Customer Reviews

Saving Erasmus: The Tale of a Reluctant Prophet

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In a story that can be read fairly easily in the course of a day or two, the author manages to accomplish several things. First, he tells a story that starts out humorous and philisophical, becomes deeply personal, and evolves to a gripping and dramatic finale, all while holding together as an aesthetic whole. Second, he creates a cast of characters who quickly work their way into one's heart, and makes one deeply care about their lives. Third, he lays out a philosophical and spiritual crisis that has effects that are both personal and social.
For myself, I found it took a few pages to appreciate the protagonist's voice, which seems less circumspect and more neurotic than the author's voice. But, I soon begn to understand the protagonist's qualities, and the importance of separating him from the author. And, although one character remained somewhat unconvincing to me throughout the story, by the end , I found myself quite involved in the outcome and the characters' well-being and future happiness. Furthermore, the issues involved provide abundant material for further thought. And lastly, a warm and observant sense of humor pervades the work, which draws one further into it.

You know when a book starts out with the Angel of Death emerging from a washing machine it is going to blur the lines of reality. And you hope it will have a sense of humor while doing it or there is no way it will work. Steve Cleavers "Saving Erasmus" is a success on several fronts. It tells a charming tale of a man and a town that need each other for their salvation in ways they cannot begin to anticipate. It is also laugh out loud funny.
Andrew Benoit is personally troubled but earnest in his commitment to save the town of Erasmus. The townspeople are appropriately quirky and the story operates at all times on several levels. It is a simple story that has tremendous symbolism and uses a variety of historical and cultural touchstones to add depth and nuance to the events in Erasmus. The only disappointment in Saving Erasmus was when I realised I had reached the end.

"Saving Erasmus" is a great novel that comes in a small package. It is very accessible and is an easy read despite layers of meanings and symbolism that are carefully woven into its pages. The cover-art illustration is drawn in a style which bears a vague resemblance to art-deco, only without art-deco angularity and gaudiness. It has a weight that feels just right in the hands, and being only 182 pages thick, the book doesn't take up a lot of space in either a small backpack or a large purse, perfect for readers on the go. Its size also makes it an unobtrusive bedfellow. Its eye-pleasing pastel colors match the tone of the warm and witty narrative, told from a first-person perspective by an affable protagonist who is a bit of a neurotic, reminiscent of Woody Allen, the character. But don't let mere appearances fool you -"Saving Erasmus" is far more profound than its deceptively playful cover or its quirky, witty narrative would have you assume at first glance. Steven Cleaver infuses each chapter with layers of meaning and significance, yet he does so without hampering casual readers from enjoying the story or its cast of colorful characters. The book allows its readers to discover its greatness at their own pace and on their own terms.

Saving Erasmus arrives on time! How can you put down a book with this opening line?
"I did not expect to meet the angel of death while he was extricating himself from a washing machine."
And, it gets better from there. Author Steven Cleaver quickly establishes a very agreeable protagonist (Andrew Benoit) and clearly defines his dilemma: the angel advises Andrew, the town's new pastor fresh from seminary school, that he has one week to persuade the good citizens of Erasmus to abandon their errant ways, repent and get back to their faith. We meet the ruthless businesswoman, the affable cafe owner, a delightful group of mystics and countless others who carry this wacky and wonderful story quickly through to the critical day.
But there's one more thing that makes this very funny book an instant classic: Steven Cleaver knows how to tell a story - and at the end, he hits his mark with perfect timing; simply and totally captivating. With his precise form (182 pages) and his quick wit, you can't help but fly through this book in one sitting, but you'll want to go back and read it again, too; for a new genre of literary faith fiction, Steven has set a great standard.

Steven Cleaver's first novel captivates from the opening line. His zany characters reflect bits and pieces of us all. This journey is filled with wit and elements that make the reader just shake their head. Watch for the double meanings in characters and actions. The ending brings us around to the truth, both personally for the protagonist and for the reader. A reflective story in a memorable cloak.

Andrew Benoit meets the Angel of Death exiting a washing machine. Well, with a beginning like that, I definitely had to journey through this delightful book about losing faith and personal redemption. Steven Cleaver writes with such wit and presents us such amazing characters such as Mrs. Davonport, owner of everything in Erasmus, a wacky bunch of mystics named after television stars. This book is kind of like CS Lewis meeting Carl Hiasson. I could not wait to see if Andrew Benoit, was able to save the town of Erasmus from death in a week or if his attempts failed. This wacky, wonderful story is a great summer read, with more than a hint of spiritual consideration for us all.

I recently spent a very enjoyable few days reading Steven Cleaver's book, "Saving Erasmus." I quickly grew interested in the lives of its characters. Their personalities are unpredictable, memorable,and satisfyingly complex. The book inspired me with its account of one person's unusual and powerful ministry.

A story that probes the relationships between fear and faith, community and love. Cleaver's great accomplishment here is in creating a journey- that of a the narrator and the fictional town Erasmus- that allows the reader to simultaneously take stock of his or her own journey toward faith and community. Not an easy thing to pull off, but Cleaver does it with a gentleness and sense of humor that balance the darker themes of death, estrangment and fear. Above all, a great combination of heart and style. It's nice to know that's still possible.

Oh please, buy this book. You will not regret it. Cleaver is a genius and this story is so full of imagery and truth that you can't put it down - well, I couldn't! Sure, the cover is enough to tempt you or scare you, and finding death in a laundromat washing machine when you only want some candy is offputting - but the real story is a gem. While "The Shack" The Shack is a beautiful way to see the Holy Trinity and God's love at work, Saving Erasmus is a beautiful way to see God in community and in each of us, and the way we are never forsaken on our journey in this life. Absolutely, a God send. Thank you, Mr. Cleaver, and God Bless you!

An engaging quirky little book with a mere 182 pages. This rapid read contains good character development with tongue in cheek references to Eva Peron, little Jackie Paper and Puff the Magic Dragon, big business vs. the small guy and many more humorous characters. The book gently chides about morals without being preachy and demonstrates the do's and don'ts of treating others as we would like to be treated. I would recommend this novel as a fun read for those who want a feel good book that doesn't require a lot of thinking about an intricate plot or discourse although the book could sustain a brief discussion about how we interact with others.