Tales of Wonder from the Whale and Unicorn

The tales told at the Whale & Unicorn, a tavern in the rustic village of Encumbrance, are not fanciful fables but thoughtful inquiries into issues of belief, grace, and the free will of humankind. Presented as lectures delivered to pub patrons by a charismatic "Old Man," they bear titles such as "Faith & Repentance," "Prayer & Prayers," and "Heaven & Whiskey." As he makes a case for "freed will" rather than "free will," the Old Man calls forth Bible verses and adds his analysis and inspiration in a way that will leave the reader as enthralled as the pub patrons he speaks to.

Spun around these essays on profound theological themes is the story of the narrator, whose job it has been to transcribe the discourse. He adds snippets of background and history in introducing each speech, particularly about his relationship with the Old Man, the tragic ending to their friendship, and the surprises he has found in the building that houses both the tavern and the Old Man's shop. These brief glimpses add a layer of metaphor and allegory as they gently and engagingly lead the reader into essays that offer a new understanding of free will and the sovereignty of God.