer? And it’s not only in great fiction, either. The Hero’s Journey is in memoir, history, and and and. We don’t all accept the invitation to take it, but it’s certainly available. I suspect the most interesting thing is how much courage it actually takes to take the first step. I wish it were easier so more people would accept the challenge. Because I deeply believe that we could heal all the world’s ills if we were all bold enough to heal ourselves. If there’s no shame or hate or greed or or or in our own bodies, we have no need to put it on someone else.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore mental health and spirituality. Through my relationship with fate, faith, religion and God. What did God mean to Erik? To me? I wanted to explore the power of making peace with old wounds and hidden parts. I wanted to explore the courage it takes to heal. I wish authenticity wasn’t considered brave. I wish it didn’t have to be brave. But it is. It does. I wanted to explore the power of authentic self-expression, forgiveness, and trust as means to mental health and healing.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a few different things. First up, however, is a book based on my “A Day Well Lived” initiative. It will be a compilation of Instagram posts and thoughts. I hope to have it ready for the holidays and all proceeds will go to teen mental health organizations.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Linkedin | Website | Threads
Erik Bernstein wasn’t afraid of death. He was afraid of life. He battled with inadequacy and the feeling that he never belonged. He became an expert at deflecting intimacy to mask his shame, lies, self-doubt, and bad choices. From the time he was eleven years old, or even younger, death was never far from his mind. Needless to say, death was front of mind as he sat in the back corner of the synagogue, watching his own funeral.
Long confused by religion and the belief in an all-knowing sky spirit, Erik is surprised to receive an unexpected invitation to dinner at God’s house. Unsure of who or what God even is, Erik embarks on an introspective journey with his childhood dog, Blondie, where he meets his long-lost best friend and other surprising characters from his life.
Just as he begins to uncover the truths behind his most painful relationships and make peace with the demons that haunted him, Erik has an opportunity to meet God.
And with one question, things become especially uncomfortable.
Dinner at God’s House is a profound and thought-provoking metaphysical novel based loosely on the author’s life. Raw and insightful, it tells a compelling story of mental health, courage, personal growth, forgiveness, faith, spirituality, and healing.
Dinner at God’s House
In Todd B. Lieman’s novel Dinner at God’s House, the protagonist, Erik Bernstein, grapples with existential questions after his death. Offered the rare chance to converse with God, Erik reflects on a life marked by unfulfilled aspirations and a career that stifled his creative passions. The narrative delves into Erik’s past relationships and pivotal life moments, framing his journey in a context of missed opportunities and personal regrets. This exploration unfolds in a setting that blurs the lines between the earthly and the divine, offering a contemplative space for Erik to reconsider his life’s choices.
Lieman’s storytelling weaves a rich tapestry of themes, ranging from the value of art and the pitfalls of materialism to the complexities of love and the finality of death. The narrative thrives in its capacity to mirror the modern world’s dilemmas, subtly nudging the reader to introspect about their life choices. The novel is dotted with ethereal imagery and poetic prose, enhancing its dreamlike quality. Lieman’s descriptive prowess shines particularly in scenes depicting otherworldly elements, such as a child with a haunting gaze or the celestial landscapes of the afterlife.
Dinner at God’s House stands out for its multifaceted approach to storytelling, skillfully intertwining philosophical and psychological elements. The book appeals to those who seek a narrative that challenges conventional perspectives on life and death, providing a fresh and engaging reading experience. Lieman’s work is commendable for its depth, inviting readers to embark on a journey that is both introspective and enlightening.
Pages: 221 | ASIN : B0D1LK6RX3
LITERARY TITAN 