Review of “The Prodigal Father” by Forrest Hutter

Score: 94/100 (9.4 out of 10)

This is one of the most heart-wrenching and beautiful novels we've read so far!

“The Prodigal Father” follows Tom, an estranged father who has recently lost his son, Eli. Eli had grown up to be a good Christian man who was loved by all in the community for his big heart and altruism despite having been neglected and even abused by his dad in the past. Tom is ridden with guilt and remorse. When he encounters his estranged children, they view him as more of a roommate than a father.

Through flashbacks, we learn the tragic past of Tom, Eli, and their family as they endured several huge losses and hardships together. Each loss hits hard. We see how Tom deteriorated into alcoholism and how he took out his frustrations on Eli. We also learn how Eli became such a good man, inspired by his mother's idea of what a knight should be: someone who protects and stands up for others. Eli was encouraged to be a knight to his sister, Jessie, who was often fearful in her youth and kept a doll with her as protection.

The book also has some religious undertones with Tom attempting to reconnect with his late son through the note-filled Bible he left. In a sense, not only is this book about Tom's journey to heal his heart and his relationship with his kids, but it is also Tom's journey to heal his soul and his relationship with the God who had allowed his loved ones to die.

It's full of hard-hitting moments that are sure to have you needing a tissue box. The chemistry between each of the characters is amazing, even when they aren't talking to each other or are trying to distance themselves. You just sense and know that there's a spark there between them that's waiting to be relit.

It's beautifully written, beautifully edited, just the right length, and it hits just the right notes.

We greatly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

Get it on Amazon!