A novel must meet certain criteria to become one of my all-time favorites. I must reread it, and the rereading must feel similar to my first experience reading the novel. I will write upfront that The Opposite of Art by Athol Dickson passed my criteria for an all-time favorite novel. My initial review covers the basics of Dickson’s story. This time, rereading it gave me a different perspective.

After seeing Suzanna and Graves in each other’s arms, he had lost all interest in that other life. The man he once had been was long dead, in fact if not in body. The question was, could he remain dead?

It was also true that searching for the Glory had its hardships, and hardship changed a person. Even in a tabloid-selling siete y once no recognized him for the hedonistic painter he once was.

Rider had shuddered at the thought, and the sudden shaking of his hands nearly steered him off the road. He could only think of all the damage he had done, the women he had used, his abuse of art collectors, the insults he heaped on Graves, and most of all, his selfish disregard for Suzanna’s faith.

He understood why such sums were paid for his old work. He knew he was a genius. But compared to his paintings of the Glory, even though they were all failures, everything he had done before was garbage. To return to a life of painting bowls of fruit and landscape scenes and nudes would be more than he could bear. Having considered all of this, he had resolved very firmly to be dead as long as possible.

These four paragraphs are from the novel’s beginning, where renowned artist Ridler confronts the harm his arrogance and narcissism have inflicted on the art world. He embarked on a worldwide spiritual journey, exploring the three major Western religions in search of his true self and the meaning of life.

Ridler thinks he has seen God’s glory and is determined to paint what he saw at a pivotal point in his life. However, he has not been able artistically to capture those visions of glory he witnessed on that day. The great artist thinks his life has been meaningless before that discovery and wants to figure out if he can truly paint what he saw.

The honesty and respect with which Dickson handles religious faith in The Opposite of Art elevates it to one of my all-time favorite novels. He explores the difficulties inherent in living one’s faith, acknowledging the complexities without providing easy answers.

Also, this is one of the most readable novels I have ever read. Dickson is a compelling storyteller; I flew through sixty or seventy pages without realizing it. My only issue with the novel is that the Riddler’s transformation felt too convenient, considering his past actions.

Notwithstanding, The Opposite of Art stands as one of the finest novels I have ever read. This book will become a permanent fixture on my bookshelf, and I encourage all serious readers, regardless of their beliefs, to consider reading this exceptional story. I’ve read three novels by Athol Dickson, and he has proven that Christian fiction can be both high-quality and thought-provoking, prompting readers to reflect deeply on their spiritual journeys.