Praying for Rain: Timothy Findley's Not Wanted on the Voyage (Canadian Fiction Studies, No. 21)

Rating:
Summary: A nice little excursion into the deluge and terror of faith.
Review: As a youngster I was first fascinated by the magic of the biblical account of the first end of the earth. And now, as before, I am awstruck. Timothy Findley has not held back in his confrontation of the ignorance and subsequent treachery involved in faith: placing a science/religion dichotemy in the fabled time and setting, is particulary poignant. Much of the story is truely disturbing, engulfed in stenches and darknesses of different kinds, especially when the two ark factions are established. Noahs actions themselves are not so disturbing, but his all-to-real belief - his heartfelt and sacrimonial conviction - that his actions are justified by god. His god and friend and offerer of impunity. But I did enjoy some of the dark humour, so aptly placed to relieve tension (such as demons shouting their last 'whee!' as they are jettisoned). I do admit that much of the story was beyond me, but such obscurity seems rather fitting for a modern myth. And at the end I find myself relating more strongly then ever to the notion that at the end of every day there is a pertinent dread in the expectation of a brand new tomorrow and a brand new age, a brand new and a very foriegn world. But who is there we can pray for rain? Another great commentary on humanity; a fullfilling read.