Jake Chism, Fiction Addict: Athol Dickson has given us such a rich and complex tale that any meager plot synopsis on my part wouldn’t do this novel justice. This story is simply too good to be described in such a way…. Dickson’s previous works have awed fans and critics alike with his deft prose, endearing characters, and just the right doses of the supernatural. Lost Mission gives us all that and more, making this a must read for any true fiction aficionado. Very few are able to heighten the reading experience as well as Athol Dickson…. As with Dickson’s previous works, Lost Mission caused me to slow down and enjoy every savory bite of this gripping journey. When I arrived at the end I was left feeling like I’d taken part in an epic voyage that had completely consumed my imagination…. Lost Mission is redemptive storytelling at its highest level and once again Dickson proves that he is a true master of the craft.
Hannah Alexander, author of A Killing Frost: Athol Dickson’s skills improve with each new novel. In Lost Mission, he displays great ability to weave the rich history of the past with a modern tale of spiritual depth as each of his characters seeks to place God in a box of human design. Using phrases such as, “We walk upon our own past; with every step we drive it deeper” Athol plants hidden truths and divine secrets in this story. It’s worth a second read just to plumb the depths.
Rick Acker, author of Dead Man’s Rule and Blood Brothers: Lost Mission is a book to savor, not gulp down in 100 page chunks on the beach while you’re watching the kids. If you’re looking for a potboiler packed with romance and action, this isn’t the book for you. But if you’re looking for a finely wrought parable that will keep you thinking long after the last line, buy this book.
Kathi Macias, author of My Son, John: Lost Mission by Athol Dickson is one of the most brilliant and compelling reads I’ve come across in a very long time. This skilled author has the ability to span the centuries and interweave two stories to make them one; the result is a breathtaking and epic saga of human endurance and humble love…. I highly recommend this excellent book.
Virginia Smith, author of Third Time’s a Charm: If you’ve read Athol Dickson’s previous books, you already know you have to read this one. And if you haven’t, Lost Mission is a terrific introduction to this talented author’s work. Buy the book. Read it. You won’t regret it.
Glynn Young, Faith Fiction Friends: “Best Books I Read in 2009” …an incredibly good story…. Dickson tells the two stories as one, moving deftly from one to the other. And gradually the reader comes to understand that one story is actually being told. Lost Mission is the work of a master writer, a good story told incredibly well.
T. Anne Adams, White Platonic Dreams: This novel held the slight patina of Junot Diaz’s The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. It also reminded me a little of One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez…. Bravo to Mr. Dickson for pulling off a masterful achievement.
Rebecca Knight, Writer in Progress: The story…took me a while to read it because I kept dropping it down into my lap and staring off into the distance, thinking about the questions it raised about morality. “What would I do? What is right in this situation?” I actually started dog-earing pages toward the end of the book because the writing was so powerful. Two of my favorite quotes: “He heaved raw prayers up from his belly like a retching dog.” “We walk upon our past; with every step we drive it deeper.” Needless to say, I loved it.
Hannah, Word Lily: Brilliant. Genius. Authentic, real. I found the writing exemplary, and the story both down to earth and filled with wonder. I felt alongside these real, sympathetic characters. Lost Mission raises questions and pointedly draws missteps while allowing the reader to reach her own answers and conclusions. The book is definitely part thriller, but one I wanted to take my time getting through because it’s so beautiful. Love it. I’ve added all of Dickson’s work to my wish list.
Good Reads: I’m amazed. Amazed at Athol Dickson’s talent. His talent to write about history at the same time as writing about modern times and intertwining them in a magnificent way to lead us to the conclusion of this novel is, again, amazing…. Definitely 5 star, two thumbs up…
Semicolon: “Semicolon’s Top 12 Adult Books Published in 2009”
Kimberlee Conway Ireton: The book sometimes reads like high literature, lovely in its prose. Other times it reads like a Michael Crichton novel, fast-paced and suspenseful. I suppose this juxtaposition could be jarring, but I mostly just found it fascinating the way Dickson wove together not just elements of the different stories he was telling but also aspects of multiple genres to be able to tell those stories: mystery, suspense, devotional literature, historical fiction, literary fiction.
Kay Day, Loop De Loops in La La Land: I love Athol Dickson’s writing. He writes with a unique richness and depth. His books are thought provoking and enlightening. Lost Mission is no different. In a story that spans hundreds of years, crosses cultural, economic, and political barriers, he tells us about missions. A mission in the making. A woman on a mission. Men with a mission. And missions lost…. It’s been weeks since I finished reading and I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about what this book meant, about what it was saying to me…. It’s one I will keep and read again.
Arlee Bird, Tossing it Out: Athol Dickson is a masterful writer. The way he creates his characters allows the reader to become very close to all of them…. The sense of place is vivid…. The story is creative, striking, and imaginative. The entire concept of the way the stories distanced centuries apart were woven together was ingenious…. There is some thought-provoking controversy that may make you rethink some of your previously held notions. The book will entertain you, but will also stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
Kelly Klepfer, Scrambled Dregs: …wow, this man can write. The praise and awards are well-deserved…it’s just a great, thought-provoking read. And challenging. I saw myself in each of the characters. Not necessarily a positive thing and it required me to face some of the issues in my life and how I might need to tweak my thinking a bit. Did I mention it’s fascinating as well? …Dickson is an artist with words and characters. I’ve not read such fresh prose in quite awhile. I’m recommending it to anyone…. Literary lovers should put it on their Christmas list.
Ralene, Faith Hope and Suspense: WOW! It has been a long time since I read a book that forced me to examine, not only myself, but deeper issues, such as the essence of Christianity, and the effect our choices have on ourselves as well as those around us…. Mr. Dickson is a phenomenal storyteller…. I was stunned by the twists and turns the story took…. My favorite thing about this book is the way it has stayed with me, and probably will continue to do so.
