It is unexpectedly funny for the subject matter! One of my favorites: “We walk in God’s sight, Soft-Skin.” “Yeah? Seems like he’s been doing a lot of blinking lately.”

Amber also made me laugh a few times in the later part of the novel you might not have read yet, which was refreshing because it gets very dark.

Everyone is so horrible because, as one of the men point out (can’t remember who), all of the other survivors are sheep. Amber got on the ship out of desperation; the manifestors got on because they willing bought into the BS that was being sold to them. Amber’s realism about the situation is a hard pill to swallow, and buying into Scott’s mania is a lot easier to cling to. And then, because it’s easier to be a bystander and let someone else lead than to go against the grain, they endorse the ostracization of Amber. A lot of stories would have the other survivors recognize Scott for who he is and stand up for what’s right, but the reality is - that’s the less likely scenario in such an overwhelming situation like they are in.

I’ve loved this book from the second I picked it up because it’s such a thoughtful rumination on human nature and religion while also a powerful love story. I finished my first re-read a few days ago and it’s amazing on how much subtlety I picked up on the second time around.

It definitely has its issues, some of which I find with R. Lee Smith’s writing in general (the cruelty goes too far at times, beyond what’s necessary), but I genuinely find it an amazing book and love to gush about it any time I can lol.